REDBRIDGE’s diverse communities will “stand together against hate crime” after the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, the council leader has said.

Although 52 per cent of the population voted to leave the EU in Thursday’s (June 23) referendum, 69,213 people in the borough voted to remain, while 59,020 voted to leave.

Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal has sought to reassure EU nationals living in the borough that they are still welcome, particularly in light of recent incidents of anti-EU hate crime nationally.

He said: “Redbridge’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, so I want to reassure everyone who lives and works here that, whatever happens next nationally, we will continue to bring together, work with and support all of our communities.

“We are a tolerant borough and will stand together against incidents of hate crime.”

The leader added that Brexit will bring big changes to council services including waste, employment and environmental standards.

He said: “It will be critically important that councils are involved in any decisions taken about our future, as changes to EU laws and regulations will have an impact on many council services.

“The economic outlook is uncertain but I am determined that our drive as a borough to bring investment and growth to Redbridge will continue.”