Mayor Cllr Muhammed Javed with members of the borough's uniformed services

Redbridge’s uniformed services thanked for helping keep Olympics and Paralympics safe

Jessica Earnshaw Wednesday, October 24, 2012
8:55 AM

The borough’s uniformed services have been thanked by the mayor for their work at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A special celebration was held at Valentines Mansion, Emerson Road, Ilford on Monday to formally thank all uniformed staff, volunteers and the military for their service this summer.

Mayor Cllr Muhammed Javed led the tributes to forces at Hainault Forest Country Park, Forest Road, Hainault – used as a base for security personnel during the Games – and the Gordon Road Territorial Army Centre in Ilford – used to house two Royal Air Force helicopters.

He said: “I want to thank you for keeping the peace. We were delighted to be able to welcome you all to the borough and are grateful to the important role you played.”

The theme of the event was young people, with military and police cadets rubbing shoulders with serving officers recently returned from Afghanistan.

Volunteer police cadet Aleena Butt from Wanstead, who provided assistance to the police in Hertfordshire during the Games, said: “It was a great opportunity to work with lots of different people and put something back into the community.”

Cllr Keith Prince also announced that the council was looking to enter into the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which encourages residents to support the armed forces in the area and recognise the sacrifices they make.