He talks about the regeneration of Wandsworth Town Centre, including the new homes and shops at the Ram Brewery development: “This is at the heart of the regeneration of Wandsworth Town Centre, which is going apace. It will see a new library as well as a new open space.

“But also important is the reconfiguration of the one-way system. Wandsworth has put money towards delivering that outcome, and we are now lobbying the mayor and TfL to do their bit.”

Cllr Govindia also mentions the two Wandsworth-managed tower blocks which are currently being reclad: “Following the disastrous fire at Grenfell we took an early decision that none of our residents were exposed to the kind of risks that were faced elsewhere. This programme is now in its final stages.”

He also talks about protecting the borough’s pubs and investing in parks and libraries, and explains plans to regenerate estates, build new homes and help local people into work: “Building on Wandsworth’s brewing tradition, the council took early steps to ensure it had a robust policy to protect its pubs. Planning rules now make it mandatory that all pubs wanting to chase from pubs to supermarkets or flats need permission.

“One of the very special things about Wandsworth is its open spaces and parks. We have some of the highest number of parks and open spaces, making this an incredibly green borough. We are investing money in our parks and our other assets like libraries and schools – making sure they are what people want and need.

“We have exciting plans investing in our council estates at the York Road and Winstanley Estates and we will soon break ground to deliver much needed new housing of all types. They’ll be homes for people to rent as well as buy, ensuring that people who live and work in the borough have a good opportunity to become residents and homeowners.

“The council-operated Work Match programme works hand in hand with the regeneration team to ensure that regeneration offers skilling opportunities as well as job opportunities for young people in the borough.

“Apart from the York Road and Winstanley estates regeneration and a similar project at Roehampton, the council intends to build a thousand new homes of which 60 per cent – 600 homes – will be affordable and again targeted at people who live and work in the borough

“On behalf of everyone at Wandsworth Council I’d like to wish you a happy, healthy and a prosperous new year.”