FREE - Summer Playfest in the Park

Havering will be hosting its annual Playfest again this summer. A free play festival which will take place over five days throughout the borough’s parks, to celebrate national Playday.The first Playfest was held last year, thanks to a £99,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to host the event over three years.

Following last year’s successful event, an extra day has been added to make sure as many children as possible get the chance to take part.Activities at this year’s event include sports like quick cricket and short tennis as well as a dance workshop, interactive music, bouncy castles and face painting.

Playfest will be at:

Central Park, Harold Hill on Monday 3 August

Raphael Park, Romford on Tuesday 4 August

Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch on Wednesday 5 August

Rainham Recreation Ground on Thursday 6 August

Upminster Park on Friday 7 August.

Now the summer holidays have begun, it’s time for children to get out and about in the borough, make new friends, try new things and get active, this free event is a great, stress-free summer day out for children.

For more information go to http://www.havering.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16248

Homes in Havering lose out on £100 Million Grant

Havering Council has demanded the reversal of a shock Government announcement that will see the withdrawal of millions of pounds earmarked for council housing improvements in the borough.

The funding, to bring the borough's council homes up to the 'Decent Homes' standard, was dependent on Homes in Havering achieving two stars in its September inspection. £9 million would have been available this year, with a further £21 million next year. The remainder of £82 million would then be spent over future years to ensure that all council homes have modern windows, kitchens and bathrooms.

This funding had been promised to the Council if it gained its 2 stars, however the money will now not be available until at the earliest 2011 or 2012 and only if Homes in Havering gain 2 stars in September.

Cllr Mann said “It is deplorable and typical of this Government. They have not only moved the goalposts, but taken the pitch and turned it upside down”.

However, we should remember why we are in this position in the first place. Access to additional funding of £112 million depended on Homes in Havering getting a two star assessment. The last assessment by the Audit Commission awarded just a single star, highlighting such weaknesses as poor handling of complaints, low satisfaction in dealing with anti-social behaviour, lack of customer focus, poor level of first time repairs, no clear programme of decorating and an inconsistent quality of cleaning to communal areas.

This bleak picture was further impaired by the discovery of a £2m black hole in the accounts last year and a very generous payment to a chief executive who simply failed to deliver. Although this decision by the Government has let our tenants and leaseholders down, they were already let down by Homes in Havering.

Cllr Mann went on “I am not saying that improvements have not been made, but it is far from clear that HiH will receive 2 stars at the next assessment and time will tell. What is clear is that our tenants and leaseholders deserve is a service which provides prompt attention, clear planning and value for money and this is what we must strive to achieve”.

The £30m additional funding in 2009/10 and 2010 would have been used for:

1,515 families benefiting from new, energy-efficient boilers, thus tackling the fuel poverty they are experiencing at this time of economic uncertainty
1,118 new bathrooms and 1,682 new kitchens, including water-conservancy features
153 families benefiting from extensive works to poor quality homes of non-traditional construction types
Window replacements to 349 homes and door replacements to 241 properties, in support of the Government's energy efficiency and climate change agendas
115 extra properties receiving improvements to their electrics
13 properties having renewed roofs

St Francis Hospice Celebrates 25 Years

Cllr Andy Mann and Denis Stevens joined, staff, patients, and volunteers to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Saint Francis Hospice, which provides world class local care to people affected by cancer and other life limiting illness.

They were joined by various Mayors from Havering, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Brentwood at the outdoor anniversary service at the Havering-atte-Bower based charity on Thursday 23rd July. A specially commissioned book celebrating the history of the hospice was also launched. Two members of staff, Dave Bayfield and Caroline Bastian, were also awarded 20 years long service awards.

The outdoor service, led by hospice chaplaincy team leader Revd Stephen Henwood, featured hymns and hospice trustee and co-founder Joan Matthews recalled how Saint Francis Hospice became a reality and what the opening day was like - “I saw the first patient arrive, it was exciting and the end of many years’ hard work” .

Cllr Mann said, “It is always good to visit St Francis Hospice and see the good work that goes on, the outdoor service was excellent and the summer rain kept away long enough for the 70 plus people to enjoy the afternoon”.

Hospice chairman John McKernan, said: “Saint Francis Hospice has had some fantastic developments such as the creation of a telephone support service and day hospice. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our patients. All this has only been possible thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters and we hope your support continues as we look to the future and helping more people who need our care.”

When the hospice opened on July 23rd 1984 it initially had 10 beds but the forward thinking by trustees enabled a further 12 when needed. Since then it has constantly developed. In its first year the hospice cared for 208 patients and now more than 3,600 people are supported, free of charge, each year.

Today the charity has many services to support all a patient’s needs. These include the inpatient unit, day hospice, a specialist nursing team providing 24/7 care to patients at home with consultant support and an internationally recognised training facility.

If you would like to learn more about Saint Francis Hospice or get involved with fundraising or order the anniversary book please call 01708 753319 or email fundraising@sfh.org.uk

Gallows Corner flyover now open

Gallows Corner Flyover has been re-opened, ahead of schedule, and to a big sigh of relief for motorists using the A12/A127.


Following a period of routine repair works in April 2008, the flyover was further closed to traffic on 28 th May for major works to repair the parapets and support structures.


The Gallows Corner two-lane flyover was erected as a temporary structure in 1970, for an intended 12 to 15 year period. Since then, the flyover has been maintained by a succession of owners since its construction comprising Havering Borough Council, the Department for Transport, the Highways Agency and, since 2000, Transport for London (TfL).

Gallows Corner flyover now open

Gallows Corner Flyover has been re-opened, ahead of schedule, and to a big sigh of relief for motorists using the A12/A127.

Following a period of routine repair works in April 2008, the flyover was further closed to traffic on 28 th May for major works to repair the parapets and support structures.

The Gallows Corner two-lane flyover was erected as a temporary structure in 1970, for an intended 12 to 15 year period. Since then, the flyover has been maintained by a succession of owners since its construction comprising Havering Borough Council, the Department for Transport, the Highways Agency and, since 2000, Transport for London (TfL).

Pinewood Head Teacher Retires

Cllr Andy Mann was pleased to be able to attend the leaving picnic of Mrs Hazel Boutel, the Head Teacher of Pinewood Primary School. Hazel has decided to take the opportunity to retire and spend more time with her family.

As a former pupil and now a school Governor Cllr Mann said “It was great to be at Pinewood School again, although the occasion was a sad one, as Hazel was leaving, it was also a happy one as the children and staff had put a lot of effort into making it a day to remember”.

The 200 plus children joined Mrs Boutel on the school fields, with games and food for all. Mrs Boutel’s time was celebrated by the release of nine balloons, one for each year that she was head teacher. The children then performed a song they had written for her.

Cllr Mann said “I would like to say a big thank you to Hazel for all she has done at Pinewood, she has truly moved the school on and helped put it back on the map again, I would like to wish her all the luck in the future”.

M25 Road Widening to start

Work starts on Monday 20th July to widen the M25 between junctions 27 and 30.

The first phase of work will be from junction 27 (M11) to junction 28 (A12). Later works will affect junction 29 (A127) and junction 30 (A13), the works are being carried out by the Highways Agency and will take over 12 months to complete.

A contraflow with three narrow lanes in each direction and temporary 50mph average speed enforcement will be in place to keep everyone safe. Overnight, when traffic flow is reduced, there will be lane and/or slip road closures as necessary.

Some advance works have already been carried out including:

surveys and site clearance
construction of motorway crossovers
construction of our compound and emergency access routes
fencing and relocation of newts and reptiles

The Highways Agency Community Relations Team will be available throughout the construction process to answer any queries you may have about the project. They can be contacted at: communityrelations27-30.m25@sbbjv.co.uk

For further information please call the Highways Agency Information Line, 08457 50 40 30 or email: m25widening@highways.gsi.gov.uk

New Dentist officialy opened

Collier Row Councillor, Andy Mann attending the opening of the new NHS Dentist in Collier Row Road today, the project funded partly by Havering NHS and Dr Patel was officially opened by the Mayor of Havering.

Over 70 people from the NHS, Havering Council, local partners and family and friends of Dr Patel attended the event and were able to see the excellent facilities for themselves.

The clinic will be specialising in treating nervous and anxious patients and children and the elderly. The surgery opened in the Councils old Housing office, that it sold off some three years ago and has laid empty ever since.

Dr Patel, the lead clinical principal dentist said “We have been working with the NHS to develop a modern family friendly practise and are delighted to offer all aspects of NHS dental care. It is especially important that children’s teeth and gums are looked after in their early years to ensure dental health is maintained for life”.

Cllr Andy Mann said “I was very pleased to be invited to the opening, I have known Dr Patel for over 25 years and was more than happy to support the planning application for this new dentist in Collier Row; a NHS dentist is very much needed in the area and will be a wonderful asset for the community and I very much wish Dr Patel the best of luck as he get the practice up and running”.

For more information, contact the practice on Romford 728 715

Chase Cross Road Closed

Chase Cross Road, in Collier Row will be closed Eastbound, on the 16th, the 17th and the 20th July for major resurfacing works between the hours of 09.30 and 4.00pm.

Local diversions will take you down Gobions Avenue and Havering Road and are best advice is to avoid the area unless you need to travel that way.

The road is being resurfaced as part of the Councils Capital funded programme and follows numerous complaints from you Residents Association and local residents about the state of the carriageway, particularly outside the shops.

"Newsboy" Alcohol license application

The new owners of Newsboy, at 263 Chase Cross Road, Collier Row has applied for a license to sell alcohol. We have been inundated with local residents objecting to the plans

The application is for alcohol to be sold off the premises on Monday to Thursday, from 06.00 to 21.00 and on Friday to Sunday, from 06.00 to 21.30.

If you would like to object, you must do this as soon as possible, as the closing date is this week, the 15th July. You can do so by writing or by e-mail, the details of which are below.

Under the under the Licensing Act 2003, you can only object on four grounds, which are. One, the prevention of crime and disorder. Two, public safety. Three, the prevention of public nuisance and four, the protection of children from harm. These are the only grounds by law that are allowed to be submitted, it would help your objection if you could try and comment around these four headings only.

You must also live or work in the area immediately around the application address, such as Chase Cross Road, The new Havering’s development, Lower Bedfords Road or the top of Havering Road to be accepted as a valid objector. You will need to include you address on your letter as well, or it will not be accepted.

Please e-mail or write to the licensing officer at Havering Council with your objection, his address is paul.campbell@havering.gov.uk or by post to LB Havering, Mercury House, Mercury Gardens, Romford, Essex, RM1 3SL. Please copy your reply to Cllr Andrew Mann via the Town Hall or on e-mail to andrew.mann@havering.gov.uk

Although the closing date is this week, objections are often still accepted. They will be marked out of date, however, they can still be counted, so please write or e-mail if you wish to object.

We have more details on our web site, such as links to Havering Councils website with more information about the Licensing Act 2003 and how to object, address below.

for more information, click here to go to Havering Council website.

Bower Park Awards Assembly

Cllr Andy Mann was at Bower Park School last week, for the 5th annual Awards Assembly. As a School Governor, Cllr Mann said “It is always a pleasure to be at Bower Park School on awards day, watching the children collect awards for all the hard work, achievement and effort, they have put in, during the year”.

Cllr Mann was also called on to introduce this year’s guest speaker, the legendary charity fundraiser, Lloyd Scott MBE. Lloyd spoke at length about his achievements over the years, from fighting back from Leukaemia, to raising over £5 million for charities in the last 10 years.

Heat Teacher, Mary Morrison spoke about the effort put in by all in the school, from pupils, staff and teachers, who have all contributed to making Bower park School the place it is today.

The event also marked the announcement of the new student leadership team, with the head boy, head girl and a new position this year of school president being announced.

Pictured from L to R: is Cllr Mann, Lloyd Scott and Recorder Editor, Mark Sweetingham, also a School Governor

New July / August Newsletter being delivered

Issue 15, the July / August edition of our Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association is now being delivered, across Collier Row, Mawneys, Chase Cross & Havering-atte-Bower.

Over 11,000 houses and shops should have received a copy, with information such as the latest update on Hampden Lodge; the head teacher of Pinewood Primary is retiring and vibrations in Mawney Road.

There are also stories about Mounted Police in the Park, Fly tipping in Mawneys Ward, Park News and updates on Collier Row Town Centre.

Click on the newsletter to read, or click on the link on the right hand side, to take you to our newsletter archive.

Bower Park School "Rocks"

School Governor, Cllr Andy Mann attended Bower Park School’s production of “We Will Rock You” this week and what a fantastic show it was, so good he watched it twice, well almost.

Cllr Mann said “I have waited many years for the school to put on We will rock you and It was worth the wait, the children were fantastic, I watched the opening night and raced back after a Council meeting to see the second half of the last night”

Bower Park School has put on some fantastic shows over the years, however this show has been one of the most complicated and involved, if you are a Queen fan, it was something not to be missed.

The pupils and staff that helped backstage and who took part in the show itself were just brilliant, the standard of singing and acting by the pupils was second to none, in particular the two pupils playing the lead roles, Connor Catchpole and Holly Simms were excellent.

Graffiti painted out by Offenders

Young offenders had to paint over a wall covered in graffiti in Hainault Road, Collier Row in a project organised by Havering Council recently.

The group of half a dozen offenders from Havering had to do the work on Saturday as part of their Community Reparation. The location was chosen after complaints from local people about graffiti vandalism.

The Council supervised the work along with Police officers from the Mawneys Safer Neighbourhoods Team. The Council also supplied the paint and brushes.

Mawneys Ward Action Member, Graham Price (pictured above inspecting recent graffiti in the ward) said "It is good news that young offenders are working to clean up the local streets after committing offences, they learn a lesson and the community benefit from the work".

Follow us on Facebook

You can now follow the Collier Row & Mawneys Residents Association on the social website, Facebook.

Already over 50 people have signed up to the web site and if you are a member of Facebook, just log into the site and search for us and click to join.

You can then receive regular updates of what is going on in Collier Row and the surrounding area. By signing up, you can get e-mail sent direct to your inbox with all of the latest news.

New Vicar arrives at Good Shepherd

Cllr Mann recently attended the Good Shepherd Church, in Collier Row Lane, for the licensing service of the new vicar, Revd David Hague, pictured 2nd from left next to the Bishop of Barking, the Deputy Mayor of Havering, pictured 2nd from right and myself on the far right.

A wonderful evening was had by all who attended; some 200 plus people crammed into the church to celebrate David’s arrival to the parish, with both the formal licensing stuff and song and prayer, accompanied by the excellent in house band.

Cllr Mann said “I am sure David will be very much at home in Collier Row, he and his family are committed to working worth the community, to bring the life and work of the Good Shepherd Church to as many people as possible, I am sure he will build on the good work that the church has been doing for many years”.