The following open letter is the lead article in Bromley Council’s Update e-newsletter.
Dear Resident,
At the point of being asked to pen this newsletter, I had been reflecting on how quickly the past few years have flown by.
Looking back, it seems incredible that it was virtually three years ago to the day, that so many lives were about to be lost or changed forever by the horrendous arrival of Covid. I know that now, as then, the hearts and minds of Bromley residents remain extended to all of those who suffered losses at the time, or illness to this day because of that awful pandemic.
As well, that it was exactly one year ago tomorrow we witnessed Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine, followed by the unspeakable war crimes we have seen since.
As a direct result, we have also witnessed the heart-breaking spectacle of millions of fleeing Ukrainian refugees across Europe and beyond, as well as huge disruption to the world’s commodity markets, resulting in the current inflationary spike that we are all now having to manage in our daily lives.
On reflection, it struck me how amazing Bromley residents have been in dealing with both.
Whether it was the 4,500+ Covid volunteers who stepped forward at that time, which I believe was the biggest voluntary army gathered anywhere within London, or the 306 Bromley households who have stepped up to offer shelter to the 641 Ukrainian guests still living in the Borough as of today, the generosity and kindness of Bromley people has been absolutely outstanding.
On behalf of all council officers and councillors across all political divides, or none, may I thank every single one of you who has played their part and made a difference once again.
Moving on, I very much hope that you find something of interest within this edition of Update, which you will immediately see is headed by the latest news concerning London's big discussion of the day.
Namely, the Mayor for London’s decision to extend his Inner London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to Bromley’s outer borders with Surrey and Kent and the reasons for our Council’s objection to it.
In short, we remain acutely aware of the very strong feelings which have been aroused by the proposal and have responded by asking for permission to fight the decision through the Courts. You can read more about this both in this newsletter and on the Council’s website.
On a happier note, like many of you, we are putting in place plans to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort in May with more on this to come. In the meantime, we know that you will be celebrating locally too with 170 street parties already being planned.
I am certain that the occasion will be as big a success as the Platinum Jubilee when we were last able to come together and celebrate such a historic occasion.
Kind regards and best wishes,
Councillor Colin P. Smith,
Leader of Bromley Council
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