Friday 18 October 2024
 Havering Council has launched a new campaign to encourage residents and community groups to work with the Council to help make the borough a cleaner and safer place to be.
The Where We Live campaign hopes to empower communities to take pride in their neighbourhoods by actively taking part in community clean-ups, litter picks, reporting fly-tipping and tackling and adopting ‘grotspots’ that could be made into more pleasant community spaces. This in turn reduces anti-social behaviour and makes streets safer.
The Council officially launched the campaign this week (Wednesday 16 October) at Frog Island, Rainham, the site of the borough’s main waste facility.
A mountain of litter and fly-tipping, which totalled between six and eight tonnes was on show – equating to just one day of cleaning up by our waste and environment teams. You can watch the video now.
Attending the launch was Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Imran Kazalbash, Havering’s Director of Environment and representatives from ELWA (East London Waste Authority) and FCC, the Council’s waste collection partner.
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Havering Council has secured sponsorship to ensure every town centre will now be able to celebrate Christmas.
This is thanks to the generosity of Marlborough Highways who stepped in and donated £20,000 and comes after the work of many town centre and community groups and local businesses who have already come together to continue Christmas events and traditions in locations across the borough.
The latest sponsorship money from Marlborough Highways will now ensure the areas which hadn’t managed to arrange anything will not go without this Christmas.
Christmas trees and/or activities will now feature in the following places across the borough:
- Collier Row
- Elm Park
- Harold Hill
- Harold Wood
- Hornchurch
- Rainham
- Upminster
- Romford
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
"My sincere thanks goes first to Marlborough Highways who will be providing Christmas trees to a number of local areas and also to the other businesses and community groups who have worked so hard to ensure Havering can still celebrate Christmas.
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“We have been very clear from the start that we were sadly unable to fund Christmas lights, trees and events this year because of the urgent need to make savings.
"We have no choice due to the year on year Government reductions in funding and the escalating costs in social care and homelessness.
"To be clear, it cost the Council over £100,000 to provide Christmas decorations and events, including around £40,000 for the Romford Christmas Lights switch-on event. Given our financial situation, I hope residents understand why we couldn't justify spending that money again this year."
The Council is still looking for businesses to support town centre activities. If businesses are interested please send an email.
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Havering Council is joining local authorities and organisations across the country to mark Anti-Slavery Day, which takes place today (Friday 18 October).
It comes as part of Anti-Slavery Week (Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October), and looks to raise awareness of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation and to encourage action to address them.
The Council held a stall today at the Liberty Shopping Centre to help people spot the signs and report modern slavery practices, as well as offering general advice for how to keep yourselves safe.
If anyone suspects modern slavery, they can report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or the police on 101 or 999 in emergencies.
If a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999. A social worker will follow this up with any necessary investigations or assessment. Professionals are asked to complete a Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF), a word version can be downloaded from the website.
You can find more information on spotting modern slavery online:
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Havering Council has joined forces with the children’s charity NSPCC to safeguard local children from sexual abuse.
The National Society for the Protection of Children’s Talk PANTS Week runs from Monday 14 to Friday 18 October, and is encouraging the whole community to take part in its vital work to safeguard children.
Talk PANTS, which features a friendly dinosaur called Pantosaurus, helps children understand in an age-appropriate way, that their body belongs to them, they have the right to say ‘no’ and they can speak out if anything does not feel right.
This week Pantosaurus visited Parsonage Farm Primary School in Rainham where it met children and teachers. Pupils took part in a lesson before Pantosaurus visited pupils in their class.
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Residents living on Council-owned Farnham, Hilldene and Chippenham Road housing estates in Harold Hill have received a copy of the Landlord Offer and voting information.
The Landlord Offer details Havering Council’s plans to demolish and replace their current homes in a ballot to help secure external regeneration funds from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
It explains that all eligible Council tenants will be offered “a new modern home on the rebuilt estate” if they wish to return after being rehomed during the building phase.
This phase proposes more than 450 new 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes for local people, of which at least 40% will be affordable, including Social Rent and London Affordable Rent homes.
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As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week (Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 October), our community safety and engagement teams have been out and about across the borough this week, giving advice and information on how to report hate crime and how to get support.
They were at the Mercury Mall Romford, pictured left and at Harold Hill Library, earlier this week.
The theme of the awareness week is No Place for Hate in the UK and that it has never been more important to look out for each other and not let hatred and discrimination take hold, including here in Havering.
Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender-identity are hate crimes and should be reported to the police.
Call 999 if you’re reporting a crime that’s in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.
If the crime isn’t an emergency, call 101 or contact your local police. You can also report hate crime online.
Further support is available through CATCH (Communities against Hate).
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We know it’s hard to stop smoking and may take several attempts before you break the habit, but we know with the right support you can do it!
That is why Havering residents that smoke can now access free quit smoking support which includes face to face appointments, and free nicotine replacement products, including vapes*, to help you with that journey.
It’s never too late to give up and you’ll notice the difference as soon as you stop.
According to the NHS, you’ll notice your pulse rate returning to normal within 20 minutes of quitting; within 48 hours carbon monoxide is flushed out and your sense of taste and smell start to improve; after 72 hours your breathing will feel easier and energy will increase. These are just some of the benefits.
So why not join thousands of other people preparing to quit smoking for 28 days this Stoptober. You’re five times more likely to quit for good. Over 2.5 million people have successfully quit smoking with Stoptober.
Free stop smoking support is available at the following pharmacies:
- Crescent Pharmacy, Harold Hill
- Mim Pharmacy, Romford
- Asvacare Pharmacy, Rush Green
- Orchard Village Pharmacy, Rainham
- Williams Dispensing Chemist, Rainham
- Ardleigh Green Pharmacy, Hornchurch
Pop in and book an appointment for information on all the free stop smoking support services available to Havering residents.
*subject to availability
We’re inviting you to take part in an important survey to help us better understand smoking habits. Whether you’ve been smoking a long time, or a short time, your insights are valuable. As a thank you for your time, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win £30.
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Advertorial
The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, joined staff from Havering Council’s bereavement service, in presenting a cheque for £5,800 raised by South Essex Crematorium’s specialised metals recycling scheme.
The cheque was presented to Liesbeth Newman, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager of Marillac Neurological Care Centre, Brentwood.
The centre provides high quality care and specialist treatment for adults who are picking up their lives following traumatic brain or spinal injury or progressive neurological conditions.
With this donation, the centre can look at buying a state-of-the-art RT300 Upper and Lower Limb therapy bike.
With permission from families, metals recovered from cremations are recycled and all the money raised is given to bereavement-related charities that help local communities and residents.
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As part of London Challenge Poverty Week, running from 14–20 October 2024, Havering Council is reminding residents of the key help available locally to help with cost-of-living pressures this winter.
The Emergency Assistance Scheme (Havering Helps) continues to provide financial aid to residents in urgent need, helping with essentials like food, heating, and household appliances. It supports pensioners, working-age adults, and households with disabilities.
In addition to financial aid, we will shortly be announcing other local offers including Warm Spaces, School Holiday Meal Schemes and Benefits Checks. These initiatives aim to help residents manage costs and ensure they receive the full range of support available.
For more information visit the Council's website or call the Cost of Living Helpline on 01708 432280.
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Over 200 visitors joined the Council, Havering Works and many care, voluntary and educational providers, including the London Ambulance Service (pictured), at a free employment and training support fair on Thursday 3 October, at Romford Baptist Church.
The event showcased local apprenticeships, career and training opportunities from a variety of employers and organisations across care, construction and education sectors.
Cherrise Chand, Head of Resourcing at North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), said:
“The Havering Free Employment and Training Support Fair offers an invaluable opportunity to promote both the variety of roles available, and the values that make NELFT a great place to work.
“We were very excited to be part of this event for the second time this year and support local people to pursue a career in healthcare that can make a real difference in their community.”
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Make sure you’re ready for winter, even if you’ve had flu or COVID-19 or have been vaccinated before.
Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.
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 We're always looking for help to improve services across the borough. This section of the newsletter features live consultations from the Council and partners so you can share your thoughts.
Have your say on all live Council consultations through our website.
Romford Masterplan consultation
The public consultation of the Romford Masterplan is seeking your views on the future of Romford.
The consultation will ensure that the voices of residents, businesses and stakeholders are heard and incorporated into the development plans.
The Romford Masterplan was approved for consultation by Cabinet on Wednesday 18 September following extensive public consultation earlier this year.
Its key features include improved public spaces in particular the marketplace, re-naturalising the River Rom, and enhancing other green spaces. It also includes new housing designed to meet the needs of a growing population, and supporting the delivery of infrastructure.
Residents are also encouraged to attend the consultation drop-in session held at Romford Library, where they will have the opportunity to review the proposed plans, ask questions and provide feedback. This will take place on Wednesday 23 October 2024, 12noon to 2pm.
The closing date is Monday 11 November, at 11:59pm and feedback from the consultation will be used to refine the masterplan before it is finalised and submitted for adoption in early 2025.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) police survey
The Metropolitan Police is asking Havering residents to have their say in a survey around the work and support against VAWG.
They want to hear from those who may have experienced violence in this way and to come forward in confidence to share information, so continuing improvements can be made in how this crime is tackled and dealt with.
The survey is being run to find out what the needs are so that the work can be carried out to do more in making the borough safer.
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 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Romford BID will be celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights with a range of fantastic free event activities in the town centre for everyone to enjoy.
The event is being put on by Romford BID, Havering Changing and Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA) and will include a host of incredible entertainment throughout the day, including live DJ sets, live music, and captivating Bhangra and Bollywood dance performances.
There will be a vibrant market for visitors to enjoy, with a range of delicious Indian street food on offer as well as traditional Indian dress, jewellery, bags and lots more. Bradford-based artist, Zareena Bano will be delivering an arts and crafts workshop inspired by truck art, a form of regional decoration with floral patterns and calligraphy for all ages.
Families will also have the chance to embrace creativity and joy with Diwali themed arts and craft workshops hosted by Havering Changing. The event takes place in the market place on Sunday 27 October, between 11am and 4pm.
A member of Havering Council’s Waste and Recycling team will be at Mardyke Community Centre, Rainham on Tuesday 22 October, 10am to 1pm and then at South Hornchurch Library, on Thursday 24 October, 2pm to 8pm, to talk about the food waste collection survey, recycling and more. Stop by to learn more.
The Kids Bank HQ is hosting a free School Uniform and Children's Clothing event at the North Romford Community Centre, Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row, RM5 3QJ.
If you need to change your child's school uniform for winter, or replace missing items, there will be a large selection of pre-loved school uniform on offer free of charge. Just take only what you need, and bring your own bags. The event takes place Monday 28 October, 10am to 2pm.
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Mercury Mall in Romford is holding a Halloween Helpdesk - a week of spooky fun for all ages, with different activities starting on Saturday 26 October and lasting through the whole half team week.
Activities include a Witch's Disco, Fighting your Fears with creepy crawlies, arts and crafts activities, a film screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more.
To view dates and more information, and to book on to any activities, visit the website.
MyPlace in Harold Hill is also hosting a range of spooky half term activities starting with Bats and Vampire Craft on Tuesday 29 October. Other activities include a Hocus Pocus musical workshop, and more creepy crafts.
For more information on dates and activities, and to book your place, send an email now.
Romford Shopping Hall is hosting a Halloween Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt during half term week. Visit shops, collect goodies, and bump into some not-so-scary animatronics along the way. Fancy dress is encouraged for kids (and the adults too!) and face painting will be available for an additional cost.
The treasure hunt takes place on Tuesday 29 October, 12noon until 4pm. Tickets cost £3, and you can book in advance online.
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Brookside Theatre presents the European premier of a chilling new play, The Amityville Haunting, running for a limited time this Halloween.
It is late October and the Moynahan family has migrated from Dublin to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. John, the father, commissions a beautiful Dutch Colonial home to be constructed at 112 Ocean Avenue.
The land, however, is tainted from an ancient curse involving a satanic worship, a child's corpse, and demonic possession. After a mysterious death in the family and subsequent malevolent disturbances the Moynahan's dream soon turns into a nightmare. Suspense builds and spirits collide as the family fight to protect hearth and home.
The Amityville Haunting will run at the Brookside Theatre Romford from Wednesday 23 October to Saturday 2 November. Tickets are available now from the website.
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Upcoming road closures
Junction Road in Romford will be closed at its junction with Western Road for carriageway patching, 9:30am to 3pm on Monday 21 October.
Lodge Lane in Romford will be closed daily outside numbers 244 and 246 for reinstatement works, 8am to 6pm from Monday 21 October until Wednesday 23 October.
Public transport
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Engineering works between Fenchurch Street and Upminster, and between Standford-le-Hope and Pitsea will effect services on all c2c lines on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October as follows:
The c2c Basildon line will be diverted between Barking and Upminster. The c2c Ockendon line will not run between Upminster and Grays. The c2c Rainham line will be diverted to Liverpool Street and will call at Stratford, but not Limehouse and West Ham. Rail replacement services will be in place for closed sections.
Engineering works between Fenchurch Street and Barking, and between Barking and Upminster, are also affecting evening services after 11:30pm on all c2c lines from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 October.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
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