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Wednesday 24 June 2020
 After we set out a series of concerns about the planned Home Office decision to use the derelict and dangerous former Palms Hotel on the Southend Arterial Road as temporary accommodation for people seeking asylum, we are pleased that Clearsprings Ready Homes, a contractor to the Home Office, have today told us that the decision has been reversed.
We remain concerned that such decisions are made without consultation with local councils and health bodies and will continue talking to the Home Office about this.
I want to thank Romford MP, Andrew Rosindell, who personally intervened with the Home Secretary Priti Patel, and the officers of Havering Council who worked on our swift and effective response. This is a victory for common sense and protects people in most need of that protection.
As my letter to the Home Secretary last week explained, this building, on the A127, is unsuitable for housing vulnerable people – being cut off from shops, schools, medical centres, and public transport. It has no facilities for children and is not designed for stays of more than a couple of days.
Even if it was fit for habitation, it would still be inappropriate as the support offered to Havering Council and local NHS services to cater for people, many of whom will have complex needs, is totally inadequate.
I am determined to stand up for the interests of Havering residents and can assure you that we will remain vigilant in doing so - even if the immediate concern has been resolved.
As the hot weather continues please do take care and follow some of the advice highlighted in this bulletin - particularly if you are a vulnerable person already shielding from COVID-19.
If you want to contact me directly, please email me.
Cllr Damian White,
Leader, Havering Council
Havering Council has taken delivery of laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers from the Department for Education (DfE) to help children who are most in need access online education.
This is as part of a national initiative to provide vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people with much needed kit so they can learn from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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During the current heatwave take measures to stay well and safe, including if you use an electric fan do not aim the fan directly at your body and do not use it if anyone in the home is unwell with COVID-19.
Please look out for others including neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves. Make sure they are able to keep cool but follow COVID-19 guidance – including handwashing, wearing a face covering, and social distancing.
Health advice for those sensitive to air pollution is available from UK AIR by calling 0800 55 66 77 (recorded information) or online.
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This Saturday, 27 June, is Armed Forces Day.
It's a day to say thank you for the hard work, dedication and efforts of our armed forces to keep us safe in the UK and across the globe.
Among the events we have planned is "Proud", a vocal tribute produced by Lightnin Drama Group for Havering Council.
You can also take part in Havering's tribute by submitting a photo of you or your children saluting. Like the one of James Squirrel, a member of 19th Romford Scouts featured today. Email: events@havering.gov.uk
Pictures should be sent by tonight (24 June). A collage of pictures will then be shared across social media platforms and some will be featured in these bulletins later this week.
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The mobile testing Unit for COVID-19 will be at Havering Town Hall again tomorrow (Thursday 25 June) and Friday (26 June).
Before you attend the site in Romford, you will need to make an appointment.
The testing at the Town Hall rear car park is between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
Vehicles and pedestrians should enter via Park End Road, Romford RM1 4AU, where a one way drive and walk through system will be in place. Please do not try to enter from Main Road.
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If your business has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and you weren't eligible for a business support grant, you may be able to claim one of the Government's discretionary grants.
You could be eligible if your business falls within any of the following categories:
- Micro-businesses who are based in business incubators and pay an all-inclusive rent and therefore do not have a business rates liability.
- Retail outlets that aren't separately rated, such as those in Romford Shopping Hall, and concessions in Romford's three malls.
- Regular market traders in Romford Market.
Phase one for the discretionary grants closes this Friday, 26 June.
If you are not eligible at this stage, a second phase of funding will be opened shortly with more businesses eligible for cash help.
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Every Wednesday evening at 7pm, Fairkytes Live presents music videos sent in by singers and bands from around the borough.
The first edition tonight features jazz guitarist Mark Etherington and singer Josh Barber, plus two family entries to the Last Band Standing at Home Challenge.
Musicians and singers are welcome to submit videos for inclusion in future ediitons. Email arts@havering.gov.uk.
Fairkytes Live has also put together a compilation of performances by local musicians over the last six years.
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Robson Burke from Havering is the latest young person to win a Jack Petchey Community Award.
The scheme recognises young people from London and Essex who are helping their community during the coronavirus outbreak.
Members of the public are invited to nominate a young person they know via the Foundation’s website.
Winners are awarded £50 and a letter from Sir Jack Petchey in recognition of their community spirit.
During the lockdown, 17-year-old Havering Colleges student Robson has been volunteering at Saint Francis Hospice on the maintenance team alongside his father.
With many of the hospice’s usual volunteers aged over 70 and unable to visit at this time, Robson and his father’s work has made a great difference to keep the grounds tidy.
Jan Scott, from the hospice and Robson’s nominator, said: “As he was unable to attend college, Robson wanted to put his time to good use whilst staying safe. The garden area of the hospice is vitally important to our patients and their families. It is a space to enjoy the local wildlife and award-winning gardens.”
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Our friends at the Dogs Trust are always developing ways to support dog owners and improve dog welfare.
Right now their research team is studying the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown measures on dog welfare and human to dog relationships.
The study is open to all dog owners and those who owned dogs at the start of the lockdown measures (23 March 2020). You must be aged 18 years or older and live in the UK.
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Havering Colleges Sixth Form TV and Film student Max Roach has had international festival success with a documentary titled ‘London Through The Lens’.
Max, formerly from Abbs Cross Academy, shot the short five minute film about photographer Craig Baker and his work around the streets of London.
The film is a positive look at life in London and the people who live, work or travel there. It also documents how Craig goes about his daily job and conveys his passion for everything about the UK's capital city.
As well as being chosen for local arts and film festivals and the INTO Films monthly competition, the documentary has also been invited into the SLO Festival in California, BeOp Film Fest in New York and the Ufa Youth Film Festival in Russia.
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