I would like to thank the residents of Borehamwood Kenilworth ward who elected me as their borough councillor in the recent local elections.

I want to thank everyone who took part, and promise to represent everyone in Kenilworth, whether they voted for me or not.

I would also like to acknowledge the work and dedication of my predecessor Pat Strack, who ran a robust but fair campaign and who has represented the people here in the past with industry and compassion.

I ran against the Conservatives because I do think our council has been going the wrong way for some time and it is time things changed.

I am not blind to the fact the Conservatives still control the council, but with hard work and continued help from my colleagues, I hope we can steer the council in a more open and transparent way.

I hope we can persuade the Conservatives leading the council to remove any threat to Maxwell Park Community Centre, and to persuade them to look again at the planning process that has allowed a number of damaging largescale housing developments within Borehamwood.

A lot of people over the past few weeks and months have expressed a desire to get more involved in local decision-making and local politics.

So, to that end, the local Borehamwood Labour Party will be holding a number of completely open meetings over the next year or so.

You do not need be a member of the party to come along and you will be able to discuss issues with members of the local Labour Party and the Borehamwood Labour councillors.

Please look out for the notices in this paper for these meetings or visit the local Labour Party website at www.borehamwoodlabour.org.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has helped me over the past few months.

Your hard work and generous gift of time and effort was truly heart-warming and much appreciated.

Cllr Jon Galliers

Lab/Borehamwood Kenilworth ward

Hertsmere Borough Council