We're writing to let you know about a recent issue with one of the air quality monitoring nodes in Upminster Road North.

On Thursday 29 August, the node began displaying unusually high readings that are far higher than previous records for the area. The node registered a reading of 10, or "Very High" on the UK government's DAQI (Daily Air Quality Index) on the Breathe London website. There was also a concern over the excessively high underlying µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic metre) measurement.

Due to the wide differences in these readings compared to nearby nodes, the Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London, which looks after the Breathe London network, investigated the issue.

After careful analysis, it was found that there was a fault with the node. A replacement node is being prepared for installation, which is expected to happen at the beginning of the week commencing 9 September. We expect the new node to be fully operational by Friday 13 September.

Breathe London is still the most reliable service for real-time air quality monitoring in London.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding.

In addition to using Breathe London to check on up-to-date air quality monitoring, residents can also sign up to AirText.

AirText provides free air quality forecasts through text messages or emails. Unlike Breathe London, which reports current or past air quality, AirText allows you to plan ahead by offering forecasts.

Email Alerts: Receive forecasts of expected air quality for the next three days.

SMS Alerts: Get daily forecasts for the next day.

These forecasts help you plan up to three days in advance, considering how expected pollution levels might affect your health. This proactive approach can be particularly beneficial for those with respiratory conditions or other health concerns.

Havering residents can sign up to receive these free text or email alerts.

Sign up now

At the immediate time of a fire incident in Arnold’s Field (on Launders Lane), residents should contact the LFB first, and follow any guidance they give on how to protect yourself from any harmful smoke and other irritants/pollutants. This may include remaining indoors and closing windows.

After contacting the LFB, please let us know about the fire so we can begin gathering evidence to support our notices against the landowner.

The best way to do this is to use a Diary Sheet to record how these fires might be affecting you. You can find these sheets on the Council website, along with explanatory information on statutory nuisances. You can then return them to us via email.

You can also contact us about the fires by emailing the Launders Lane inbox (please include your street address so that we can map the impact on particular days), or by calling 01708 432777 during office hours. Thank you to those who have already been in touch.