A Havering business was prosecuted and fined a total of £2,675.66 for failing to remove waste and graffiti from their land.

Ghai Properties LTD, a Romford landowner, had failed to comply with warning notices issued by Havering Council instructing them to remove the waste and graffiti from land in South Street - the Council then followed this up with a CPN - Community Protection Notice - under the ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014.

As a result of this action and the business not complying, the Council were able to use powers to enter private land and carry out works to remove the waste and graffiti.

An invoice for these works was also ignored by the business so it was added to the prosecution costs.

No one from the business exercised their right to appeal the notices and the case was taken to the magistrates court and representatives from the business put in a guilty plea.

The Council enforcement officers reminded owners of private land that they have a responsibility to maintain their land and as in this example, the Council will take strong action when they fail to do so.

Where We Live is the flagship campaign from Havering Council, encouraging residents and community groups to work with the Council to help make the borough a cleaner and safer place to be.

There are already many groups of residents and volunteers who are regularly going out in their communities, to help pick up litter and keep where they live, tidy and clean.

Alongside Havering Council’s street cleaning and ground maintenance crews, these groups are taking pride in where they live and inspiring others to do the same in their communities.

Pictured, are some members from the Gidea Park Wombles group. This enthusiastic band of volunteers are residents who got together via Facebook in May 2024 to help restore pride in their local community and keep things clean.

This group run a monthly litter pick on the last Saturday of every month - you can find out more about their next event, which takes place tomorrow, in the What's Happening section below.

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 the hashtag #WhereWeLive and tag in @LBofHavering on Twitter/X and Facebook or email us your activities.

Havering Council recently launched a pilot scheme to help residents pay their bills on time and reduce debt.

The Council has joined forces with SuperFi, an innovative money-saving app for people on lower incomes, to pilot a scheme to help residents manage bills, improve financial resilience, and reduce problem debt. This initiative rewards residents with cashback for timely bill payments, alongside access to tools that could save them up to £1,488 annually.

Council Leader, Cllr Ray Morgon, and Deputy Leader, Cllr Gillian Ford joined Tom Barltrop, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperFi, at the Royals Centre in Rainham earlier this week to promote the app at the weekly Warm Space meet-up, showing residents how they can save money on their shopping and bills. 

The SuperFi app, available for download now, is free for Havering residents, providing vital support as many navigate the challenges of the ongoing Cost of Living crisis. According to StepChange, a prominent debt charity, 13 per cent of Londoners are encumbered by significant debt, with 16.1 per cent of Havering’s population earning below the Living Wage.

Residents can download the SuperFi app from their smartphone or table app stores and register for free with the access code: HAVERING.

Download SuperFi now

Year 12 A Level Geography students from New City College heard from Digital Reef recently about the proposals on the datacentre for Havering, as part of their engagement work on the project.

During the sessions at the New City College campus, students were shown an overview of the proposals focusing on the opportunity to create digital infrastructure jobs, the provision of advanced skills training, and the anticipated broader benefits to local economic development.

The students demonstrated a keen interest in these topics, actively participating in the discussions, posing insightful questions, and expressing a genuine enthusiasm for exploring career opportunities in digital infrastructure and technology.

Their curiosity and eagerness to learn highlighted just how important raising awareness of the project is in inspiring the next generation to consider roles in this rapidly evolving field.

The East Havering Data Centre development is still subject to planning permission being granted.

For more information, please visit the East Havering Data Centre website.

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The role of apprentices are a crucial part of the 12 Sites joint venture (JV) partnership with Havering Council and Wates. The JV board have built targets into their social value programmes to make sure that young people are included in the broader benefits from the regeneration schemes in Havering.

James and Kevin are two apprentices who live in Havering and were taken on by Southeastern Carpentry (SEC) to work on the Park Rise retirement village development in Hornchurch. In total, 22 apprentices gained 1,416 weeks working on the site (combined).

James, aged 19, lives in Harold Hill and studied at Drapers Academy, before going to New City College in Rainham to study a multi-trade course which included bricklaying, plastering and carpentry. He worked on the Park Rise scheme at the very beginning as well as at the end of the construction; fitting skirting boards and installing doors. He is due to finish his studies in November this year.

Kevin, aged 20, lives in Elm Park and studied at St Edward’s School before also attending New City College specialising in carpentry and joinery. He is due to finish his studies in March this year.

Both are still working for SEC on sites across London, whilst on day release from college, and both now want to specialise in careers in carpentry.

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Work at the Tithe Barn has progressed during the last month, as the end of the thatching process was marked with the final touch of boxing hares being installed to the main roof.

The boxing hares are a tradition that represent and recognise the thatcher’s mark and works. The thatching works at Tithe Barn have been carried out by Simply Thatch.

As representatives of the project team, staff from Havering Council and Lexden Contracts Ltd recently visited year five pupils at Branfil Primary School, Upminster, to give a presentation about the works and history of the barn. 

As part of the visit, the children were asked to give their suggestions of names for the hares. Dr Jane Sidell, Inspector of Ancient Monuments at Historic England, assisted by Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council and ward councillor for Cranham, selected the winning names of “Hunter” and “Willow”.

Hunter was chosen for the history of the barn forming part of the original hunting lodge and Willow as the willow which has been used for the crosshatch pattern of the beautiful ridge detail. Once the scaffold is removed, Hunter and Willow will be visible on the main ridge of the barn.

The project is a partnership between National Highways, Havering Council, which is the owner of the barn and Historic England. Funding for the £650,000 works comes from National Highways via the Lower Thames Crossing scheme and a grant awarded by Historic England earlier this year.

The project, expected to last around 12 months, aims to remove the Tithe Barn from Historic England's Heritage at Risk register by addressing urgent repairs. As well as full re-thatching, the works also include structural timber and brickwork repairs to the building, plus works to help reduce water damage.

The building itself has been dated to 1430-1450, and is a Scheduled Monument. It is one of the earliest surviving buildings in the borough.

Havering Council is encouraging members of the public to participate in Havering Islamic Cultural Centre’s (HICC) public consultation.

It comes as part of their proposed relocation to South Street and their pre-planning submission process.

The relocation plans come after the HICC agreed to work with the Council and Bridge Close Regeneration LLP (BCR LLP) to achieve its regeneration proposals for Bridge Close which would require acquisition of their current premises.

Any other money needed to support their plans will be raised by the HICC.

The Bridge Close regeneration includes a new primary school, health services, community and business space and new affordable homes for local people and the support from Cabinet Members and the Council are in their roles as owner and promoter of Bridge Close Regeneration.

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12 Sites Joint Venture Partners Wates and Havering Council recently hosted a Design Engagement Consultation meeting with local residents to gather feedback on the design of Blocks 9 and 10 at Waterloo and Queen Street.

These two blocks will now form the first phase of the Waterloo and Queen Street redevelopment and will be located to the east of the development, alongside Cotleigh Road, and adjacent to both sides of St Andrew’s Church.

At this early stage of the design process, community input is crucial. The consultation offered residents a chance to share their views and insights, ensuring that the evolving plans reflect the needs and preferences of the local community as much as possible. The feedback gathered will play a role in shaping the final design, helping to create a development that serves the interests of everyone in the area.

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Havering Council has received funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Mayor of London to survey and map out the borough’s ancient and veteran trees.

To explore the ancient trees set within royal hunting forests, medieval deer parks, historic wood pastures, ancient wooded commons and old hedgerows, visit the website.

Protecting these mapped trees is crucial for biodiversity, carbon capture, soil conservation, cultural connection, and mental and physical health. Tell us what you think by completing the survey online now.

The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan and the Mayoress of Havering, Sue O’Sullivan, joined over 500 guests at New City College to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February).

The event gave young residents, parents and carers a chance to find out more about apprenticeships and the exciting opportunities they can provide.

Also showcased at the event were T-Level qualifications and Supported Internships for learners with special educational needs. 

Inked, a bold theatre piece from Havering Changing and Queen's Theatre Hornchurch, is going on tour around the borough. 

This live show takes true stories from tattoo artists and people with tattoos around Havering, and shaped them into a compelling and emotive script that shows how there's a story behind every tattoo.

Inked is showing at several locations between Monday 24 February and Saturday 8 March: 

• Royals Youth Centre, Rainham - Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 February
• Mardyke Community Centre, Rainham - Wednesday 26 and Friday 28 February
• MyPlayce, Harold Hill - Saturday 1 March
• Sapphire Jubilee Centre, Collier Row - Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 March
• YMCA Romford - Saturday 8 March.

Book tickets and view start times on the website.

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering is offering free chair-based exercise classes at the Sapphire Jubilee Community Centre, Collier Row, RM5 3BW. Classes take place on Mondays between 2pm and 3pm. Send an email or call 07570 958321 for more information.

Do you care for someone with dementia? Alzheimer's Society is holding a four-weekly Carers Information and Support Programme to help carers to better support relatives with dementia. 

The sessions provide a listening ear, as well as equipping carers with the tools to look after loved ones and ensure they are getting the right emotional and financial support. 

The sessions take place at Rainham Hall, Hayloft Room, The Broadway, Rainham, RM13 9YN. The next session is next Wednesday 26 February, 11am to 1pm, with further sessions the following three Wednesdays. Please book in advance by emailing or calling Nyree on 07759 119516 or Anisa on 07720 144231.

Join the Big Smile Collective Clothes Swap presented by Brennan & Burch at New City College, 42 Ardleigh Green Rd, Hornchurch RM11 2LL, on Tuesday 25 February for a clothes swap, sustainable workshop and refreshments.

Entry is £5 and includes the first 3 items free. Visit the website for more information.

Upminster Windmill is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join its dedicated team, including site guides, educational outreach, and retail operators. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping the historic windmill open. 

The team are running Volunteer Recruitment Days on Saturday 1 March from 12noon to 4pm at the Upminster Windmill Visitor Centre. For more details, visit the website.

Havering Museum has a host of special talks and events taking place in the coming weeks, including discussions about historic London theatres and cinemas, an in-depth look at Havering's pubs and the Romford Brewery, and the Bishopsgate Institute. Visit the museum website for dates and details.

Everyone Active, Havering Council and NELFT NHS Trust are hosting a Long COVID Drop-in Community Cafe at Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre in Hornchurch. If you, or someone you know, has symptoms of Long COVID, come along for a friendly chat and to meet others in the same boat. 

The event takes place on Friday 28 February, 1:30pm to 3pm. If you're not already registered with Everyone Active, you can do so for free before attending so you can access the centre when you arrive. For more information, please call 01708 463190, or send an email.

Everyone Active also host a free Healthy Lifestyle Programme for adults with a mild to moderate learning disability. The weekly two-hour programme runs for 12 weeks and includes fun activities to support people to live a healthier lifestyle and make new friends. The programme best supports those with a BMI between 25 and 44.9, and their carers. Find out more information online, by calling 01708 463181, or by email.

The Gidea Park Wombles group is an enthusiastic band of volunteer residents who come together to help restore pride in their local community and keep things clean.

This group runs a monthly litter pick on the last Saturday of every month. The next group litter pick event is tomorrow, Saturday 22 February, meeting outside Cafe 108, at 108 Ardleigh Green Road RM11 2SH, for 10:30am. 

It welcomes new volunteers and provides gloves, bags, hi-vis jackets, picking equipment and a short induction before each session. This includes a full health and safety briefing. You can find out more by contacting the group on Facebook.

Looking for a challenge? Why not sign up to volunteer with the Havering Volunteer Centre (HVC)? Not only is it a great opportunity to branch out, try new experiences and gain new skills, but it's the perfect way to help others.

Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term volunteering, there are countless opportunities in your local area waiting to inspire you. No matter your age, there’s almost certainly a volunteering opportunity just right for you.

Why not give the HVC a call and let them find the perfect role for you to try. Whatever takes your volunteering fancy, HVC are there to help you find the perfect opportunity. Please visit their website for more information or drop them an email.

Upcoming road closures 

Hubbards Chase in Hornchurch will be closed daily outside number 9 for installation works, 8am to 6pm from Monday 24 February to Friday 28 February. 

Mawney Road in Romford will be closed daily at its junctions with Olive Street and St Edwards Way for carriageway works, 8am to 5pm from Monday 24 February until Friday 7 March. 

Maylands Way and Johns Terrace in Romford will be closed daily at the junction with A12 Colchester Road westbound for maintenance works, 10am to 5pm from Monday 24 February until Saturday 22 March. 

Standen Avenue in Hornchurch will be closed daily between its junctions with Suttons Lane and Hutchins Close, 8am to 5:30pm from Monday 24 February until Saturday 29 March.