Fairtrade Fortnight 22 February to 7 March

In 2004 Lambeth was the second London Borough to gain Fairtrade status. That means that we use Fairtrade products within council buildings and we encourage all our partners to use Fairtrade products as well.

Lambeth is very proud of its commitment to sustainability and this is just one of the many ways we can all contribute. We have held several events over the course of Fairtrade Fortnight to promote the benefits of Fairtrade and encourage interested residents, staff and local businesses to become members of the Lambeth Fairtrade Network. For more information contact sustainability@lambeth.gov.uk.

Windrush Square

Windrush Square

Hundreds of residents celebrated the official opening of Brixton’s Windrush Square last weekend.  The new town square opened with a bang as fireworks filled the air above a spectacular human Catherine wheel and a giant fire-breathing phoenix. The community came together to celebrate, have a good time and witness some really talented local performers.  Local children took centre-stage with a lantern-lit procession that finished in the square.  I was privileged to join the Mayor of Lambeth on the main stage to welcome the children and declare the square well and truly open!

Windrush Square is named in honour of the first Caribbean immigrants who came to Britain on the ship HMS Empire Windrush after the Second World War.  Brixton is now widely recognised as the spiritual home of Britain’s black communities and the new square honours this unique history.

The square is now part of the heart of Brixton, creating a beautiful public space that expresses the pride and confidence local people feel about their area.

I am looking forward to seeing the square being used as place where the community come together for many years to come. We are proud of Brixton, and the new Windrush Square is the kind of high quality public space that the town and its people deserve.

Lambeth Business Awards

Lambeth Business Awards 2010

I was very proud to be at the Lambeth Business Awards on Tuesday and I would like to congratulate all those who won awards this year.

Lambeth Council is putting its businesses at the centre of its ambitions and we recognise that small businesses face challenges in the current economic climate.

We’re supporting local businesses through a range of agencies that offer practical help and advice to ensure that they can meet the current challenges and continue to operate successfully within Lambeth.