Christmas message from Cllr Teresa O’Neill the Leader of the London Borough of Bexley

This year has seen change on a scale none of us could have imagined 12 months ago.

For me the year’s highlights included the visit by Boris Johnson, the new Mayor of London, to open our brilliant new leisure centre at Sidcup and his decision not to proceed with the Thames Gateway Bridge.

Because of the economic crisis, 2009 is likely to be challenging time for us all. We will continue to concentrate on the issues that matter most to local people and work to provide you with good local services and value for money.

Although for most of us Christmas is a time to relax with friends and family, let's not forget that many people - including staff at the Council and the emergency services - work through the holidays to keep essential services going and to keep us all safe. I am full of admiration for their hard work and dedication and would like to offer a personal thank you to them all.

However you spend it, may I wish you a Merry Christmas and health and happiness for the New Year.

Bexley Needs Your Vote to Win £400,000 – Go to www.london.gov.uk/parksvote

One of Bexley’s parks, Parish Wood Park, has just been shortlisted by the Mayor of London to win a grant of £400,000 for major improvement works. The decision will be based on the votes cast by local people.

Please go to www.london.gov.uk/parksvote or click on the ‘Vote Parish Wood’ logo to the right. Further information is available here.