Welcome to this week’s Ham&High. My name’s Ramzy and I’m the new editor.

My predecessor Emily was, and is, a friend as well as a colleague, and she leaves extremely big shoes to fill. I know thanks to the sheer volume of correspondence we receive for these pages each week that the Ham is an institution to a lot of its readers – no mean feat for any local publication in 2018 – so I don’t underestimate the scale of the responsibility I’ve been given.

But really, this isn’t my paper, or Emily’s – it’s yours. Local news lives and dies by its relationships with the communities it serves. I want to hear your stories. I want to know what makes you tick, what makes you proud, what gets your back up, and what you think other readers need to know. We’re here to celebrate the best of Hampstead and Highgate as well as letting you know what’s going on down your street, in your high streets and on your heath. So please – get in touch.

Every editor has his or her own politics and priorities. I’ve been at the helm of the Ham’s sister papers the Islington Gazette and Hackney Gazette for the past two and a half years, and in that time we’ve particularly been recognised for our work on housing, which I believe plays a role in so many other inequalities in London today (and there are many). I’ll make no secret of the fact I’m passionate about air quality – I cycle, and have never been behind the wheel of a car in my life – as well as public services, diversity and representation, and LGBT rights.

But to be honest, none of that should make a difference. Because – within the boundaries of taste, fairness, compassion, safety and balance – I will give a voice to everyone. If you don’t agree with something someone has said in our paper, either on an opinion page or in a news story, let me know. I want to hear your side. I want to know what we’ve missed. I want to know what you think about the issues facing north London – because you are the experts. I’m just the messenger. And I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.

Email letters to: letters@hamhigh.co.uk