I’d like to, on behalf of Ealing Council, wish everyone a very happy Christmas.

Christmas is a wonderful time for families, for enjoying each other’s company and for giving.

And for enjoying that opportunity to give to others and particularly to remember those who are in need, those who are vulnerable.

So I’d ask you to look out for your elderly neighbours who may be on their own to make sure they are looked out for over Christmas.

Shopping locally

Christmas and the new year sales are always part of a critical period for local businesses and spending your money locally will help our town centres to survive and thrive. There were lots of activities this December at shops near you, and I’m sure the local shops and markets (including the new weekly Saturday market next to Dickens Yard in Ealing – pictured) will be worth a visit in January.

Looking ahead

Indeed, in closing, may I wish you a very happy new year when it comes. I really hope everybody has a wonderful time.

There is another big year ahead for the council in 2019. As well as the financial challenges we are all facing, you may have read on this website or in Around Ealing magazine, that the council has already made one of its new year’s resolutions: An ambitious target for building genuinely affordable new homes by March 2022. It wants to see 2,500 built – more than 1,100 directly by the council and the rest in partnership with private developers.

Our target has been recognised by the Mayor of London as the highest in the capital and, as a result, he has awarded us a grant of nearly £100million towards our construction programme. It places Ealing at the forefront of the fight against the housing crisis as we move into the new year.