Clyde's legacy

Firstly, I should nail my colours to the mast. I'm a Lib Dem voter, not a Labour supporter. And this is certainly not a puff piece - I haven't even told Clyde I'm writing it. But in an atmosphere where it seems that most readers can't get rid of Clyde fast enough, I'd like to examine what he has done for us as Leader of Waltham Forest Council.

His first achievement was in stabilisation. It’s a hung council, and yet Clyde has brought harmony, forging an effective Labour – Lib Dem coalition. Waltham Forest used to be dominated by in-fighting and now it’s an effective group, with most elements working together. This has been validated by the Government effectiveness rating growing from one star when Clyde took over, to four stars today.

There have been revolutionary planning changes, including outlawing take-aways within 400 yards of a school, in order to combat the exceptionally high childhood obesity rates in our borough, and also stopping overdevelopment, so that it’s harder for houses to be turned into flats.

It’s also worth considering what Clyde hasn’t done.

Having implemented a successful doorstep recycling scheme, the council has not cut back our bin and recycling collections from once a week – unlike many other, cost cutting boroughs.

Also, in Waltham Forest, disabled people can have a blue badge for parking, a freedom pass for travel on public transport, and a taxicard (for subsidised black cab fares). These are all concessions which are supplied and funded by the council. A friend in another part of London was told she could only have one of these, and was forced to choose, severely limiting her mobility.

So when Clyde stands down as leader, instead of wanting to expedite his journey, take the time to reflect on the improvements that his leadership has made to our area. Whatever you may think of him personally, we are part of a progressive and high-performing borough, and we should be proud of the achievements he has brought us.

I hope he does well in his campaign to become an MP.