Friday 22 October 2021
 On Wednesday evening the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, urged millions of eligible people to come forward for booster jabs, saying this was key for people being able to keep their freedoms.
Let me echo that appeal, and ask that anyone in Havering aged 16 or over who hasn't yet received a COVID-19 vaccination gets theirs as soon as possible. Anyone aged 50 or older who had their second coronavirus vaccination more than six months ago (i.e. before 24 April 2021) should get a booster jab now.
Increasing COVID-19 infection rates means that pressure is growing on the NHS and that affects anyone who needs to use any part of the heath service as precious staff and resources are diverted to cope with another wave of people badly ill with COVID-19.
We are all sick of COVID-19 but we have to continue to do our bit to avoid the country slipping back into restrictions and lockdowns.
Vaccinations save lives - but they only work if you have them.
Masks protect you and those around you, especially those you meet in crowded indoor spaces like shops or on public transport – but only if you wear it correctly, covering both your nose and mouth.
According to our latest weekly COVID-19 report the COVID-19 death toll in Havering has now reached 949.
Every death is a tragedy mourned by family and friends. Please don't risk this number rising further.
Last week I received an email from a resident called Eric who has been volunteering at Victoria Hospital since January and is still doing it. Eric said he was amazed by the dedication shown by the team of volunteers as they support the nurses and doctors. My grateful thanks to all of them.
In earlier waves of coronavirus infections we saw the vital role that voluntary organisations and the volunteers who work for them played in getting us through the pandemic. I am sure the same will be the case this winter, but let's help them by all doing our bit to avoid spreading COVID-19.
Lastly, if you want to contact me directly, you can email me.
Cllr Damian White
Leader, Havering Council
|
 The Christmas Light switch-on will see the welcome return of this major live event, the first since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Headline acts Big Brovaz and Booty Luv, will be supported by a showcase of local artists, pantomime performances, and a spectacular firework finale.
The event kick starts a number of festive events taking place across the borough in the run-up to Christmas.
As we head into autumn and the nights draw in, one unfortunate consequence is that darker streets provide cover for thieves and increase our vulnerability to street robbery.
That's why Havering Council and local Police have once again joined forces to launch the Autumn Nights campaign.
The campaign offers residents advice on how to stay safe both at home and when out-and-about.
Key messages for residents include:
- Remember to lock your doors and windows at night and when leaving your home unattended – even if you’re only popping out for a short time.
- Ensure your home is well-lit. A house in darkness is easy for a burglar to identify as a target.
- Check and set your house alarms if you have one.
- If you feel less confident as it becomes dark early, plan your trips and consider asking a friend/companion to accompany you.
- If you are walking home alone at night – be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to tell friends or family where you are.
|
People over 50, people in care homes, frontline health and social care workers, and vulnerable people aged between 16 and 49 are among those who are now being offered a third, or booster dose, of a COVID-19 vaccination.
At least six months must have passed since a second jab was given.
See below for details of a walk-in booster jab centre in Hornchurch that is open today and tomorrow.
For other vaccination sites you can book a jab online.
|
Walk into Romford Town tonight and you can discover a thrilling trail of sculptures and installations.
An exhibition of light and illusion in the heart of Romford, Illusionarium is a town exhibition which explores colour and making art in unique and familiar places.
The exhibition runs until Sunday 7 November and the artworks are best enjoyed between 3 and 10pm.
The Illusionarium has been developed in collaboration with local people and businesses led by the Romford Bid, and is managed by creative network The No Collective.
|
This week is Get Online Week.
From 12.30 - 1pm today (Friday 22 October) at the Harold Hill Community Hub there is a free Get Online – Get Empowered support session with online help for parents to identify skills for children to stay safe online.
You can also join a free virtual workshop tomorrow (Saturday 23 October) between 1 and 2pm today with the JustCuriousClub. In this session children can program their own interactive stories, games and animations.
|
 To mark Black History Month there will be a Community Cultural Celebration at Langtons Gardens tomorrow organised by the Havering BME Forum.
See below for all the details.
Local hospitals are seeing an increase in children coming to hospital, and parents asking for advice on how to care for their unwell children.
During the last year, there has been a remarkable reduction in children with respiratory, stomach bugs and infections that cause high temperature (fever) as there are many young children who have never been exposed to many common viruses.
However, this also means that some parents have not seen their children with these symptoms before and do not know what to do, or when to worry.
As infections are likely to rise during the winter months it is vital that parents know how to manage common complaints, recognise severe symptoms that need treatment, and know what to do if they have concerns.
|
Havering Council's Autumn Blitz of deep-cleaning activities across the whole borough, as part of its COVID-19 recovery plans, continues.
The campaign focuses on sprucing up Havering's streets.
Recent work has included weeding, grass cutting and litter picking on the Briar Road Estate in Harold Hill (pictured).
Blitz teams will be moving to southern and central areas of Havering from Monday (25 October).
If you see fly-tips or other rubbish issues please report them using our website or the Love Havering app.
|
Free swimming for school-aged children returns for the half-term holiday next week.
It's part of Havering Council’s commitment to 60,000 free swimming sessions for school aged children and young adults until summer 2022.
The free sessions, which proved to be very popular during the recent summer holidays, can now be booked for the Sapphire Ice and Leisure, Central Park Leisure Centre and the recently opened Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre.
|
The Land of the Fanns that covers parts of Havering including Upminster (pictured), is asking venues and organisations in their area to respond to a survey about the impact of COVID-19, and how it can support local environment and heritage charities.
Over the last two years some places have received many more visitors, including sometimes new visitors with different expectations and behaviours. Other sites have closed, wholly or in part.
If you want to take part please complete the survey by Monday 25 October.
|
 A new programme of forest activities has been launched at Thames Chase Forest Centre to help people connect with nature and feel happier and healthier. The project provides opportunities for individuals and community groups to improve their physical and mental health.
Weekly walks are run from the Thames Chase Forest Centre in Pike Lane, Upminster, and with enough interest they will expand the activities to include yoga, seated exercise, cycling and more. All the activities are free for people to take part.
Be prepared to get spooked on Tuesday 26 October when you follow the ghostly trail of paranormal activity in some of the buildings in Romford's town centre.
This walk, organised by Havering Museum, shares elements of the history of some of the oldest buildings and paranormal activity in them today.
The walk starts at 7pm and will end at 9pm.
It's just £10 to join and that includes a drink at the Golden Lion pub (pictured) which is where the walk finishes. The starting point will be advised when you book a ticket.
This event is for adults only and ticket numbers are limited.
See more information on the Museum's website.
The Havering Dementia Cafe, for people with dementia and their carers, is now open on the last Saturday of every month, from 2 to 4pm at St Peter's Church, Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, RM3 0QA.
Each session costs £5 per person including professional entertainers, refreshments and a prize draw. New members are very welcome to join the group. The next Dementia Cafe will be on Saturday 30 October.
If you are attending for the first time, please call Ben Hawley on 07836 236374 or send an email.
|
Angela (pictured) delivers weekly Pilates classes at Fairkytes Arts Centre in Hornchurch.
The classes are every Thursday from 10am. They last for 45 minutes and cost just £5.
Due to the building's COVID-19 regulations there are only 12 spaces available so pre-booking is essential. Beginners are welcome.
If you fancy joining a class email your details so you can be added to the register.
|
The Friends of Marshalls Park Academy are holding a fireworks display at the school on 4 November.
Doors open at 6pm with the display beginning at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for those under 16 years old - if bought in advance via the Eventbrite website.
Refreshments and food will also be on sale on the night.
If you are planning a trip abroad in the coming weeks don't forget that your COVID-19 vaccination status and the country you are returning from will impact what you need to do.
You should not travel to a country on the red list.
If that is unavoidable, find out more about the steps you need to take.
|
Cappagh will be carrying out sewer diversion work on behalf of Thames Water outside 113 Upper Rainham Road in Hornchurch, until 29 October. This work will require temporary traffic lights.
Cappagh will also be working to repair a collapsed sewer outside number 441 Brentwood Road in Romford until 29 October.
Road resurfacing work will take place in Esher Avenue, Romford, on 25 October.
Electrical work ouside number 13 Marlborough Gardens in Upminster means that the road will be closed from 8am on 25 October with a diversion route signposted. The work is expected to be completed by 29 October.
The A1306 bridge over the A13 at the Wennington Interchange will be closed for inspection work from 9pm on 25 October. A diversion route will be signposted. This work is expected to be complete by 5 November.
Essex and Suffolk Water will be working in Abbs Cross Lane, Hornchurch from 25 to 29 October as they replace meters. Temporary traffic signals will be in use during the work.
Essex and Suffolk Water will also be carrying out work near Latchford Farm, in St Marys Lane, Upminster from 27 October to 3 November and nearby on the B187 (midway between the M25 bridge and the lane leading to Franks Farm, St Marys Lane, Upminster), between 9 and 16 November.
Straight Road in Harold Hill will be controlled with temporary two-way traffic signals during the daytime for resurfacing work between its junctions with Heaton Avenue and Grange Road from 9.30am to 3pm from 25 October. The work should be complete by 28 October.
Resurfacing works were recently undertaken in Orange Tree Hill in Havering-atte-Bower. However, follow-up work is needed on the section between Hillview and Highview properties. This will take place on 1 and 2 November, between 8am and 5pm, and during those times the road will be closed to through traffic with a diversion in place.
Problems with a rattling manhole cover in the raised pedestrian crossing outside of The Liberty Shopping Centre in Western Road, Romford, will be addressed with work that will begin on Monday 1 November and should be complete by Wednesday 3 November.
For the duration of the works buses heading towards Romford station will be diverted into Grimshaw Way, Slaney Road, Chandlers Way, and Eastern Road back on to their route. Buses heading away from Romford station will be diverted via Victoria Road and Mercury Gardens back on to their route.
There will be temporary traffic lights in Upminster Road North from 7.30pm on 2 November until 6am on 3 November as Marlborough Highways replacing the high-friction safety surface around the pedestrian crossing near the junction with Lambs Lane North.
Rush Green Road will be closed in an eastbound direction between Rush Green Gardens and Dagenham Road between 4 and 6 November for resurfacing work. A diversion will be in place during the overnight work.
Cadent Gas will be working on pipes in St Marys Lane, Upminster, at its junction with Upminster Road, from 1 to 12 November. Temporary traffic lights will be in use.
Cadent Gas will also be working outside Romford Rugby Club in Crow Lane, Romford, from 15 to 19 November.
On the tracks
|
Due to Network Rail undertaking engineering work in the Southend area tomorrow (Saturday 23 October) c2c train services on the Ockendon line will start and terminate at Pitsea.
Passengers for stations between Benfleet and Shoeburyness should change at Pitsea for onward services.
Rail replacement buses will run between Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness.
The following day (Sunday 24 October) c2c services on the Ockendon line will start and terminate at Grays with replacement buses running between Grays and Pitsea. This is due to Network Rail carrying out overhead line works between Grays and Pitsea via Tilbury.
Rainham line trains will not be running on Sunday 24 October due to Network Rail's overhead line work between Barking and Grays. Rail replacement buses will run between Upminster and Grays via Rainham.
There will be no service over the weekend of 23 and 24 October on the District tube line between Tower Hill and Upminster. Replacement buses will be operating.
|
From Monday (25 October) the existing central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will expand to create a single larger zone up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).
Cars, motorcycles, vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes), and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes) will either need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards, or pay a £12.50 daily charge when driving within the expanded ULEZ zone.
ULEZ charges are in addition to the Congestion Charge when and where it is applicable.
Check to see if your vehicle meets the emissions standard and any charges you need to pay. Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards.
|
|
