Friday 25 August 2023
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be expanded to cover all London Boroughs, including Havering, from next Tuesday (29 August).
This means that, if your vehicle does not comply with the ULEZ standards, you will have to pay £12.50 per day to use your car on ULEZ-covered streets.
You can check to see if your vehicle meets the ultra-low emission standards using the TfL website.
The expansion of the zone has been incredibly unpopular in outer-London boroughs, where public transport links are not as well-connected and readily available as central London.
As part of the expansion, the Mayor of London has introduced a scrappage scheme to support those with non-compliant cars to upgrade to a new, eco-friendly vehicles. Unfortunately, the scheme is only available to those that live in London, so people and businesses outside of the borough that need to drive in for work, are not eligible for any support.
Havering has called on the Mayor of London to stop the expansion of the zone, and allow residents and businesses to replace their vehicles in their own time, without getting into huge and unnecessary debt.
You can read the full details on ULEZ, the scrappage scheme, how to pay, and any further information on support and exemptions, on the link below.
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Don't forget to have your say on the Transport for London (TfL) 'Superloop' consultation.
The Superloop is a proposed network of 10 express bus routes that are supposed to improve connections and journey times between outer London town centres and key transport hubs within the city.
Unfortunately, the proposed routes completely ignore Havering, with the Superloop 2 (SL2) services stopping at our neighbours' doorsteps in Barking and Ilford.
With the expansion of ULEZ just around the corner, Havering desperately needs better public transport to help us travel around the borough rather than always depending on cars.
We have repeatedly called for upgrades to Havering's public transport network. An extension to the Superloop will show that we are being listened to and we are getting the investment we need to help the borough thrive.
Have your say in the consultation to get Havering included in the TfL Superloop.
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Two arrests for possession of an offensive weapon and assault on an emergency worker were made by the Romford Town Centre police with help from the Havering CCTV team recently.
An overnight member of the CCTV team promptly alerted the police to a suspicious male having a disagreement with another group, leading to one pulling a Rambo knife on the others.
Once the police arrived, the main suspect was detained, whilst the second escaped. An emergency services worker found him at the station, where he punched the officer’s shoulder, turning off his body camera. He was quickly subdued and arrested, and the large weapon (pictured), was found in his backpack.
Both men were known for serious assaults and weapon offences.
The incident took place at around 5am on Saturday 12 August. There were four more arrests made by the town centre team in that same 24 hour period, for offences including possession with the intent to supply/supply of A-class drugs, and two for drunk and disorderly behaviour.
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A fly-tipper has been fined a total of £700 after being tracked down by Havering Council’s enforcement team.
The litter lout was captured on CCTV driving into South Hornchurch Community car park on Saturday 18 March and dumping household waste from the back of a vehicle, before leaving again.
The Council’s environmental enforcement officers investigated and managed to track the vehicle owner to a property in a neighbouring borough.
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for £400 was issued to the person, who was also ordered to pay £300 for failing to disclose a valid authorisation to carry waste.
The Council continues to enforce against those that fly tip, where evidence can be secured. From April 2022 to March 2023, over 600 FPNs were served for dumped waste-related offences in Havering.
In the past three months alone up to August, the Council has served a further 33 FPNs for fly-tipping offences.
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GCSE pupils in Havering are gearing up to decide on their future after receiving their exam results yesterday (Thursday, 24 August).
More than 3,000 Year 11 students received their grades and are now preparing to start secondary schools across the borough next month.
We went to Sanders Draper School in Hornchurch to speak with students receiving their results, including Hadley, who said “I did better than I expected and I’m feeling good,” after receiving grades sevens to eight. He now plans to study for A-levels in maths, economics and business.
Eva also said she had done well and was very happy after receiving grades 6-8. She plans to go to Campion School to study history, psychology and PE.
Meanwhile Alisha is hoping to get into Frances Bardsley to study psychology, sociology and English, after receiving eight GCSEs.
Lexi, was best in her class, and said she’d made a big improvement in her grades. She is planning to study law, psychology and English at Havering Sixth Form College.
Around 140 students sat their GCSEs at the school, the first time since the pandemic.
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Havering residents have a chance to put their questions to the next meeting of the local health and care partnership.
The Havering Place based Partnership is made up of health and care partners, including GPs, community providers, acute providers, the Council and members of the community and voluntary sector. The aim is to improve services for local people.
Residents can submit their questions and thoughts about how to improve the health outcomes for local people ahead of the meeting on Wednesday 13 September. The meeting is chaired by Andrew Blake-Herbert, the Chief Executive of Havering Council.
Residents can find out how to submit their questions online.
Questions can also be submitted via email – and you can request a link to join the meeting virtually.
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Local area co-ordination is coming to Romford.
Two new people are being assigned to help support residents with issues such as health and wellbeing, housing, bereavements, money problems and more.
Their aim is to help residents to feel supported so that they can feel strong and remain independent.
Residents can find out more at a Community Connecting Day on Wednesday, 30 August in the Hope Café, Market Place, Romford, from 10am - 2pm, where free tea and coffee are being served.
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Remember that We Are FSTVL returns to Havering this Bank Holiday weekend.
The three-day festival includes live music and camping from today (Friday 25) to Monday 28 August.
There are a number of road closures and diversions in place over the weekend to help with traffic management around the festival. Marshals will be in place at road closure points to help redirect traffic.
You can find the full list of road closures on the Council's website, as well as contact details in the event you need additional support with any issues that might come up.
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 The cost of living is continuing to put people at risk of slipping into debt, as energy prices remain high, fuel costs have risen once again, and inflation is driving the prices of everyday essentials to record highs.
Make sure you're ready for winter with Cost of Living Support from Havering Council and partners. Book a free Energy Doctor health check for your home to see where you could save money.
You can also find advice on debts, benefits and other support on our website, and sign up for Cost of Living Updates, so you don't miss out on any new funds or support from the government.
If your child is aged 4-11 years old, they may be overdue for their polio and/or MMR vaccinations.
Pop-up vaccination clinics are taking place across the borough (appointment only).
If you would like an appointment at the pop-up clinics, please call 0208 017 4292 or email appointments@v-uk.co.uk.
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Saturday 2 Sept (11:30am - 3:30pm) at Fairkytes Arts Centre, RM11 1AX
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Monday 11 Sept (4pm - 7pm) at My Place, RM3 9EN
For more information on child vaccinations, visit the website.
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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
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is hosting a Forest Day on Saturday 2 September from 1pm to 5pm.
This event is created to share and discover interesting, new initiatives that are taking place within the local area.
With information on how to participate in the activities, gaining a more enriched relationship between the community and nature, displaying the efforts, striving for a greener future. After, you can also stay to watch the World Premiere of New Beginning.
For any questions about this event email Grace Coppin, or for tickets to see New Beginning click here.
Head over to Havering Museum for a family fun day on Saturday 30 September. The free event runs from 11am to 3:30pm. It's suitable for children ages four plus and a maximum of two adults to accompany five children. The galleries are open to explore and enjoy and activity sheets will be available to complete.
Visit the website, or call Dr Ian Browne on 01708 766571.
An information and technology exhibition is taking place at the Romford YMCA on Wednesday 6 September from 10am to 3pm. The event is run by Sight Action Havering, to help those experiencing sight loss or anyone supporting someone with sight loss. Exciting new specialist technology will be displayed to aid anyone struggling day-to-day, including books in accessible formats, kitchen aids, and information about local services.
There is no entry fee and for any questions, email Michael Brace, or call 01708 375238.
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Join us for a Summer Community Fun Day at Park Lane Recreation Ground, Hornchurch, on Wednesday 23 August between 12pm to 3pm for a free fun day that the whole family can enjoy and get involved in.
Activities include sports, face painting, housing services, youth services, arts and crafts, a petting farm, a bouncy castle, lunch and fruit pots all completely free.
If you enjoy singing, come along and try out the Havering Singers at St. Edwards Primary School, Romford. This group is available to anyone who likes to sing, despite their experience. It is a weekly Wednesday rehearsal running ahead of their concert on Saturday 18 November from Wednesday 6 September until 15 November from 8pm to 9:50pm. There is no audition needed and the first term is free.
Visit the website, or email Sarah for more information.
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is showcasing its second show of the autumn, The Invincibles, from Thursday 7 September until Saturday 23 September. Suitable for children eight and over, this play is 130 minutes and is about the little-known true story of the Sterling Ladies, also known as the Dagenham Invincibles, and the greatest women’s football team of WW1.
Prices for the tickets range between £12.50 and £29.00
For more information or to buy tickets, visit the website, or call 01708 443333.
Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry is holding its Summer Social Event with Havering Mind.
The event takes on Wednesday 30 August, 6pm to 8pm.
The Networking event is free to members, with a £10 donation to Havering Mind for non-members. Book your place online now.
A Praise-A-Thon is happening at New Life Church, Emerson Park on Sunday 27 August from 11am to 4pm. The event is free and is a Thanksgiving celebration using song and dance, and the sharing of Life Testimonies.
To find out more, visit the website, or contact Mrs. Wola Akwenuke on 07824 817688.
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We Are FSTVL is coming back to Upminster, which means there will be a number of road closures and diversions from today, Friday 25 August, until Monday 28 August. You can find the full list online.
Cambridge Avenue will be closed for gas works at its junction with Upper Brentwood Road, 8am on Monday 28 August until 6am on Wednesday 13 September.
Straight Road, Harold Hill will be closed for resurfacing works at its junctions with Hilldene Avenue and Lower Bedfords Road / Noak Hill Road, from 7:30pm on Tuesday 29 August until 6am on Thursday 31 August.
As part of these works, Stanwick Gardens and Hailsham Road will be closed at their junctions with Straight Road.
Western Road / Chandlers Way will be closed for cable laying to the junction of Chandlers Way and Slaney Road, 8:30am on Tuesday 29 August, until 5pm on Thursday 7 September.
Lower Mardyke Avenue will have a lane closed for street light maintenance from 8am to 5pm on Saturday 2 September.
St Clements Avenue is closed at its junctions with Elderberry Close and Copse Avenue until 5pm on Friday 8 September.
The bus gate restriction on St Clements Avenue will be lifted during this time to allow access. Those needing to reach the Harold Wood Walk-In Centre can access via Lister Avenue and the bus gate.
Hall Lane remains closed for drainage works between The Fairway and Ingrebourne Gardens until 5pm on Sunday 3 September. Closures will not be in place Thursday 24 to Monday 28 August.
As part of these works, there will be no waiting, loading or parking at any time on The Fairway, Ingrebourne Road and parts of Holden Way.
Public transport
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Following the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport worker’s (RMT) announcement, strike action is planned for Saturday 26 August. As a result c2c services will not call at Liverpool Street or Stratford. Greater Anglia services are also affected by the strike.
Due to engineering works between Woodgrange Park and Grays, c2c Rainham services will not run on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August.
A reduced Bank Holiday service will be in place on c2c Basildon and Ockendon lines, and Greater Anglia lines on Monday 28 August.
There are engineering works between Fenchurch Street and Barking/Upminster, affecting evening services on the c2c Basildon and Ockendon lines from Tuesday 29 August to Thursday 31 August. Check the website for full details.
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