Havering Council has officially declared a climate emergency.

At a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 22 March, the Labour motion was passed by 42 votes to zero with five abstentions.

The decision to declare a climate emergency is the latest step in Havering's effort to combat climate change.

In 2021, the Council launched its Climate Change Action Plan, which sets an ambitious target to reach net zero carbon emissions in Havering by 2040.

You can learn more about our work to tackle the climate emergency and view the Council’s full Climate Action Plan on our website.

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The release of sky lanterns, unauthorised fireworks and helium balloons into the sky over council-owned or managed land is now banned across the borough.

The decision was approved recently by cabinet members following a consultation that asked for the views of residents. 

Releasing sky lanterns and balloons into the sky is causing a major impact on the environment. It is also a danger to people and animals, and increases the risks of wild fires.

There are similar issues associated with unauthorised fireworks displays.

Over 188 Councils have already banned the release of sky lanterns from their land, including neighbouring authorities such as Essex County Council and Redbridge Council.

Information about the Council’s policy is available on our website.

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A statement from Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, on Baroness Casey review of the Metropolitan Police:

“It is quite clear from the report there are some real issues that need resolving within the Metropolitan Police. This is something clearly accepted by the Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley. We will do all we can to work with and support the Met.

“We must not overlook though the tremendous job our Police do every day in keeping us safe and we must acknowledge the very difficult and sometimes dangerous job that they do to protect us...

Read the full statement

Thames Freeport has received final government sign off, signalling a major boost for Havering and the Thames region.

The Freeport will create an estimated 12,000 new high-quality jobs and much-needed investment for the area.

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The Metropolitan Police Community Roadwatch scheme is looking for volunteers in Havering. 

The scheme works with local residents to help police tackle speeding on public roads. 

Volunteers are given speed detection equipment to catch speeding drivers, who are then issued with warning letters by the police. 

The scheme has proven successful in other areas, reducing the risk of serious accidents due to speeding. 

If you'd like to volunteer to work with the police on the scheme, email either of your local Havering Safer Transport Officer, Chris Matheson or Peter Bullen. 

Havering Registration Services are now back at the Ingrebourne Childrens Centre, Romford, offering Birth Registration appointments.

These are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays and can be booked over the telephone by calling 01708 434622.

For more on registering a birth, including booking appointments online, visit our website.

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Havering Council is looking for your views on the draft Children & Young People Education Place Planning Plan consultation.

This draft plan sets out how the Council seeks to ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet demand for early years, primary, secondary, post-16, special and alternative school places across the borough.

We are keen to hear from parents and carers, residents, education providers, stakeholders and any other interested parties regarding the draft plan.

This public consultation opened on Monday 20 March and will run until Monday 15 May.

You can view the draft plan as well as provide your views and comments on our website. Alternatively, you can pick up a questionnaire from any borough library or children’s centre.

Have your say

Havering marked annual Repair Week, which runs until Sunday 26 March, with an event at Romford Community Centre earlier this week.

Repair Week promotes the chance for people to learn or go back to skills they already had, including repairing household items, bikes and clothes.

Advice is also given about how to use these skills and save money at the same time.

The event on Wednesday 22 March, saw residents take different items to be fixed and get advice on how to repair those items at home.

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Harrow Lodge Junior Parkrun regulars, sisters Olivia and Isabel Forrest (aged 14 and 12) achieved great success at the English Schools Cross Country event in Nottingham last weekend.

The girls represented Essex Schools at the competition in Nottingham, running the 3.5km course against 325 others from across the country in the junior girls age category.

Olivia crossed the finish line in 3rd place, qualifying her to run for England in the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) event in Liverpool next weekend. 

Isabel finished in 76th place, helping to secure a win for the Essex team. 

Whilst the girls usually run for Brentwood Beagles Athletics Club, they are regulars at the free Harrow Lodge Junior Parkrun - taking part and helping to support new runners.

The Junior Parkrun is a 2km run for 4 - 14 year olds. It's a one-lap course that allows children to run, jog or walk with or without their parents. With wristbands given out when children have completed 11 runs, the equivalent of a half marathon, it's a great way to engage children and keep fit.

Don't get caught off guard this weekend as the clocks go forward by one hour, signalling the start of British Summer Time (BST). 

At 1am on Sunday 26 March, the clocks will jump forward by one hour as the days continue to get longer. 

Most smartphones, tablets and computers will automatically make the change, but you'll need to manually adjust analogue clocks, or clocks on unnetworked devices, such as cookers or microwaves. 

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Queen's Theatre Hornchurch (QTH) is hosting the revival of Roy Williams' Sucker Punch, ahead of a tour across England from March to June 2023. 

Two best mates, Leon and Troy, have spent their youth growing up in a boxing gym, figuring out a place in the world, vying for the approval of Charlie, their trainer. Soon Leon and Becky, Charlie’s daughter, are trying to keep a big secret. In a ruthless world. But there can only be one winner, and it’s time everyone stepped into the ring to face up to who they really are…

Sucker Punch runs at QTH from Thursday 30 March to Saturday 15 April. You can book your tickets online now. 

Kiddiewinks Soft Play is hosting a Friday Night Kids Disco on Friday 31 March, 4pm to 6pm. Bring the kids along for dancing, fun and games, competitions and soft play, as well as entertainment from Teddytastic. Book your tickets online. 

The Elm Park Horticultural Society Spring Show will be taking place at the Assembly Hall in Eyhurst Avenue on Saturday 1 April, 2:30pm - 4:30 pm. 

The free event will feature excellent flower displays, exhibition of floral art and photography, children's classes, hand crafting and baking. There will also be tables selling locally produced home-made goods. Check the website for more details.

There’s another chance to chat and share experiences around making Havering safer for women.

The informal pop-in session is led by the Council’s community safety team, and is taking place on Tuesday 28 March, 10:30am to 12noon, at Hornchurch Library.

Join SMILE London & Essex for Easter Bunny and Bikes 2023, on Saturday 1 April, 10am - 4pm. The Easter Bunny will be there handing out Easter Eggs to all the kids, as well as face-painting, crafts and an egg picture hunt outside the SMILE Hub. Tickets cost £4 per child, up to 16 years old.

Head to Romford Shopping Hall on Saturday 1 April for the Amaz-spring Easter Crafts & Makers Market. Taking place between 10am and 4pm, this is your chance to pick up amazing crafts and creations from talented local craftspeople. 

If you're a local crafter and want to book a table, call Michelle on 01708 740492. Tables cost £20 for the day. 

Havering Council, Havering Adult College, and the Department for Work and Pensions are hosting a free Life Skills Workshop on budgeting and money management on Friday 31 March. The event takes place 10am - 12noon at the Havering Town Hall, Romford. To check eligibility and book a place, email the team or call 01708 433420.

Langtons House is hosting its annual Wedding Fayre on tomorrow (Saturday 25 March) from 10am to 2pm. 

Registrars will be on-hand to discuss ceremonies, booking packages and more. Visit the website for more information.

Belgrave Avenue will be closed for culvert works at its junction with Cambridge Avenue and Montrose Avenue, between 8am on Monday 27 and 5pm on Tuesday 28 March. 

Sections of Ferry Lane and Coldharbour Lane remain closed for construction work until 5am on Saturday 1 April.

Vaughan Avenue will be closed for carriageway works between its junctions with Suttons Lane and Ascot Gardens/Crystal Avenue, from 9:30am to 3pm on Friday 31 March.

Fen Lane remains closed for electrical cabling works between its junction with Ockendon Road and Scorers Football field until Friday 31 March. 

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