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Monday 10 May 2021 (Update #214)
We have reached a landmark moment in the largest estate regeneration scheme on Council-owned land in London.
Demolition work in Waterloo Road and Queen Street in Romford has begun. Read more on this later in this newsletter.
With our joint venture partner Wates Residential we will be creating nearly 1,400 new properties. I am proud that this project is delivering millions of pounds of investment into the local economy and generating new opportunities, training and jobs to help shape our borough for a better future.
To keep that future bright, and make sure that we can enjoy the loosening of restrictions when we reach Step 3 on the Government's roadmap next Monday, please get tested regularly.
With more than 50 testing locations across Havering, and test kits available for home delivery, there really is no excuse for anyone not to get regularly tested. The more steps you take, the safer we all are.
It has been wonderful to see so many shops and businesses return to work, and I’m looking forward to the better days ahead, but we cannot risk falling at the last hurdle.
Today sees the start of our Foster Care Fortnight.
We have a real shortage of foster carers in Havering and we need more people to come forward to care. All we ask is that they are open-minded, and have the time and an interest in committing to young people who are in need of a loving home. If you think that could be you, please read the article below.
Lastly, if you want to contact me directly, you can email me. However, please be patient as there may be a delay in getting back to you due to the volume of messages I am receiving.
Stay safe.
Cllr Damian White
Leader, Havering Council
 Demolition work has started at the Waterloo and Queen Street estate, Romford, as part of Havering Council’s ‘12 Estates’ regeneration programme with Joint Venture partner, Wates Residential.
This step, which will involve the demolition of two existing 12 storey residential tower blocks and 25 two, four and six-storey buildings on the site, represents a significant milestone in the creation of high-quality new homes in the borough.
The current proposals for Waterloo and Queen Street include over 550 affordable homes, providing a mixture of one, two, three and four bedroom properties.
The illustration above shows how things could look in a few years' time looking north up Waterloo Road with the Brewery shopping centre on the right.
The Romford BID has launched its new app.
The RM1 Club app is designed to encourage you to take advantage of offers from retailers in Romford town centre, and to be rewarded for supporting shops in Romford as they recover from the pandemic.
Julie Frost, Chair of the Romford BID, explains the thinking behind the app, and why Havering residents should use it.
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All the results are in for the London elections held last Thursday.
Sadiq Khan was re-elected as Mayor of London.
You can see who was elected to serve on the London Assembly for the Havering and Redbridge constituency, and how the seats in the London-wide list were allocated.
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 Do you have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Are you worried about fertility and breastfeeding?
Should you have the vaccine if you’re pregnant or planning to have a baby?
Is the vaccine safe for all ethnicities?
If these are some of the questions you’d like answers to, then join our Zoom meeting on Thursday, 27 May at 6.30pm and speak to the health professionals.
There are now over 50 places for people to get rapid COVID-19 tests in Havering, meaning it’s now easier than ever to get tested and help keep Havering safe.
Havering Council opened two new rapid testing sites last week, in Collier Row and Upminster.
The new sites are located in North Romford Community Centre on Clockhouse Lane, and Upminster Methodist Church on Hall Lane. They replace the former testing sites in Collier Row and Elm Park libraries, which will shortly return to normal library service.
In addition to the five rapid testing sites, residents of Havering can now collect rapid home testing kits from any of the borough’s libraries, as well as over 30 pharmacies across Havering.
If you aren't sure how to do a rapid test at home, visit one of these centres first and be shown by the professionals. You can then take a test kit home with you to use in subsequent weeks.
You can also order a test kit online.
You should still use testing even if you have had one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Have symptoms?
It remains vitally important to book a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
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We’re celebrating Foster Care Fortnight, that began today, by speaking about the importance of caring to encourage more local people to become foster carers.
Find out how you could become a foster carer for Havering at our special coffee morning, on Thursday 20 May.
You'll be able to speak directly to an approved foster carer about what’s involved.
Read more about Foster Care Fortnight on our website and register for the coffee morning.
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It's Eid al-Fitr this week but please don't forget that until Monday 17 May only groups of six people or two households can meet outdoors.
Keep your distance from people not living in your household to stay safe.
Check what you are currently permitted to do.
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Havering Works are offering a "Speed Date" to help local people find work.
Take part and you will be able to speak to an experienced job broker and can discuss your current situation.
This could be help finding a job, going to college, attending a short course or getting work experience from an employer of your choice. You choose the sector you gain experience in.
You can also have your CV reviewed, or receive interview preparation help.
An advisor will be able to speak to you one-to-one and follow-up appointments can also be made on the day.
These sessions are open to any Havering resident, aged 18 or over who is on a work-related benefit. The next session is this Wednesday,12 May.
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Most people shy away from conversations about death, dying and bereavement.
But making plans and talking to our loved ones about your end-of-life wishes, helps to ensure that we get what we want and avoids family arguments.
This year's Dying Matters Awareness Week (10-16 May) is raising awareness that many people do not have end of life plans in place because they are unaware of what to do, and unsure of how to talk about it. This week is an opportunity to have those conversations.
Locally-based Saint Francis Hospice have more information on their website along with a short video.
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Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aged five and over, can enjoy a free music session during this coming half-term holiday week.
It runs from 2 to 2.45pm on Thursday 3 June.
Register your child by sending our arts team an email.
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