There’s no denying that 2021 has once again been a tough year.

We’ve had lockdowns, the economic impact of COVID-19, and now the virus apparently resurgent again. But as always, you have shown incredible strength and resilience, right across our borough.

I want to thank everyone and everybody; voluntary, faith and community groups, friends, family and neighbours, who have come together to support each other get through these difficult times. 2021 was a year of a million acts of love and kindness bestowed on each other.

The coronavirus crisis has shown us what matters most.

As we enter 2022, we now need to go back to a society where we look out for each other. Not just in times of crisis, but always.

Ealing’s strength lies in our incredible communities, in our strong sense of identity and pride, and we’ve really seen that demonstrated over the course of this pandemic as we have faced countless challenges together.

It’s been a really difficult few years for our brilliant local businesses too.

So if you are looking for great gifts, or fabulous food and drink this Christmas and New Year, shop local in our seven towns.

Spending locally really helps our small businesses to survive, thrive, and provide jobs and decent living incomes for your neighbours.

I’m sorry that I have to add a note of caution.

There are still many challenges ahead.

The omicron variant is spreading fast in Ealing and across London, so we all need to take extra care this Christmas.

Try to keep spaces well ventilated, work from home where you can, take a lateral flow test before going to busy spaces.

But above all, get your booster jab.

Everyone over 18 is now eligible, and it makes a real difference in fighting the variant.

Thank you to everyone in our local NHS and the volunteers who are working so hard to deliver boosters at incredible speed this Christmas.

2022 can be a better, brighter year for our borough. Lets us hope that this will really be the year when we can put the worst of COVID-19 behind us and shape a stronger Ealing together.

To everyone celebrating, a very merry Christmas, and best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022.