The new Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ghazanfar Ali, has issued a message to residents after being elected as Mayor last week.
The new Mayor took over from Cllr Nitin Parekh, who was at the helm for two years prior. The extra year in the role was due to the covid-19 pandemic as last year’s mayor-making ceremony was postponed.
In the message, Mayor Cllr Ghazanfar Ali said: “It was my very great privilege to be elected last week to serve as Mayor of Harrow.
“I’m looking forward to the year ahead and hope desperately we will be able to spend it together enjoying something close to normal life.
“I hope to get out and meet as many of you as possible in my new role. Along the way I’ll be raising money for Harrow Mencap and Harrow Association of Disabled People – two causes very close to my heart.
“Next Monday we’ll take another hopeful step forward towards the complete lifting of the lockdown. We’ll be able to meet more people outside, will be able once again to have proper contact with loved ones and spend time together indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.
“This is an incredibly welcome change, but we must use our new freedoms responsibly. Covid is still with us, so let’s be sensible. Please remember that social distancing will remain in lots of places and we’ll still need to wear our face coverings on transport and in shops.
“I know many of you will be concerned about the situation in India. You may have friends and family on the subcontinent directly affected by Covid. Some of you I know will be grieving for loved ones. It is deeply worrying for us all and my heart goes out to all those affected.
“While many of us here have received vaccinations and are starting to feel more confident, the terrible toll Covid is taking elsewhere in the world is a stark reminder that none of us are truly protected until we all are.
“Finally I’d like to wish Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating this weekend. I hope you enjoy a safe and special Eid with your families.”
Source: Harrow Council
