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Friday, 31 January 2025

It's official: Redbridge is one of the best places to live in the UK

Redbridge has been named as one of the best places to live in the UK in 2025.

The borough features on an annual list compiled by The Sunday Times. Redbridge is east London's second highest-placed borough, after Tower Hamlets.

This list has been published annually since 2013 and is usually put together by a panel of expert judges, but they are letting numbers do the talking this year. The Times has ranked each local authority in England by looking at data for nine categories: education, healthcare and crime. 

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai: "With our Outstanding Green Flag parks and green spaces, vibrant communities, bustling high streets, exceptional schools, and brilliant transport links, it's little wonder that Redbridge has been officially recognised as one of the best places in the UK to live.

"We are a borough that continually punches above its weight by providing good value for money services. An independent organisation recently undertook a report, which found Redbridge is second in the country for delivering value for money for its residents.

"Much of our success is also down to the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time to making our borough a better place. Whether it's a community litter pick, tree planting day, or a play streets scheme for children, they all play a huge role in making their neighbourhoods a better place.”

"While we, as a council, strive to provide the best services, our financial situation means we can only do so much. However, by sharing responsibility and supporting each other in our communities, we can all work together to keep Redbridge a fantastic place to live. I know we have much more to do, but it is great to see our council, community, and partners' efforts have been recognised."

Help us identify these fly-tippers

Most of us take pride in our borough, but a few are spoiling it for everyone by dumping their rubbish on our streets, leaving local neighbourhoods messy.

Please help us find the culprits behind the fly-tips in our latest edition of Redbridge Wall of Shame.

Please email us if you can help identify any of the offenders in the clips. 

Council opens new Police Hub in Woodford

A landmark agreement between Redbridge Council and the Metropolitan Police Service will help bring frontline officers back into communities.

Opening a police hub in Woodford will provide Safer Neighbourhood officers with a dedicated base to enhance our response to issues such as antisocial behaviour, theft, and vandalism.

It was made possible after Redbridge Council agreed to provide the co-location space to the Met and pay for the fit-out of the hub, which means that officers can be stationed within walking distance of their wards.

It was formally opened by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Redbridge Council Leader, Cllr Kam Rai and will house up to 20 officers covering six wards.

Update following Question and Answer Session on Community Safety

An online meeting was held recently with Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, and Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, Borough Commander for the North and East Area.

The meeting was a platform for residents to learn about the most effective ways to report specific issues, understand the process of handling reported information, and grasp the distinct roles the Council and Police play in community safety and partnership work.

A recording of the meeting, which contains all the discussed information, is now available on our website. We've also uploaded questions asked by local people in the online meeting and the responses provided by the Police and Council.

Make it your business to meet the Leader

As part of a series of events aimed at local businesses, we’re holding our annual Meet the Leader event over breakfast at the Jack Carter Pavilion on Thursday 6 February, from 8.30am to 10:30am.

This is your chance to hear the Leader's plans for achieving economic growth in the borough and how the Council uses business rates payments alongside the support and activities available from the Council for new and existing businesses in the borough.

Attendees will be invited to participate in our interactive session, including a Q&A segment on the Council’s budget for 2025/26, with an opportunity to network and make new contacts with other businesses. Register your interest in attending by visiting the website below.

To find out more about our events aimed at local businesses and how to sign up, please email our Business Enterprise Team.

Visit the Healthy Redbridge Bus

Come along to get free health checks on the Healthy Redbridge Bus, including BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

Those who are eligible can also get the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. Visit the NHS website to check the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine.

Visit the bus on:

• Saturday 1 February, 11am to 3pm, VHP Hindu Temple, 55 Albert Rd, Ilford, IG1 1HL
• Saturday 8, 15 and 22 February, 10am to 4pm, Ilford Town Centre, Ilford High Road, Ilford, IG1 1LL

See what Cost of Living support is available to you

If you’re currently struggling, we may be able to support you:

Cost of living support:

• You may be eligible for the Household Support Fund if you cannot afford essential items. Visit our website to apply.
• The Ilford Community Grocery provides affordable shopping, saving up to £25 on each shop. The Community Grocery is at 25-29 Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1BH.

Debt support:

• The debt-free hub has a booth on the ground floor of Redbridge Central Library.
• National Debtline provides free, impartial debt advice. Call 0808 808 4000 or visit their website.

Make the most of February Half Term

Get set for an exciting February Half Term!

We have a fantastic lineup of activities to entertain children and young people throughout the holidays. From cycling courses and drama workshops to library events, swim crash courses, and more - there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Discover Redbridge Music Service

Discover the joy of music, no matter your age or experience! Redbridge Music Service offers a vibrant range of opportunities for everyone, from babies to adults. Whether exploring music for the first time or rekindling an old passion, there's something for you.

Our dedicated team is here to guide you, from your first steps in music to the development of your skills and the growth of your confidence.

Music is for everyone - why not make it part of your life? Join us, and let the journey begin!

Applications open for Silvertown Tunnel toll discounts

With just over two months to go until the Silvertown Tunnel opens on Monday, 7 April, Transport for London (TfL) is now encouraging low-income residents, local businesses, and charities to pre-register for Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel user charge discounts.

Registration is easy, and TfL would encourage all those who are eligible to sign up. By doing so, you can ensure you benefit from reduced charges, potentially saving you a significant amount of money.

Low-income residents in east London boroughs, and on certain benefits, may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on tunnel crossing charges. To check eligibility and apply for the discount, you can now pre-register at https://tfl.gov.uk/tunnel-discounts.

Protect your baby's teeth

Did you know that in 2022, almost 1/3 of 5-year-olds living in Redbridge had experienced tooth decay?

A baby's first teeth are important - they help your baby to smile, talk, and eat solid food. 

Here are some tips on what you can do to protect your baby's teeth:

1. Brushing your baby's teeth as soon as their first tooth appears.
2. Only give water or milk when feeding your baby.
3. Make sure not to add sugar when feeding solid foods.
4. Take your baby to the dentist when their first tooth comes through.

Find a range of resources and advice to help improve your baby's oral health on our website.

Watch this video to learn more about what you can do to help protect your baby's teeth.

Holocaust Memorial Day

People from Redbridge gathered in Valentines Park this week to mark Holocaust Memorial Day with a special service.

The service was held in the Holocaust Memorial Garden. It saw the participation of faith leaders,  the Mayor of Redbridge, The Leader of the Council, and Redbridge school children, all of whom gave speeches and laid wreaths to remember those whose lives were lost.