Friday 19 July 2024
 Havering Council has successfully kept hold of its 16 Green Flags in parks for the fourth year in a row.
A Green Flag Award means the parks boast the highest possible standards, are well maintained and have excellent facilities. The recognition is awarded by environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy.
This latest achievement of Green Flags is a big reward for the efforts of parks and ground maintenance staff, as well as the community groups the Council work in partnership with, which include Friends of Parks groups, who help maintain the parks to a high standard all year round.
Fleet Close has been officially named as a Village Green in Havering, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of local much-loved green spaces in the borough.
Council Leader, Councillor Ray Morgon, Councillor Graham Williamson, and Ward Councillors Gillian Ford, Phil Ruck, and John Tyler, along with a large number of residents from the surrounding community attended the formal dedication ceremony, held on Saturday 13 July.
Village Green status ensures that Fleet Close will remain undeveloped in perpetuity, safeguarding the area for the enjoyment of future generations.
It represents the first of five village green celebrations this summer with the second taking place at Wennington Village tomorrow (Saturday 20 July) at 11am. The dedication coincides with the second anniversary weekend of the Wennington fire in 2021.
|
Wennington will mark the second anniversary of the fire which tore through Wennington Village two years ago today (Friday 19 July).
Members of the community will come together for a special commemoration service in the village church this evening (Friday 19 July) to reflect on the damage caused by the fire and the strength and resilience of the community.
Since the fire, Havering Council has been working closely with affected residents to help them get their lives back on track.
In ongoing signs of recovery, the first of the destroyed houses to be rebuilt has now been completed and the family has moved back into their home.
The Council continues to work with the landowner behind the village to ensure that the grass in the large field has continued to be cut back to prevent the spread of fire.
We also remind residents in the area to keep grass areas cut short and free of litter/bottles to reduce the risk of fire, and to of course to be careful with BBQs.
Tomorrow (Saturday 20 July), Wennington Green will officially be named as a Village Green at a special event. This will protect the land from development in perpetuity, helping to solidify the community spirit the village has continued to develop in the face of the tragedy two years ago.
|
Havering Council is set to modify its Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) appeal system from next week (Monday 22 July).
The key change involves the removal of the 50% discount previously offered for unsuccessful PCN appeals.
Under the current system, residents who challenge a PCN within the initial 14-day period and are unsuccessful still receive the 50% discount if they pay within a further 14 days. This has led to a high number of speculative appeals, placing a strain on resources.
What Residents Need to Know:
- The 50% discount for settling a PCN within the initial 14 days remains unchanged.
- Residents can still challenge PCNs online, by post, or by phone in certain circumstances.
- Clear information on the appeals process and supporting evidence requirements will be available on the Council's website.
|
There is still time to have your say on the Council's library strategy, and help shape the future of the borough's library service.
We understand residents may be apprehensive about this, and so we are holding a series of face to face events across the borough for you to hear more about the proposals first-hand, as well as ask further questions.
There are four events taking place next week:
If an event is displaying as sold out, or you are unable to book online, we will have limited spaces available for walk-ins, but a seat cannot be guaranteed. There are some events with a significantly larger capacity than others, please see Eventbrite for details.
You can find the full schedule of events on our website.
The consultation closes on Friday 2 August. You can have your say online using the link below.
|
Children and young people are also invited to shape the future of the borough’s library service in The ‘SHOUT about Libraries’ survey. We want to hear from young residents on proposed changes to Havering’s library service, including the potential closure of four branch libraries.
The ‘SHOUT about Libraries’ survey, created in partnership with Mind Of My Own, is designed to be accessible and engaging for a wide age range. Children and young people who live, work, or study in Havering are encouraged to participate. The survey can be completed in just 5-10 minutes and is available online.
The survey has been designed in conjunction with the Council’s ongoing public consultation on the draft library strategy which closes on Friday 2 August.
|
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat alert for parts of England, including the South East, with temperatures as hot as 30 degrees Celsius today (Friday 19 July).
The alert is in place from 5pm today until 11pm tomorrow (Saturday 20 July). The UKHSA has warned that the high temperatures could lead to increased pressure on healthcare, with night time temperatures not expected to fall below 20 degrees Celsius tonight.
Residents should take precautions in the hot weather to avoid falling ill, including drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen while out in the sun, and avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest periods.
If you have older and vulnerable family and neighbours, please check in on them to make sure they have everything they need to stay cool.
|
Havering’s Children’s Services Improvement Plan to address the recommendations from the most recent Ofsted inspection has been endorsed by the Council’s Cabinet.
The detailed report outlines the Council’s comprehensive plans to improve its children’s services and the steps already in place following its “Inadequate” Ofsted rating in December 2023.
The Ofsted team found that too many children and young people waited too long for the support they needed. Inspectors judged four out of five areas of practice to be “Inadequate” with a fifth area as “requires improvement to be good”.
The Ofsted report published in February 2024 highlighted that the Council had a good understanding of their practice and had already been working on a number of improvements. Since the publication of the report a number of further measures have been put in place to address the Ofsted recommendations.
|
Twenty Six Havering schools have been commended for receiving “Good” or “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings.
The schools were invited to meet the Mayor, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, who thanked them for their amazing work.
Councillor O’Sullivan told Headteachers: “I am so pleased that you are here today. What you have achieved is amazing.”
Ofsted inspections traditionally last for up to two days and involve inspectors carrying out a thorough assessment of the school’s overall performance.
|
Three people were arrested by police during a recent anti-car theft operation in Havering.
Last week, in the early hours of 10 July, the East Area Proactive Policing Team were carrying out patrols aimed at tackling car theft offences.
Officers had concerns about a Ford Kuga on Squirrels Heath Road, Romford and followed the vehicle.
A passenger in the back of the car jumped out and ran away, but officers caught up with him and upon searching a rucksack they had, found it contained signal scanning equipment that is used to steal keyless vehicles.
A further search of the car also found balaclavas, gloves, angle grinders and blades and tools.
Three men aged 28, 30 and 36 were arrested on suspicion of going equipped and conspiracy to commit theft of a motor vehicle. They remain in custody at an east London police station.
How to protect your keyless vehicle
- When at home keep your key (and spare) well away from your vehicle.
- Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch.
- Re-programme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
- Turn off the wireless signal on your fob when it's not being used.
- Consider additional safety such as steering locks, wheel clamps and telescopic bollards.
Image courtesy of Havering Police
|
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a consultation on proposals to charge people to use the Blackwall Tunnel, as well as the new Silvertown Tunnel, which is due to open next year.
The charges will apply to users of the tunnels between 6am and 10pm, seven days a week once the new tunnel opens. The proposed charges start at an off-peak rate of £1.50 for cars, motorbikes and small vans, and rises during busy peak times.
Exemptions would apply for taxis, blue badge holders, zero-emission vehicles, wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles, as well as staff and patients eligible for the NHS reimbursement scheme.
The consultation on charge levels, discounts and exemptions runs until Tuesday 3 September. You can find out more information about the proposals and have your say on the link below.
|
 The Summer Reading Challenge is back again this summer holiday.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2024, Marvellous Makers, aims to fire up children’s imaginations and unleash storytelling and creativity through the power of reading.
The annual Challenge is for children aged 4-11 years, and is free to take part. Children can sign up now by visiting any of the Havering libraries. The challenge finishes on Saturday 7 September.
Children will read library books of their choice and get a certificate and medal on completion whilst exploring their creativity by joining in with free craft activities during the Summer Holiday weeks at every library.
The decision to vaccinate your children is yours and it’s natural to have questions about whether it is the right thing for you and your family.
Next week’s Free Family Fun Day will include a free child vaccination clinic to help support parents to catch up on any missed NHS vaccinations for their children, or to ask for more information, no booking required.
The event takes place on Wednesday 24 July, 12noon until 3pm at North Romford Community Centre, Clockhouse Lane, Romford RM5 3QL.
The on-site clinic within ‘Health Zone’ will be offering help and advice and the following children vaccinations with no booking required:
- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine for children aged 0 to 5 years old
- MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine for school aged children
- HPV (human papillomavirus) for school aged children
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) for school aged children
- Meningitis (different strains of the meningococcal bacteria – A, C, W and Y which can cause meningitis, septicaemia) for school aged children
Get free information, advice or ask any questions on the protection child vaccines provide and their availability.
For more info on NHS child vaccinations visit the website.
|
 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Join Havering Council for a series of free Family Fun Days taking place across the borough this summer.
Activities include bouncy castles, face painting and children's activities, as well as free lunch and the chance to speak with Council services.
Events take place on Wednesdays between 12noon and 3pm.
- 24 July - North Romford Community Centre, Romford, RM5 3QJ
- 31 July - Park Lane play park, Hornchurch, RM11 1EJ
- 7 August - MyPlace Community Centre, Harold Hill, RM3 9EN
- 14 August - New Zealand Way, Rainham, RM13 8JD
- 21 August - Play park at Macon Way, Upminster, RM14 1NS
- 28 August - Queen's Theatre Green, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT
Visit the website for more information.
Havering Active is hosting a series of Get into Sport events and activities across the borough, including London Youth Games, Para activities, young children's sports and adult health and fitness. Visit the website to find activities and get active this summer.
|
MyPlace Youth & Community Centre is hosting a range of Summer Activities across the six-week summer holidays for children aged 2 to 14 years.
Activities include arts and crafts, games and amateur theatre, with different themes each week. Events start from Monday 29 July until Friday 30 August. You can find more information on the MyPlace Facebook page.
Try tennis for free at Raphael Park Tennis on Saturday 20 July (11am to 2pm) as part of Barclays Big Tennis Weekend.
Rackets and balls will be provided, so whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or you’re a seasoned regular – there is fun to be had for both adults and children at the free family open day. For more information visit the website.
Thames Chase is hosting Feel Good in the Forest wellbeing day, offering a range of free taster activities from Nordic walking, to group dog walking, yoga and mindfulness. There are also activities for children, including Geocaching. The event takes place 10am to 4pm on Saturday 27 July.
Havering Council has joined with the Metropolitan Police to host a series of free football and basketball events for children aged 6 to 17 years this summer holiday, funded by the Havering Activities Fund. Events take place at various locations across the borough on the following days:
- 1 August - Cottons Park, Cottons Approach, RM7 7AA
- 8 August - Lawns Park, Horndon Road, RM5 3HB
- 18 August - Spring Farm, Acer Avenue, RM13 9TA
- 20 August - Harrow Lodge Park, Upper Rainham Road, RM12 4AE
- 23 August - Brittons Park, Ford Lane, RM13 7BB (football only)
- 28 August - Upminster Park, Corbets Tey Road, RM14 2BE
- 2, 9, 16, 21 August, and 1 September - Central Park, Dagnam Park Drive, RM2 9DL
Football starts at 11am for 6 to 11 year olds, and 12noon for 12 to 17 year olds. Basketball events start at 12noon for 6 to 11 year olds, and 1pm for 12 to 17 year olds. No booking required.
|
Upcoming road closures
Brunswick Avenue in Upminster will be closed at its junction with Moultrie Way for carriageway patching, 8am to 5pm on Monday 22 July.
Great Nelmes Chase in Hornchurch will be closed daily at its junction with Wingletye Lane for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm from Monday 22 July to Sunday 11 August.
Rainham Road will be closed daily at its junction with Southend Road for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm from Monday 22 July until Monday 19 August.
Pettits Lane in Romford will be closed daily at its junction with Main Road for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm from Monday 22 July until Monday 26 August.
Dagenham Road in Romford will be closed overnight from outside number 82 to number 96 for drainage works, 8pm on Wednesday 24 July to 5am on Thursday 25 July.
Carter Drive in Romford will be closed daily from its junction with Firbank Road to the junction of Thistledene Avenue for drainage works and crossing installation, 8am to 4pm from Wednesday 24 July to Friday 9 August.
Ingrebourne Road in Rainham will be closed daily from its junction with Wennington Road to the junction of Lambs Lane South for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm from Wednesday 24 July until Saturday 17 August.
Lambs Lane South in Rainham will be closed daily from its junction with Wennington Road to the junction of New Road for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm from Wednesday 24 July until Monday 9 September.
Cumberland Avenue in Hornchurch will be closed at its junction with Station Lane to the junction of Matlock Gardens for carriageway patching, 8am until 4pm on Thursday 25 July.
Ockendon Road in North Ockendon will be closed from its junction with Fen Lane to the junction of B1421 for cable installation, 8am to 5:30pm from Friday 25 July to Tuesday 6 August.
Ongoing closures
Brackendale Gardens in Upminster remains closed daily at its junction with Coniston Avenue for gas mains works, 8am to 6pm until Sunday 21 July.
King Edward Road in Romford remains closed at its junction with Victoria Road for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm until Sunday 28 July.
Victoria Road in Romford remains closed at its junction with South Street for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm until Sunday 28 July.
New Road bus lane in Rainham remains closed daily from outside Suttons Business Park to Rainham House for gas mains works, 7am to 7pm until Sunday 4 August.
Public transport
|
Engineering works between Barking and Pitsea via Laindon and between Upminster and Grays via Ockendon are affecting late night services after 10:45pm on the c2c Basildon and Ockendon lines, Monday 22 July to Thursday 25 July.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
|
Advertisements
|
