Friday 2 May 2025
 I wanted to talk this week about some of the things that are either happening now or coming up in the future that make Havering an exciting place to be.
First off, let's talk about the local economy. We're working to bring in big investments, such as the potential new Data Centre, which will create jobs and help businesses grow. A future new BID for Hornchurch, plus the hugely successful Romford BID, along with the 'Keep it Local' campaign, encourage everyone to shop local, and the Innovation Hub and Small Business Support Programme help to support local enterprises.
We're also working hard to upgrade Havering's infrastructure. Through lobbying, budget prioritisation, and grants, we're improving transportation networks with new cycling lanes and better public transport. The proposed TfL Superloop and Elizabeth line improvements are making it easier to get around, and come off the back of extensive lobbying from the Council.
We care about preserving Havering's unique character, while recognising the need to grow and build to meet our housing demand. Our development plans respect the borough's history and architecture, ensuring new buildings not only fit in, but consider vital infrastructure as part of the project.
The Romford masterplan and initiatives in Rainham balance old and new, creating spaces that honour our past and meet future needs, and our recent Village Green initiative and conservation efforts for historic sites like Tithe Barn and Upminster Windmill ensure we can keep the borough's character intact.
We're committed to environmental sustainability with initiatives like the refreshed Climate Action Plan. We're focused on reducing carbon emissions, maintaining green spaces, and promoting eco-friendly practices. These efforts aim to create a resilient and sustainable environment for everyone, and work alongside our Where We Live campaign, which promotes pride in clean, safe neighbourhoods.
In short, Havering Council is dedicated to a future where every resident can thrive. Our vision for innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability is clear, and we invite everyone to join us in making Havering even better.
Best wishes,
Cllr Ray Morgon
 Thousands of people across the country will be taking over their streets this weekend to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Traditional street parties will be taking place across Havering, organised by communities and local organisations, and complete with music, dancing and likely a doorstep sandwich or two.
If you're hosting or attending a street party this weekend, we'd love to see your pictures and hear about it. Send photos to living@havering.gov.uk, and we'll be showing off the best ones in next week's Living in Havering email newsletter. Please do make sure you have permission from everyone in the photos.
 Children from all backgrounds in Havering are in need of foster carers to have better outcomes in life.
Children enter foster care for many reasons. This means they need different forms of emotional and practical support.
We always try to keep families together when we can. We need foster carers when this is not possible.
Do you have a spare bedroom?
Can you offer a child or young person a home, time, love and support?
If the answer is yes, please contact localcommunityfostering.co.uk or call 02084963437 and ask to foster for Havering Council.
Advertorial
Havering Council has launched an official WhatsApp channel, giving residents access to urgent updates and important news and events across the borough.
Sign up now using the link below - all you need is a smart phone with WhatsApp installed.
And don't worry, your personal information is totally secure and you won't have to share your number with anyone.
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Where We Live - Highfield Towers clean-up
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.
This week, Havering's very own Housing Engagement Team grabbed their pickers and headed out to Highfield Towers to pick up litter and help keep the estate clean and tidy.
They were joined by local residents, as well as the Harold Hill Wombles, Havering Police, and Council contractors Mears and SureServe. Cllrs Patricia Brown, John Crowder, Philippa Crowder, Paul McGeary, and Graham Williamson also took part with the team.
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.
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 There will be no changes to your rubbish and recycling collections over the May Day bank holiday next week.
Residents should leave their bags out as normal from 7am on their usual day of collection - if their collections are normally on a Monday, collections will still be made on bank holiday Monday and the same for the rest of the week.
Over Easter, waste crews noticed a reduced amount or no waste at all left out in some roads across the borough even though there was no change. Residents must ensure their waste is out for collection on the usual day.
As a responsible social housing landlord, we’re carrying out more stock condition surveys of the Council homes we maintain using an external surveying consultant, Savills.
The results allow us to have up-to-date information and help us to plan replacements or improvements, as part of the Decent Homes Standard, set by Government.
This takes approximately 30 minutes and focuses on property condition and a health and safety assessment. All Council tenants have been sent a letter with full details.
Our representatives will have ID and verification that they are working on behalf of the Council and we would never ask you to sign a contract regarding these surveys. If you aren’t sure, you can contact us through https://www.havering.gov.uk/contactus or call 01708 434343.
If you are being pressured into signing a contract, or you are suspicious of cold callers, you can also contact Citizens Advice, the Metropolitan Police, or Action Fraud.
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Cllr Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, visited Royal Jubilee Court in Romford this week along with ward councillors Cllr Philippa Crowder and Cllr Robby Misir to meet local families impacted by the housing crisis and living in temporary accommodation.
With the number of families unable to afford to rent privately, due to the continued rise in the cost of renting, facilities like Royal Jubilee Court are vital to help Havering families and individuals most at risk of homelessness.
Royal Jubilee Court provides safe, comfortable, and supportive accommodation for 79 adults and 171 children and young adults. The site consists of 72 good-quality self-contained part-furnished rooms with their own individual bathroom and kitchen, free laundry facilities, well-maintained garden areas and a spacious communal lounge.
The Council’s dedicated Hostel Support Officers also provide personalised advice and guidance to help residents sustain future tenancies, gain training and employment opportunities, and access health and emotional well-being support.
Given the shortage of social housing and the Council’s financial challenges, establishing new cost-effective temporary housing solutions is a priority to alleviate some of the temporary use of costly private accommodation such as hotels and flats let on a nightly basis.
New approaches such as the leasing of converted office buildings and the development of modular homes at the Waterloo Estate will provide good quality temporary homes for the families and individuals who need them most.
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Tickets have gone on sale for this year’s Langtons Summer Concert.
Set in the grounds of Langtons Gardens, the concert will take place on Sunday 8 June.
Attendees can bring chairs, blankets, picnics and drinks, whilst enjoying an afternoon of both classical and popular music performed by Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra led by Jonathan Butcher.
West & Coe Funeral Directors are the main sponsors, with Elm Site Services co-sponsors and Mullis & Peake LLP Solicitors supporting sponsors for this year’s Council-run event.
The concert, which attracts around 2,000 attendees, is supported by the The Friends of Langtons Estate who will be providing refreshments, with money raised being reinvested back into the gardens.
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Residents from across Havering that are living with Parkinson's can access free fitness memberships through a partnership between local leisure operator Everyone Active and Parkinson's UK.
Everyone Active in partnership with Havering Council, are urging more residents living with Parkinson’s to take advantage of the scheme, which provides full access to gym facilities, swimming pools and exercise classes for patients and up to three of their carers.
The free membership programme, now in its fourth year, is currently supporting 89 residents in the borough who are managing the progressive neurological condition.
Being physically active can play an important role in living well with Parkinson’s. Those living with the condition can find various activities, such as swimming, walking and dance, beneficial in managing their symptoms.
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Keep it Local - Mayor opens Upminster restaurant
In the spirit of our Keep It Local campaign, the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O'Sullivan, was proud to attend the official opening of Kaani Kanna.
Kaani Kanna is Upminster's brand new Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant and takeaway, offering a broad range of flavours to suit everyone.
Show some love for your local shops and restaurants and Keep It Local.
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Those at increased risk from severe illness can boost their protection with a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine, including those who will be aged 75 or over on Tuesday 17 June 2025, people with a weakened immune system or who live in an older adult care home.
If eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. To book, visit the NHS App, the NHS website or call 119 for free.
You may also be able to visit a walk-in site where no booking is required.
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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.
Private Rented Housing
Residents across Havering can now have their say in a consultation on proposals that aim to improve and promote the private rental housing sector.
With private rented housing now making up 19 per cent of the borough’s housing market, the Council wants to help improve the condition and quality of properties and create a fairer environment for both tenants and responsible landlords.
The consultation asks tenants, landlords, property agents and anyone with an interest in private rented housing, to have their say on proposals to introduce property licensing schemes in different parts of the borough.
The consultation will look at two potential schemes and if approved, they would apply to private rented homes.
Conservation Area Appraisals - Romford, Rainham, Gidea Park
Havering Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to provide their comments on the newly updated Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans (CAAMPS).
This includes the proposed extensions to the boundaries for Romford, Rainham and Gidea Park. These areas have been designated as Conservation Areas due to their special architectural or historic interest.
Havering boasts 11 Conservation Areas, each with an adopted CAMMP to ensure these areas are protected from unsympathetic developments and alterations. The CAAMPs for Romford, Rainham and Gidea Park, originally adopted in 2008, need to be updated.
The Council is seeking feedback on the new CAAMPs for these areas.
Residents can view the documents and share their views via an online survey that closes on Monday 9 June.
 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Havering Museum is hosting a brand new exhibition entitled Local Music Scene 1950s - 1960s. This fun and vibrant exhibition celebrates the local music scene from the era including venues, famous artists, and the fashions that followed.
The exhibition opens from Saturday 3 May through to Wednesday 28 June, and is included as part of the normal museum entry price. There are limited access times so check the website in advance for more details.
Refresh your wardrobe while giving pre-loved clothes a new home at a Clothes Swap event, Thursday 15 May, 5pm to 7pm, Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch, RM11 1AX.
All Saints Players next production is Murder at Deem House, a murder mystery by Sam Bate. For years Nurses Iver and Boone had been looking after wealthy old Mrs Deeming. When she died they expected to inherit £500 but to their delight the amount was £100,000. But there is something sinister going on! When the late Mrs Deeming’s lawyer is shot it is up to Superintendent Forrest and DS Grey to interrogate the suspects and solve the case.
Performances are on Thursday 8, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 May at All Saints Church Hall, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2LG. Shows start at 8pm and doors open 30 minutes before performances start. Tickets are £8.50 from boxoffice@allsaintsplayers.org.uk or 01708 456683.
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Romford BID is hosting a VE Day Street Party commemorating VE Day with a heart-warming afternoon of traditional British food, live music, and entertainment for all ages.
The party takes place from 12noon on Saturday 10 May in the Market Place, Romford. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £5 for children, and places are limited so book online now.
Park Rise in Hornchurch is hosting their own VE Day Celebration on Thursday 8 May, 1pm to 3pm, featuring a nostalgic afternoon of delicious treats, parlour games and your favourite 40s songs.
Open to members of the public, just send an email or call 01708 200173 to book a place.
Brewing Connections is a new friendly and informal coffee afternoon designed to support all members of the local community. The drop-in space in The Hope Cafe, Romford Market, will be running as a pilot every Tuesday from 12noon to 1:30pm for the next few months, beginning on Tuesday 6 May.
Hear the Dawn Chorus at Rainham Marshes and mark International Dawn Chorus Day with an exclusive guided walk to experience the magic of early morning bird song. The walk takes place at the RSPB Rainham Marshes nature reserve at 4:30am to 7am on Friday 9 May. Tickets start at £25, and you can find more information on the website.
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This weekend may be your last chance to see the 60 Years of Havering – a look back in pictures exhibition at Central Library, Romford, which closes on Tuesday 6 May.
The exhibition celebrates the diamond anniversary of the amalgamation of Romford Borough Council with Hornchurch Urban District Council in 1965, and highlights important events and changes from the borough over the last 60 years, such as the 2012 Olympic Torch coming through Romford (see above).
Pro-scooter rider, Internet and YouTube sensation Spanner will be at Rom Skatepark for a Meet & Greet on Saturday 3rd May 12noon to 4pm. He’ll be giving demos, prizes and autographs, and there will be Spanner merchandise on offer, as well as signing autographs. Tickets cost £20, you can book online.
Cool Rowings Adaptive Sport and Exercise run a Row Club for those aged 60 and over to help keep fit. It takes place at the Mercury Shopping Mall on Tuesday from 11am, with chair-based exercises from 1pm. Sessions cost £5. Email info@coolrowings.com for more information.
The Arts Society Havering is hosting its next monthly talk, Masterworks of 20th Century Photography by Barry Venning, on Tuesday 13 May from 10:15am to 12noon. The event takes place at New Windmill Hall, Upminster, and tickets for £8 for non members.
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Gallows Corner updates
Works continue on the Gallows Corner flyover and roundabout. There will be a series of temporary lane restrictions on the A127 Southend Arterial Road and A12 Eastern Avenue to/from Gallows Corner roundabout. These will reduce road widths from two lanes down to one.
All routes - including the flyover - will remain open, except for some overnight closures. There will be walking route diversions.
Major roads, approach roads and local roads will be very busy, so expect traffic queues and long delays. There is likely to be less disruption before 7:30am and after 7pm.
You can read more about the closures online.
Upcoming road closures
Gerpins Lane in Upminster will be closed from the refuse transfer station eastbound to the junction with Aveley Road for telecoms works, 9:30am to 3:30pm on Tuesday 6 May.
VE Day street party closures
Several roads across the borough will be closed across the May Bank Holiday weekend for street parties in celebration of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. Closures will be taking place on Saturday 3 May, Sunday 4 May and Monday 5 May. A full list of streets and the corresponding dates can be found online. Please plan ahead.
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Public transport
Engineering works between Barking at Pitsea via Rainham are affecting all c2c lines on Sunday 4 May and Monday 5 May. c2c Ockendon line services will terminate at Grays, c2c Rainham line services will not run.
There will be a reduced service on all c2c lines on Bank Holiday Monday (5 May).
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
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