The Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Gareth Roberts, has shared his end-of-year message to residents, reflecting on what he described as a "big year of investment and delivery" across the borough.

In a short video message released ahead of the festive period, Cllr Roberts said it had been a "true privilege" to serve as leader and praised the community for working together to make Richmond upon Thames "an even safer, fairer and better place to live".

Highlighting infrastructure improvements, he said 2025 had seen the largest investment in roads and pavements in decades, with £21 million spent repairing and future-proofing routes used daily by residents.

He also pointed to the restoration of Teddington Footbridge, repairs to the Thames towpath, and the opening of a new cycle hub at Richmond station, providing more than 650 secure spaces.

The borough also hosted its first-ever cargo bike fair, promoting family-friendly and practical cycling.

On community safety, Cllr Roberts said Richmond remained London's safest borough, while acknowledging challenges.

He confirmed the Council had pressed the Mayor of London and the Met Police to retain key services, including the Royal Parks Police and the front counter at Twickenham Police Station.

While unsuccessful in the former, he said the Council still hoped to secure the latter.

Investment in CCTV, a new violence against girls and women strategy, and the expansion of safe spaces were also highlighted.

Children and young people were another key focus. Cllr Roberts said the new SEND school at in Twickenham had reached a major milestone, creating 77 new specialist places, while Richmond's children's services received an "Outstanding" rating from Ofsted.

Housing progress was also noted, including the topping out of the first block at Ham Close, part of a wider regeneration scheme delivering 78 genuinely affordable homes.

Demolition work at Twickenham Riverside is nearing completion, with construction set to begin soon. Improvements to social housing, London Living Rent homes and tenant conditions were also referenced.

Community spirit featured strongly in the message, with the Council celebrating volunteers, renewing its Borough of Sanctuary status, and opening a new Garden of Sanctuary.

Economic initiatives included the first Centre Stage Festival in Richmond town centre, a new Night-Time Strategy, and the fifth anniversary of Work Match, which has helped more than 1,000 residents into jobs and training.

Sports and leisure achievements included England's Women's Rugby World Cup success at Twickenham, a new ten-year leisure partnership, and continued progress under the borough's leisure strategy.

Support for older residents was highlighted through the Full of Life Fair, health bus services and dignity-in-care initiatives.

On the environment, Cllr Roberts said Richmond had raised its ambitions further in 2025, with 24 parks receiving Green Flag awards, more than 1,000 new trees planted, and the launch of a new Climate and Nature Strategy.

For the third year running, Richmond was also named among the world's leading local authorities for climate action.

Arts and culture were described as "flourishing", with events such as Richmond Reads, the Arts and Ideas Festival, and secured funding for Orleans House Gallery.

The Council leader also said Richmond had successfully fought for a fairer government funding deal, continued to oppose Heathrow expansion, and delivered targeted support to vulnerable households, including more than £8 million in financial help and the distribution of winter warmth packs.

Closing his message, Cllr Roberts thanked residents for their contribution to borough life and wished everyone "a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year".