Friday 13 December 2024
 L-R: Mark Bryant, Lesley Blowers, Brock Whiston, and Father Hingley, credit: Mark Sepple
Havering Council held an extraordinary council meeting last week (Wednesday 4 December) to honour distinguished members of the community, as well as current and former councillors, for their exceptional service to the borough.
Honorary Awards were given to the following individuals, who were nominated for Freedom of the Borough:
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Ken Hay – D-Day Veteran and Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial, nominated by Councillor Gillian Ford, seconded by Councillor Jacqueline Williams.
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Lesley Blowers – Community and Youth Champion, nominated by Councillor Trevor McKeever, seconded by Councillor Matt Stanton.
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Mark Bryant – Former Deputy Lieutenant for Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II, nominated by Councillor Stephanie Nunn, seconded by Councillor Barry Mugglestone.
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Father Hingley – Mayor’s Chaplain and Vicar of St. Alban Protomartyr Church since 1992, nominated by Councillor Judith Holt, seconded by Councillor Martin Goode.
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Brock Whiston – Paralympic gold medallist, nominated by Councillor Jason Frost, seconded by Councillor Ray Morgon.
Additionally, those nominated for the Freedom of the Borough for Long Service were former Councillors John Mylod and Ron Ower, and serving Councillors Reg Whitney and Michael White.
The title of Alderman/woman was also voted on by Full Council, and awarded to former Councillors Wendy Brice-Thompson and Jeffrey Tucker.
As part of the Where We Live campaign, Havering Council has asked residents to report grotspots so we can work together with them and the community to help clean-up and make these areas into more pleasant spaces for everyone to enjoy and help maintain.
One of the grotspots reported was Hall Lane next to the A127 western slip road - where bushes and other shrubbery had become overgrown and was growing outwards towards the kerbside.
Pictured is Havering’s ground maintenance teams using large machinery to clear and make the area safer. The area will be maintained as part of the Council’s regular programme of works.
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 grotspots.
To report a grotspot, head to the Where We Live campaign webpage.
If you are already out and about taking part in litter picks and clean-ups, let us know what you are doing and where. Share what you are doing by using #WhereWeLive and tag in @LBofHavering on Twitter/X or email us your activities at wherewelive@havering.gov.uk.
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A statement from Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, on Transport for London's (TfL) decision to cancel the 347 bus route from Romford to Ockendon:
“I am extremely disappointed with TfL’s decision to axe the 347 bus route from Romford to Ockendon, citing apparently low usage of the route as their primary reason.
“The Mayor of London and TfL claim ‘every journey matters’, but apparently this isn’t true for all Havering residents and their journeys, as the borough continues to be overlooked for vital improvements.
“Despite extensive lobbying, the north-to-south public transport links in Havering remain woefully inadequate. The lauded ‘Superloop’ bus network completely bypassed Havering, while the proposed ‘Superloop 2’ will have limited impact in improving transport connectivity in Havering.
“The 347 route may have lower usage than central London buses, but to the people that use that route to travel between Romford and Ockendon each day, it is another important connection that is being unfairly taken away. This part of the borough already suffered from the expansion of ULEZ, forcing residents and commuters to ditch their cars in favour of public transport – and now those transport options are dwindling. What are our residents supposed to do?
“Perhaps instead of wasting funds on an ultimately unnecessary rebrand of the London Overground, which saw the Havering segments of the service renamed the Liberty Line, TfL could invest in Havering and outer-London boroughs and give us the transport infrastructure we desperately need.”
(Picture credit: Jamie Amoah)
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 Park Primary Academy, a new-build school at the heart of the growing Beam Park neighbourhood, is all set to open its doors in September 2025.
The school is looking forward to welcoming the first 30 Reception pupils to its impressive new building in Hart Way, near the junction of Marsh Way and New Road.
The school will be operated by Partnership Learning, a local academy trust which runs eight primary schools - all rated by Ofsted as Good or better – including the ‘Outstanding’ Harrow Lodge Primary in Hornchurch.
Applications for a place in Reception are currently open for children born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021. Parents should apply via Havering School Admissions before the closing date of Wednesday 15 January 2025, although late applications will be considered if places remain.
 November was another busy month for the Havering Joint Taskforce - also known as the Section 92 officers or S92s. This included 29 arrests for multiple crimes, and the return of 19 stolen vehicles.
The S92s are the five police officers funded by Havering Council to fight crime and issues across the borough that matter to residents, including burglary, robbery and theft of motor vehicles.
Follow Havering Police on Twitter/X.
 There will be a revised rubbish and recycling collection schedule over Christmas and New Year.
Collections will run as normal up until and including Tuesday 24 December (Christmas Eve), followed by the revised dates (see above). This also applies to clinical waste collections. Usual collection dates return from Monday 13 January 2025.
There is no bulky or garden waste collections from Monday 23 December, with those collections resuming again from Monday 6 January.
Find advice on how to reduce your food waste over the festive period. Top tips with Love Food Hate Waste include many other meals you can make with extra leftover food.
For opening times for Gerpins Lane tip and more on rubbish and recycling, visit the website.
 Help shape the difficult decisions that need to be made by having your say on the budget consultation for 2025/26.
Residents can take part in the budget consultation online. Alternatively, paper copies of the consultation will be available at local libraries. A public meeting will also be held at Havering Town Hall, Romford, on Wednesday 18 December, 7pm to 9pm. Full booking details are available on the consultation webpage.
Residents can also sign the budget petition and write to their local MP, details can be found online.
A planning application to build family-sized houses at the former Century House at Albert Road in Romford has been submitted.
The proposed redevelopment of the site will include nine residential houses, including a mix of two and three bedroom family homes.
The redevelopment forms part of the Council’s Asset Disposal Strategy 2022-2028 and includes details about how provision will be made to protect the building, which is on the Council’s Local Heritage List.
The planning proposal seeks to protect the historic core of the building, which was erected in the 1800s, and includes retaining and refurbishing the main building with partial demolition to create four houses, and a further five new houses to the rear of the property. It also includes preservation of the 1883 school dedication plaque.
The proposed development will feature modern, energy-efficient family homes designed to meet the needs of local families.
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 If your child is in Years 3 to 6, they will have access to free, nutritious and varied lunches thanks to the Mayor of London's Free School Meals initiative.
Now, your school needs your help.
Your child may be eligible for Pupil Premium, a fund that grants schools up to an additional £2,010 for pupil support. Pupil Premium comes at no cost to you and checking eligibility is easy.
Click here to learn more and check eligibility.
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Charlbury Court sheltered housing complex recently underwent lift replacement works as part of the Council’s £6million, two-year improvement plan.
The programme of works took approximately six weeks to install the new lift cabin. The upgrade includes a call alarm and lift with supported seat and rails for residents who may need additional assistance.
Residents, Contractors and Havering Council staff celebrated the work completion with afternoon tea.
Residents of Charlbury Court said, “The engineers we’re very helpful and assisted us when needed” adding it was “Brilliant work, clean and the workers were very pleasant”.
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This scheme provides eligible Havering families with £15 per child per week during school holidays to ensure children don’t go hungry.
If you're already receiving payments, there's no need to reapply. However, if you were previously eligible, became ineligible, and are now eligible again, you must reapply. Similarly, if one of your children becomes newly eligible, you’ll need to submit a separate application for them.
Payments for current and recent applicants will be issued during the week beginning Monday 16 December.
If your bank details, address, or email have changed, update them at least three weeks before the scheme closes to avoid delays. Payments are made by bank transfer, and if you don’t have a bank account, you can provide details of a trusted friend or family member to receive the payment on your behalf.
For non-payment queries, email schoolmealholidayscheme@havering.gov.uk, quoting your application reference or National Insurance Number.
Applications for the scheme are currently closed, but you can still update your details if needed. Ensure your information is up-to-date to avoid disruptions.
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 If you are a young person in Havering who looks after a family member or someone close to you, you may be a young carer.
Havering Council in partnership with the NHS has launched a new drive to identify and support more local young carers.
Young carers look after someone who has a physical or mental health condition, a disability, or is affected by substance misuse.
The types of support they provide could include helping with personal care, managing medications, doing household tasks, or providing emotional support.
It's important to get your winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you're eligible. Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.
The following NHS vaccination clinics are available in Havering with no booking required. Check your eligibility by visiting the website.
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Monday 16 December (2pm to 6pm) - Raphael House, Pettits Lane RM1 4HP
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Thursday 19 December (2pm to 6pm) - Hornchurch Library, 44 North St RM11 1TB
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 We're always looking for help to improve services across the borough. This section of the newsletter features current consultations from the Council and partners so you can share your thoughts.
Have your say on all live Council consultations through our website.
Havering Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy consultation
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a key aspect to making Havering a safer place to live. We want to hear from you on your knowledge and understanding of VAWG and the ways we can support you.
VAWG is deeply linked to gender inequality and can have a huge impact on individuals and society. While most victims/survivors are women and girls, people of any gender can experience these types of abuse.
 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
New Windmill Hall Community Association is hosting a heart-warming Christmas Dinner for Havering residents aged 65 and over, and are expecting to spend Christmas Day alone.
Head along to celebrate with others, enjoy a delicious cooked meal, music and festive cheer, all completely free.
Book your spot via email (newwindmill@hotmail.co.uk) or by telephone on 01708 220242. The Christmas Dinner will take place on Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December, from 12noon until 4pm at New Windmill Hall, St Marys Lane, Upminster, RM14 2QH.
Saint George's Church in Harold Hill are also hosing a free Christmas Day Lunch from 12:45pm on Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December. Vegetarian/vegan options are available, and there will be fun, games and a free gift.
Booking is essential, so please reserve your space by calling 01708 379845 or 01708 342089, or by emailing rev.nathanjp@gmail.com or reverendbethany@gmail.com.
The meal takes place at Saint George's Church Hall, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8HX.
St John's Church in Rainham is hosting a Christmas pantomime, It's A Boy on Saturday 14 December, 1:30pm to 2:45pm. Performed by professional actors from LOL Bear Productions, this funny and engaging show for primary school-aged children features lots of interaction, signing and fun for all. Tickets cost £5 per person and includes light refreshments after the show. To find out more information and get your tickets, visit the website.
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Havering Christmas Land is back by popular demand this holiday season, brought to you by Mind in Havering, Barking, and Dagenham. This magical Christmas attraction will once again open its doors in the beautiful setting of The Secret Garden at Harrow Lodge Park, right next to Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre.
Visitors will be treated to a spectacular Christmas lights trail, where thousands of dazzling lights and festive decorations will create an enchanting experience for all ages. The trail will also feature a stunning Santa’s Grotto, food stalls, and live entertainment on selected nights, making it the perfect festive outing for families, friends, and anyone looking to soak in the holiday spirit.
Tickets for the walkway are priced between £4.50 and £5.50 per person, with all proceeds directly supporting Mind in Havering, Barking, and Dagenham. Havering Christmas Land will be open from 4:30pm to 8:30pm on selected nights through December. For more details or to book tickets, visit the website.
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 The Havering Dance Classes for Adults ensures something for everyone, with genres including Latin and Ballroom, Popular Sequence and Modern Line Dancing. All abilities are catered for, so whether you are an accomplished mover or just starting out, our expert tutors will ensure you are kept moving in a fun social setting.
The next sessions run from January to March 2025, taking place at both Sacred Heart of Mary’s School and New Windmill Hall in Upminster.
Classes are available in ten week blocks, with prices starting at £59. For more information and to book, please visit the website.
Havering Antique Collectors Club is hosting it's next meeting with speaker Nick Wickenden, the Curator of the Tiptree Jam Museum, who will be discussing farms, factory and family.
The meeting takes place on Friday 20 December from 7:30pm at Harold Wood Neighbourhood Centre, Gubbins Lane, RM3 0QA. Tickets cost £6 for guests.
The Habbit Factory is back with the purr-fect
Christmas Family Pantomime, Dick Whittington.
To celebrate The Habbit Factory's 20th anniversary year, they’ll be joining Dick Whittington and his
Cat as they seek fame and fortune in an adventure through good old London Town!
With an action-packed swashbuckling story, magnificent musical numbers, spectacular sets, dazzling costumes and a joyfully funny script, Dick Whittington is the festive family pantomime that you won’t want to miss.
The Habbit Factory is running five performances over three days, from Friday 20 December to Sunday 22 December, at MyPlace Centre, Harold Hill, RM3 9EN. Tickets cost £12 per person. Book your place online now.
Sound Company Choir presents its annual Christmas Concert on Saturday 14 December from 6:30pm at Upminster Baptist Church, 1 Springfield Gardens, Upminster, RM14 3EH. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £4 for children, and include light refreshments.
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Upcoming road closures
Bridge Avenue in Upminster will be closed from outside number 83 to its junction with South View Drive for manhole replacement works, 8pm to 11pm on Wednesday 18 December.
Ongoing road closures
Noak Hill Road in Romford remains closed nightly between its junctions with Northhill Drive and Le Noake Avenue for resurfacing works, 7:30pm to 6am until tomorrow, Saturday 14 December, and again from Monday 16 December to Tuesday 17 December. The Mount and Kynance Close will also be closed at their junctions with Noak Hill Road during this period.
Fen Lane in Upminster remains closed daily from Ladyville Care Home to Fen Farm Cottage for overhead cabling works, 9:30am to 3:30pm until Monday 16 December.
Market Link, Ducking Stool Court, The Mews and Market Place car park in Romford remains closed for the Romford Christmas Market, until 9pm on Tuesday 24 December.
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Public transport
Engineering works between Pitsea and Southend Central are affecting c2c Basildon and Ockendon line services on Sunday 15 December. Rail replacement services will be in place for affected sections.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
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