Many children are looking forward to going trick or treating as we count down to Halloween next week, Thursday 31 October.

But it's important that children and parents stay safe and follow advice to help ensure they have a spook-tacular time.

Here’s some tips for staying safe on Halloween:

• Trick or treating is better in a group. Try not to go out alone.
• Young children should always be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Take a torch or glow stick with you.
• Make sure your costumes are safety-checked against fire-safety standards, and have proper labels to prove this.
• Plan a safe route that is well-lit and stick to it.

Find out more about staying safe this spooky season from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute website.

Havering Council is launching an independent customer satisfaction survey in collaboration with The Institute of Customer Service (ICS). It is part of our ongoing commitment to prioritise and improve customer services for our residents.

The survey will open on Friday 1 November, and we encourage all residents to take part and share their feedback. The survey will take just 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are completely anonymous unless you choose to provide your contact details.

We want to understand what we are doing well and where we need to improve. Your feedback is invaluable to us as it will help shape the future of our customer services.

Watch out for the survey link in next Friday's issue of Living in Havering.

Residents and drivers using Havering’s car parks should be on alert for scammers.

Watch out for bogus penalty charge SMS messages. Havering Council does not contact residents via SMS messages for unpaid Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), unless the penalty debt has been passed to an enforcement agent. In this case, the enforcement agent will identify themselves in the SMS message and provide a contact telephone number to call and discuss the message with that agent. A link for payment is never provided.

You should also watch out for bogus QR code signs that are being put on some parking machines by scammers. The Council does not use QR codes for paid for parking in any of our car parks or on-street parking bays and advises drivers to download parking apps from app stores and not QR codes.

There has also been reports of people posing as Council parking enforcement officers to scam drivers. Our Civil Enforcement team wear a navy blue uniform which includes the Council Traffic and Parking Control logo on their jackets. Havering staff will also wear their staff ID badge enabling them to identify themselves.

If someone approaches you claiming to be from Havering Council, but is unable to show you ID as proof, please contact the police. 

Read more

Havering Council wants to hear from residents as we look to update and improve how we and partners work together to carry out the best prevention of flooding.

The Local Flood Risk Management Strategy sets out how the Council, along with partners, including the Environment Agency, water companies and highways authorities, can best manage risks and as a result, help towards protecting communities.

In order to have a plan in place that can work for the borough, the Council wants to hear from residents on their experiences with flooding, managing the risks of flooding, and how incidents were dealt with.

Have your say

Havering Council is joining the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and local police to remind residents to enjoy Bonfire Night and fireworks safely.

The Council’s Trading Standards teams will also be out and about across the borough, making unannounced visits on retailers, to check they have the correct licenses to sell them and are not selling fireworks to those under age.

Fireworks and related products such as sparklers can’t be sold to anyone under the age of 18 years.

If you are hosting a bonfire or fireworks display at your home, please remember to:

• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE safety mark and are from licensed sellers
• Only have bonfires if they are clear of buildings, sheds, fences and hedges
• Store fireworks safely, in their original packaging, away from children and pets, keep dry and away from anything that generates heat or ignition
• Always follow the instructions with fireworks for safe use and disposal
• Keep a bucket of water near and make sure any used fireworks are completely out before getting rid of them
• Pets should be kept inside when fireworks are being let off and checked on to ensure they are not distressed
• Keep an eye on everyone using sparklers as these stay very hot for a long time. Wear gloves and place in a bucket of sand or water once they have burnt out
• Buy quieter fireworks if you can, which will cause less noise and distress to vulnerable neighbours and pets.

Remember, unauthorised use of fireworks, sky lanterns and the release of helium balloons is banned on Council-owned or managed land.

Residents are asked to dispose of vapes, e-bike, lithium, and laptop batteries responsibly, due to the increased risk of fire.

Recently, waste crews were faced with two fires in rubbish bags from properties in Hornchurch and Romford, both caused by batteries, see pictured.

Waste crews were given water by a nearby resident and the fires were quickly put out. Thankfully no one was hurt on this occasion.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can be recycled at Gerpins Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre. Please remove batteries from the relevant item, which can also be recycled separately. Many electronics stores also take back these batteries for recycling.

Other household batteries can be placed in a small clear bag alongside your black rubbish and orange recycling bags on collection days. The crews will pick these up and keep them separate for recycling.

While batteries can’t be taken from communal collections for residents in flats, these batteries must still be recycled at Gerpins Lane reuse centre, and there are also various outlets across the borough that take batteries and unused electrical items.

Read more

The rough sleeping team work to get individuals off the streets along with partner agencies such as the NHS, Police and social landlords. The team help some of most vulnerable people in the borough, by managing complex needs in order to keep them within any existing accommodation.

The road to building up the confidence and self-respect of rough sleepers is not easy, as many reject support throughout the process. This was shown recently with a male named anonymously as R, who was rough sleeping for the past year, but started engaging when placed in temporary accommodation by the team.

Read about how the team has helped R to work on his addiction issues and keep him off the streets, with our latest case study. 

Read more

If you are concerned about a rough sleeper, please share them via Streetlink – a London-wide rough sleeper network that helps people off the streets.

There are also ways residents can help without giving money to rough sleepers directly, such as making a donation to the Salvation Army.

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.

Take part now

Havering Council's Resident Engagement Team are running a Christmas Toy Appeal, collecting new toys for the children who will be spending Christmas in Queen's Hospital this year. 

The team will be camped out outside the Town Hall in Romford between 12noon and 1pm on the following days, ready to collect your donations: 

• Wednesday 6 November
• Wednesday 13 November
• Tuesday 19 November
• Tuesday 26 November
• Wednesday 4 December

If you'd like to donate but can't make any of those dates, please send an email so the team can arrange an alternative collection date. Please do not wrap up your donations.

Thank you in advance to anyone who is able to donate to the children in Queen's Hospital this Christmas.

A new campaign has been launched to mark National Adoption Week (Monday 21 to Sunday 27 October) which shows how the journey to adoption is different for everyone.

Havering Council is part of Adopt London East which is highlighting the realities of adoption today and the importance of being fully supported through the process.

The latest data shows that there has been a 22 per cent increase in the number of children awaiting adoption who have not yet been matched with a family.

A series of new films hear from families who have adopted and the rewards of looking after a child. If you would like to find out how to adopt, visit the website.

Autumn is upon us, which means the nights are getting darker, Halloween is just around the corner, and Christmas isn't far behind. 

It also means that the clocks will be going back this weekend as we move out of British Summer Time, giving us an extra hour in bed.

Remember to set your clocks back by one hour on Sunday morning. You can check the accurate time in your location online. 

Romford BID was joined by Havering Council’s community safety and enforcement teams on a day of action in Romford Town Centre last week.

The aim of the day was to inform local businesses, workers, shoppers and residents about the various ways organisations like the BID work together with the Council, police and other emergency services and community groups, to help make the town centre safer.

Businesses were also asked for their views on how they think public safety could be improved and tackling anti-social behaviour. During the day, police officers responded to anti-social behaviour and arrests were made, following some incidents.

The Council’s enforcement officers were also out in force, including assisting with rough sleepers, offering assistance and accommodation.

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.

Read more

Active Travel Consultation

Havering Council has launched a comprehensive Active Travel Consultation, aimed at transforming the way we move around our community over the next 15 years.

This initiative seeks to gather valuable insights from residents to promote safer, more sustainable travel options. Residents are encouraged to share their views on current travel habits as well as potential improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure.

The consultation is part of Havering’s broader strategy to reduce car dependency, improve public health, and create a more environmentally-friendly community in which people can get around the borough safely on foot or by bike, if they choose and are able to do so.  

The consultation closes at 11pm on Friday 22 November. 

Have your say

Social Value spending consultation

Social Value projects are about making good choices for our community and businesses. Social Value helps us spend money and provides services in a way that benefits everyone. This way of adding value is increasingly used across public sectors to describe the total positive impact of an organisation or a project. 

The Social Value Act requires the Council to reflect on our values, core services and products, to consider how we might design and deliver these in a way that generates even greater value for our communities. For more details, please take a look at the Social Value Act.

The funds or projects are donated by Havering's contractors to give something back to our community.

Have your say

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 term 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.

Havering Museum is hosting a Haunted Halloween Crowns craft session for children and families. Children can learn to craft a knitted headband with creepy decorations, just in time for Halloween. 

The two sessions take place on Wednesday 30 October, 11am until 12:30pm, and then 1:30pm to 3pm. Tickets cost £5 per child, and you can book online or call 01708 766571 for more information.

Then, join Havering Museum on Thursday 31 October, 7pm to 8:30pm, for a Military Ghosts Talk. Be fascinated and a little creeped out by the stories of military ghosts of the two World Wars, and learn how ghosts are said to have helped the living. Book your place online or call 01708 766571 for more information.

Gidea Park Library is hosting an Anansi the Spider Storytime and Craft session in celebration of Black History Month. 

Listen to Anansi the Spider, then make a creepy crawly spider hat. The session takes place on Thursday 31 October, 3pm to 4pm, and is free to attend, but must be booked in advance at the library desk.

Steve Browne Foundation is hosting a Half Term Activity Scheme for children aged 5 to 10 years. Activities include sports, dance, arts and crafts, and a halloween party. It takes place between Monday 28 October and Friday 1 November at the Forest Row Centre, 241 Lodge Lane, Collier Row, RM5 2LD. Book your place online, or send an email for more information.

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.

The event takes place in the Market Place on Sunday 27 October, between 11am and 4pm.

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.

Do you own a business in Havering? As part of Havering’s Greener Futures initiative we are inviting local businesses of all sizes and industries to a free one-on-one coaching session with a sustainability and business growth expert. 

These virtual sessions are designed to help you save money by adopting greener practices in your business. 

Sessions take place on various dates in early November, but spaces are limited, so don’t delay. Book your place today.

Havering Council’s Community Safety and Public Health teams will be joined by London Fire Brigade and Safer Neighbourhood officers this half term to host a number of talks, using books that can help young children through challenging situations such as domestic violence.

The events will be at Romford Library on Monday 28 October, Tuesday 29 October, Thursday 31 October and Friday 1 November, (11am to 12noon) and then at Harold Hill Library on Tuesday 29 October (11am to 12noon), Wednesday 30 October (2pm to 3pm) and Thursday 31 October (11am-12noon). Speak to the library staff for more details.

A member of Havering Council’s Waste and Recycling team will be at Harold Hill Library, on Tuesday 5 November, 10am to 5pm, and then at Upminster Library, Saturday 9 November, 10am to 4pm, to talk about the food waste collection survey, recycling and more.

Upcoming road closures 

High Street, Hornchurch will be closed from outside number 39 eastbound to its junction with North Street, and northbound to opposite number 21 Billet Lane. This is for telephone works, and will take place 9:30am to 3:30pm on Sunday 27 October.

Settle Road in Romford will be closed from its junction with Dagnam Park Drive to its end for carriageway works, 8am to 5pm on Monday 28 October. Sheffield Drive and Oakley Drive will also be closed at their junctions with Settle Road during this period.

Dagnam Park Drive in Romford will be closed daily from its junction with Gooshays Drive to Whitchurch Road for resurfacing works, 9:30am to 5pm from Monday 28 October to Saturday 2 November. Chudleigh Drive will also be closed at its junction with Dagnam Park during this period.

Surrey Drive in Hornchurch will be closed daily from outside number 2 at the side of number 43 Essex Gardens for maintenance works, 7:30am to 6pm from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November. 

Kings Lynn Drive in Romford will be closed daily for crane installations, 8am to 6pm from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November.

Wrexham Road in Romford will be closed daily from the side of number 38 to outside numbers 2 to 4 Tees Drive for manhole cover works, 9am to 4pm from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November.

Gaynes Park Road in Upminster will be closed daily between Little Gaynes Lane and Cedar Avenue for crossing installation, 8am to 5pm from Tuesday 28 October to Friday 1 November.

Public transport