'Haringey will build council homes and provide the best education'

This has truly been one of the most testing times this borough has ever witnessed, but it has been amazing to see our residents stand together as we look to overcome the impact that coronavirus has had on thousands of people across Haringey. It reminds us of the incredible strength we have as a community when we are unified.

If you haven’t already, I would urge everyone to go and visit your local vaccination centre and book that jab so you can protect your family and loved ones. For more details please visit the Haringey Council website where you can find all the relevant information.

There is no doubt that as we enter 2022 that there are still tough times ahead of us but working with you, we can help to shape an even stronger community.

Council leader Peray Ahmet, has been supporting England during the Euros (Image: Haringey Council)

It has been an honour for me to lead this great borough and as we prepare for the start of a new year, rest assured the hard work is not going to stop here and my cabinet will continue to collaborate with you to address a number of key issues.

The environment continues to dominate the headlines and I have made it one of my top priorities to ensure Haringey is taking a stand in tackling this as a borough.

There is clearly a social justice issue. We need to make the case over and over again that this is about fairness. It is the poorest communities that suffer the worst air pollution, the worst access to public transport, the fewest trees, and green spaces.

That is why we have introduced a Walking and Cycling Action Plan, we already have 17 school streets in operation and we will be looking to introduce Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the borough.

This is the change we are striving for in Haringey.

The other changes I am determined to focus on include our pledge to deliver new council homes, provide the best education for our young people and the safety of our residents.

I have been meeting with many of our communities to understand their concerns.

I welcome the news that Wood Green has already benefited from a new team of 24 police officers to help residents feel safe in the town centre.

Extra police patrols are just one of the ways that we are working with our partners to help make our public spaces safer for everyone, especially women and girls.

I want to end this column by saying a big Haringey thank you to all of the strength and hard work you have shown over the last 12 months.

Please stay safe over the festive period and I wish all of our residents a happy and healthy New Year!

Peray Ahmet (Lab) is leader of Haringey Council.