Victoria Road Bridge

Just been advised by Network Rail that the weight restriction on the bridge in Victoria Road, Romford is to be lifted.

HORNCHURCH LIBRARY
Ancestry Help sessions for residents researching their family history are available every Monday between 10.30am-11.30am and are free. More information is available from the library on 01708 434903.
NEW SERVICE FROM AGE CONCERN HAVERING
"Pomelo" is a new enterprise from Age Concern, which offers a simple and affordable option for older people who want to stay in their own home and need support and care to do this. To find out more about this please contact Age Concern on 0208 270 4939.
DEMENTIA PEER SUPPORT CLUB
This club is offered by Age Concern Havering for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia. It provides a wide range of meaningful and stimulating activities which enable club members to enjoy themselves in a friendly environment. For more information about this and other support which Age Concern offers for people with Dementia and their carers please phone 01708 797700.
LOCAL HISTORY WALKS
A number of leaflets outlining local history walks which residents can enjoy are available from Havering Museum or local libraries free of charge. The "Havering Walks" include ones on the Transport Heritage of Romford, the royal heritage of Havering-atte-Bower, the manors of Harold Hill, Gidea Park Garden Suburb and Arts and Culture in Hornchurch.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?
There are 15 tennis clubs and centres in Havering, including at Hylands Park, Harrow Lodge, Raphael Park and Lodge Farm Park. For more information on any of the clubs and centres in the borough please see http://www.haveringactive.co.uk/tennis
24 HOUR VIRTUAL LIBRARY
Reliable and verified online reference material is available to all members of Havering Library Service for free at home and in the library, including health reference material, legal and business resources, homework help and practice information for those taking driving tests. For more information please see the website http://www.anywhere.me/havering and select from the Virtual Library. If you experience problems please call 01708 432387 or 01708 434907.
CENTRAL LIBRARY
It has been excellent to see temporary art exhibitions and attend open theatre rehearsals in the library over recent months. Very many thanks to all those who have contributed to them.
GIDEA PARK LIBRARY
Messy Play sessions for children aged 2-5 are available of the first Thursday of every month and cost £2 for library members, £2.50 for non-members. More information is available from the library on 01708 434978. Membership of Havering Libraries is free.

COMEDY CLUB
There is an excellent Comedy Club at the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, with some of the very best stand-up comics in the country. For more information please contact the Queen’s Theatre Box Office on 01708 443333, or visit the website http://www.queens-theatre.co.uk.
INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING IN ROMFORD
This is available at Romford YMCA in Rush Green. For more information please see the website http://www.yclimb.net/romford/

Crime and Punishment Talks Programme OFFER – ALL 6 TALKS AND ENTRY TO THE EXHIBITION FOR £17.95.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS

	The Curious Case of Oldchurch Hospital’s Bogus Doctor Thursday 19th January 2012 - 6-7pm Dick Kirby, a former Flying Squad Officer now turned author, talks about one of his most astonishing cases - the investigation in 1991 which led to the arrest of a bogus doctor.
	Homicide　 - How To Catch A Victorian Murderer Author Linda Rhodes shares local stories of true crimes from the Victorian era, before the discovery of DNA and fingerprinting. What evidence was used then to track down murderers? Thursday 26 January 2012　 -　 6-7pm
	Wildlife Crime - 2 February 2012 – 6:30 – 7:30pm Ian Knox shares his experiences as a Wildlife Police Officer in Havering.
	CSI Havering - 9th February 2012, 6-7pm Helen Windsor, Forensic Officer discusses the advances in forensics and the role it plays in catching criminals and successful court cases.
	To Catch a Smuggler - Thursday, 23 February 2012, 6-7pm Steve Bridle, of HM Revenue and Customs provides an entertaining evening covering the history of smuggling to current day stories of smuggling techniques.
	A Fitting Punishment - Thursday, 8 March 2012 - 6-7pm Mike Hughes, author of ‘Judgment Impaired’ shares his experiences as a Police Officer whilst dealing with serious crime, the limitations of the legal system, the impact on the victim and the ineffectiveness of the judicial system.

E-mail enquiries to

Registered Charity Number: 1093763

All talks are held at Havering Museum and refreshments will be served. Tickets are £3.50 each and can be purchased from the Museum in person or reserved by telephone. To reserve tickets telephone 01708 766 571. Payment must be made prior to each event. Cheques should be made payable to Havering Museum Ltd and sent to 19-21 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU.curator@haveringmuseum.org.uk - www.haveringmuseum.org.uk

Bike Marking

THE BIKE’S FRAME IS MARKED WITH A UNIQUE CODE WITH ULTRAVIOLET INK. THE INK MOULDS TO THE FRAME ENSURING A PERMENENT MARK

THE CODE NUMBER IS THEN STORED ON A NATIONAL DATABASE WITH THE OWNER’S DETAILS. SHOULD YOUR BIKE BE STOLEN AND SUBSEQUENTLY RECOVERED, IT WILL BE RETURNED TO ITS OWNER STRAIGHT AWAY.

THIS IS A GREAT OPORTUNITY TO PERMANENTLY MARK YOUR BIKE AND IT’S FREE!

　

ON SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY AT

11AM IN ROMFORD MARKET

　

AS HAVERING IS ONE OF THE 13 IDENTIFIED

"BIKING BOROUGHS" WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN POLICE DISTRICT WE ARE ENCOURAGING CYCLISTS TO HAVE THEIR BIKES MARKED AND REGISTERED TO PREVENT CYCLE THEFT AND ENSURE STOLEN CYCLES ARE RESTORED TO OWNERSFREE!!!

WE ARE WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH HAVERING MUSEUM’s NEW CRIME AND PUNISHMENT EXHIBITION WHICH RUNS FROM 14 JANUARY - 17 MARCH 2012. THE EXHIBITION COVERS CRIME AND PUNISHMENT FROM SAXON TIME HISTORY OF THE POLICE TO CURRENT DAY SMUGGLING IN HAVERING. THERE IS A GREAT HALF TERM ACTIVITY PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN, EVENING THEMED TALKS FOR THE ADULTS AND THE EXHIBITION IS VERY CREATIVE WITH LOT OF CRIME STORIES.

ONCE YOUR BIKES ARE MARKED PLEASE ENJOY THE EXHIBITION AT 19-21 HIGH STREET ROMFORD.

BRENTWOOD ROAD GALLERY
Residents are invited to visit this excellent public art gallery in front of Frances Bardsley School. Forthcoming exhibitions include "I Never Said I had Answers" (23rd January - 10th February), an exhibition of textiles by "Material Girls" (20th Feb. - 2nd March) and a retrospective of work by Joanna Quinn (6th March - 30th March). The gallery is open to the public Wednesday-Friday 9am-4.30pm and on the second Saturday of every month 9am - 1pm. For more information please see the website http://www.fbsarts.co.uk or email: dhickey@francesbardsley.havering.sch.uk.
CHAMBER CONCERTS AT LANGTONS HOUSE
The Canteloupe Woodwind Trio will play at Langtons House on Thursday 19th January as part of the 2011/12 "Music for a Winter’s Night" series. The classical guitarist John Mills will play on Thursday 23rd February. Tickets are £13.50 (£9.50) usual concessions, available from Fairkytes Arts Centre in Billet Lane, Hornchurch, or by phone on 01708 456308. Credit cards are accepted.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AT HAVERING MUSEUM
Havering Hedgehogs group for children aged between 4-11 meets every Saturday between 12 noon and 1pm at Havering Museum in Romford High Street, offering arts and crafts activities and object hunts in the galleries. Annual membership is £10. The museum is run by the local voluntary charity Havering Museum Ltd.

M25 ROADWORKS
We understand that road widening on the anti-clockwise section between junctions 29-30 is scheduled until February 2012 and construction of the central reserve between the same junctions is scheduled between February and June 2012. More information is available from the contractors on 01708 256000 or online at
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/5739.aspx

Park Protection

PARKS PROTECTION TEAM
Havering Council’s Parks Protection Team can be contacted on the mobile telephone number 07904 805 872 should you notice anything untoward going on in a Havering park.

HELP NATURE IN ROMFORD
The RSPB has produced a guide to how we can turn our gardens in to havens for wildlife to be enjoyed all year round. It is available on their website at http://www.rspb.olrg.uk/hfw.
NATURE CONSERVATION IN HAVERING
Havering won the Biodiversity category in the annual London in Bloom competition this year, for the work that the Council and partners do throughout the borough to promote nature conservation. The judges noted that in Havering "biodiversity is a consideration in everything that takes place, innovation is used in many schemes and the valuable natural assets are recognised". Many congratulations and thanks to staff across the Council and members of Friends of Parks groups, allotment societies and others on this excellent work.

KING EDWARD ROAD
The Council’s Highways Advisory Committee has agreed to see whether extra resident parking bays can be installed.
OAKLANDS AVENUE
The Council is to consult residents on the idea of converting the meter bays to Pay and Display.
HIGH STREET
esidents are to be consulted on the provision of Car Club parking bays as part of a pilot to test the idea out in Romford.
LODGE FARM PARK
Lodge Farm Park has been awarded a "silver gilt" award by the judges of London in Bloom in the Large Park of the Year category. This adds to the Green Flag which the park has already received for excellence in environmental standards again this year. Many thanks to the Council and to Friends of Raphael Park and Lodge Farm Park for this welcome success.

Victoria Road bridge

I will be meeting with residents this evening at St Alban's Church to discuss Network Rail's decision to close the bridge in Victoria Road for 2 years awaiting a rebuild. This means no bus service and is very inconvenient for those who don't have a car.

MILL PATH
Shops backing on to Mill Path from Victoria Road have been asked by the Council to produce waste transfer notes detailing how they dispose of their waste to ensure that it is done correctly. All the flats backing on to the path have been written to reminding them of how household rubbish should be disposed of and signage has been put up to re-enforce this. Action is being taken with regard to fly tipping. Waste which is incorrectly disposed of will result in those responsible being fined.
GEORGE STREET
Thanks to residents for reporting a paint spillage on the pavement here. Unfortunately the spillage is gloss paint on tarmac and so a chemical application to remove it would only destroy the pavement. The Council has arranged for the spillage to be scrubbed more regularly by the mechanical sweeper to gradually resolve the problem.
BRIDGE CLOSE
The Council has consulted on proposals to further restrict parking in Bridge Close, following requests from local residents.

INGRAVE ROAD
Following requests from residents the Council has examined whether it would be possible to remove the parking meters here and replace them with residents only parking bays. It appears that the current meter bays are well-used, and so removing them would be likely to exacerbate rather than improve existing car-parking problems in the area and so it will not be possible to pursue the idea.
VICTORIA ROAD
Extra bins are to be installed in Victoria Road inside the Ring Road.
DOUGLAS ROAD
Congratulations to all those involved in the community garden who won the award for Best Community Garden in the annual "Havering in Bloom" scheme.

BREWERY WALK
We have reported some poor quality pavement repairs near the trades entrances of the Halifax and Barclays.
ERROLL ROAD
We have raised concerns about the number of trees proposed to be removed at part of a planning application at 50 Main Road at the junction with Erroll Road.
RICHMOND ROAD
We have enquired as to the details of noise reduction and waste storage associated with a planning permission for commercial use in this road.
BRENTWOOD ROAD
The applicants have appealed against the Council’s refusal of permission for a phone mast looking on to Kyme and Dymoke Roads. We have supported residents in lobbying the national Planning Inspectorate to support the Council’s position on the mast.
CLIFTON ROAD
We have submitted a petition signed by 45 residents, gathered by residents, in support of action to ease resident car parking problems.
MARKET LINK
We have supported residents of Emma House and Hazeleigh House who are seeking to establish why the owners of the private street level car park in front of their block behind the Churchyard will not let them purchase spaces in it, despite the fact that it is always almost entirely empty!
CHARRINGTON COURT
We are grateful to ONE Housing for the positive way in which they have responded to concerns about anti-social behaviour which residents of Charrington Court have raised with us. We look forward to ongoing work with ONE Housing in this issue.

Police Communication to the Community ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------　 WELCOME TO ALERTCOMMS
Police are appealing for information in relation to a number of Robberies occurring on buses in Havering. Over the last two weeks Havering Police have discovered what they believe is a linked series of robberies on buses in the north of the borough. 　 From 14th November to 28th November 4 robberies have taken place targeting young males aged 16 - 18 years of age. On each occasion a mobile telephone has been taken along with items of jewellery, clothing and oyster cards. 　 The suspects, one male and one female, use the bus services around the north of the borough. 　 The ma le is described as white, 18 - 19 years old with short brown hair and brown eyebrows. He has a clear complexion and has been seen wearing a dark hooded top - jeans and white trainers. The other suspect is described as female, white, aged 15 - 19 of slim build with dark hair tied back into a pony tail. She is said to have a spotty complexion and wears a distinctive coat with a fur trimmed hood. If you recognise these individuals or can provide any further information in relation to the offences that have occurred please call DS Mark Wells at Romford police Station on 101. 　 　 　 Appeal for information
101 Opening Hours: 24 hours a day For further information, please contact your nearest police station: Romford　Police Station Telephone:

M25 roadworks

M25 ROADWORKS
We understand that road widening on the anti-clockwise section between junctions 29-30 is scheduled until February 2012 and construction of the central reserve between the same junctions is scheduled between February and June 2012. More information is available from the contractors on 01708 256000 or online at
http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/5739.aspx

CHURCH LANE
Residents are to be consulted on the provision of Car Club parking bays as part of a pilot to test the idea out in Romford.
ST. ANDREW’S ROAD
The street gate to the communal at numbers 7-21 has been replaced and the clothes lines in the drying area repaired.
LODGE AVENUE
We have reported damage to a manhole cover which could be a trip hazard.
MARWELL CLOSE
It is hoped that some new trees can be planted in the Close as soon as contact can be made with the management company here to agree the work.
SOUTH STREET
We have reported some poor quality pavement repairs near the Co-op Bank. We have objected to an application to add another storey to the block opposite Londis in South Street near the end of Victoria Road, and to an application for yet another premises licensed to sell alcohol at the same location. We reported what looked like fire damage to the pavement outside "Missoula" and this has since been cleaned and jet washed by the Council.

TOLLGATE HOUSE
This is the block covered with scaffolding at the Ludwigshafen Place end of the Market. The building is privately owned. The Council has sought to encourage the owners to make the necessary repairs to the building and we understand that there is hope that the Administrators of the building will soon do the work to enable the scaffolding to be removed, something which we are sure would be welcomed by all.

NORTH STREET
We reported poor quality repair work to the public footway by "Andrews" letting agents to the Council. Unfortunately, in our view, work has started on a major new development in North Street just inside the Ring Road. The block being built will be very tall and was refused by the local authority but approved by the National Planning Inspectorate, over-ruling the Council.
ST. EDWARD’S WAY
We have asked whether the Council could liaise with the owners of the shrub bed at the junction with Market Link to encourage them to improve the maintenance of it. The Council has rejected proposal for junction changes at the junction of St. Edward’s Way and Mawney Road.
WATERLOO ROAD/EXCHANGE STREET
The Council has agreed changes to the road layout and traffic signals at this junction to improve safety and traffic flow. Many thanks to local residents who contributed actively to consultation on the matter.

MAIN ROAD
The Council intends to replace the bench outside Harefield Manor Hotel once the current works to the frontage of the hotel are completed. New beacon columns have been installed on the zebra crossing near Hill Court. We understand that the old columns will be removed once the electricity supply has been transferred to the new ones and the street lighting contractor is satisfied with their operation.
NORTH STREET
We reported poor quality repair work to the public footway by "Andrews" letting agents to the Council. Unfortunately, in our view, work has started on a major new development in North Street just inside the Ring Road. The block being built will be very tall and was refused by the local authority but approved by the National Planning Inspectorate, over-ruling the Council.
ST. EDWARD’S WAY
We have asked whether the Council could liaise with the owners of the shrub bed at the junction with Market Link to encourage them to improve the maintenance of it. The Council has rejected proposal for junction changes at the junction of St. Edward’s Way and Mawney Road.

ROMFORD STATION STREET CLEANING
A new regime of increased bin washing and footway cleaning has been introduced in the refurbished area immediately outside the station.
ATLANTA BOULEVARD
Following public consultation a "Kiss & Ride" parking facility is to be installed here to make it easier to drop people off for Romford Station.
FRANCOMBE GARDENS
We have sought to be of assistance to residents aggrieved at the way a recent planning decision affecting them was taken.
MANOR ROAD
The National Planning Inspectorate has overturned the decision by Havering Council to refuse a change of use at Manor Works from office use to residential. This means that the application is permitted.

Repton Avenue/Gardens/Drive

REPTON AVENUE/GARDENS/DRIVE
Many thanks to residents from these roads who have contacted us about car parking problems which they are facing too, and expressing concern that any action to ease the issue in the neighbouring Tudors does not merely pass the problem on to them. We have passed these concerns on to the Council, and they have agreed to include the Reptons in the consultation about car parking which they will being doing with residents in the Tudors in November/December. Residents in the Reptons will be asked the same questions, but residents in Repton Avenue will also be asked whether they would like the very narrow pavement parking bays in their road removed and people allowed to park wholly on the road. This may also help reduce vehicle speeding problems which residents report, but if it is a change that residents consider unnecessary then it will not be pursued.

"Government’s Cancer Strategy will save lives" says M.P. Andrew

Andrew Rosindell M.P. has met with local campaigners from Breakthrough Breast Cancer to discuss how the Coalition Government’s new cancer strategy will help save an additional 5,000 lives every year in the United Kingdom.

Romford constituents Sherifat Osinowo and Barbara Binder, a Mammographer and a breast cancer Nurse respectively, visited Andrew in the House of Commons to speak about the importance of improving the National Health Service’s breast cancer screening programme.

At the moment, the programme offers free screening every three years to all women in England aged 50 and over. Plans announced by the Government this year include extending the screening programme to include women aged 47 to 49. Through earlier diagnosis and improved access to services such as radiotherapy, the new strategy is expected to lead to greatly improved mortality rates for women with Breast Cancer.

　

Andrew also chaired a Westminster Hall debate on the subject of Ovarian Cancer, and heard from the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Paul Burstow M.P., about the Government’s commitment to improving diagnosis and survival rates for all types of cancers.

Speaking after the debate, Andrew commented:

"I am pleased that the Government has committed to investing over £450 million over the next four years to improve cancer awareness and treatment.

It is vitally important that cancers are diagnosed early and treated effectively, in order to provide the best possible survival rates. The Government’s new strategy will mean that people in England will obtain the right diagnosis and treatment which can save their lives."

Tudor Avenue/Drive/Gardens

TUDOR AVENUE/DRIVE/GARDENS
Following requests from residents, the Council is to consult about the car parking situation. We understand that it is hoped that this will happen in late November/early December 2011. Residents are to be consulted on putting in safety markings to prevent parking on bends and junctions, and views are also to be sought on whether residents feel there is a wider car parking problem in the area. If people feel there is then what they feel would be good methods of reducing the problem, and whether they feel residents’ permit parking would be a solution. Following this, residents will be able to attend a Highways Advisory Committee at the Town Hall in the new year where the results of the consultation will be discussed and responses agreed.

Waterloo Road Estate

WATERLOO ROAD ESTATE
Many thanks to Homes in Havering for the environmental improvements that they are making here. Double glazing is being installed in Thomas England House and William Pike House. Wall insulation is being installed in the two blocks. Each flat in these two blocks is getting a new front door. External balconies are being repaired. New lifts are being installed in both blocks. Once this work is done internal communal areas will be redecorated and work done to improve the main doors.

Victoria Road Rail bridge

VICTORIA ROAD RAIL BRIDGE
Network Rail have required that restrictions be placed on this bridge due to structural safety concerns. The Council hopes to persuade Network Rail; 1) to carry out the work needed to make the structure safe rapidly, 2) to persuade them that they could ease the restriction (and therefore reduce disruption caused by the restriction) without endangering public safety at the bridge. We have written to Network Rail in support of the Council’s position, and understand that it would be helpful if residents could do so as well. The address to contact is Customer Relations, Network Rail, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London. N1 9AG.

RAPHAEL PARK RESTORATION

Work on the restoration of Raphael Park, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and others, will start in May 2012 and continue until May 2013. The work will include restoration of the lake side promenade and revetments, the provision of a new public toilet facility, café and other facilities in the Lodge at the Main Road entrance to the park, the restoration of the bandstand, the restoration of all footpaths in the park, the restoration of historic features from the eighteenth and nineteenth century history of the landscape, the removal of the concrete culvert and the erection of a new wooden bridge across Black’s Canal at the Lake Rise entry to the park, decoration and repair of the exteriors of the tennis and football/cricket pavilions, improvements to the Gordon Humby Summer Theatre Garden, and other work. The Council works with Friends of Raphael Park and Lodge Farm Park at the park.

Armistice Day Romford Market

Councillor Wendy Brice-Thompson attended the Armistice Day act of rememberance in the Market Place, Romford this morning.

Student Protests - Police update

Student protests expected in London on Wednesday 9 November 2011 The MPS has a responsibility to facilitate peaceful protest. However young people at school should continue their education on the day of the protest and go to school as usual. They should not try to travel in to central London or become involved in any protest during school hours. Their unauthorised absence from school will make them subject to truancy laws and the police and education authorities may take appropriate action. There will be a proportionate and strong presence of Police and Community Support Officers across London --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 　 on the day of the protest, including at transport hubs and the areas surrounding schools. Officers will continue to provide the people of London a visible, accessible and familiar presence in their local communities in order to cut crime.

Romford Town Centre joins forces in advertising push

18 October 2011

Romford Town Centre joins forces in advertising push
Shopping centres in Romford – the Mercury Mall, the Liberty and the Brewery - have joined forces with Havering Council to launch an advertising push to promote Romford as a retail centre in light of new competition.

Already one of London’s busiest retail centres, Romford attracts more than 425,000 visitors each week.

 

The town centre offers the best of both worlds as it has some of the UK’s biggest brands and high street stores but also offers a mix of locally owned family businesses and a history of trade dating back 760 years to the opening of Romford Market. 

 

Beginning as a sheep and cattle market in 1247 and remaining on the same spot ever since, Romford Market is integral part of the town centre. Many of the market traders are from the local area or East London and some families have been trading in the market for generations.   

The town centre also has family owned businesses which have maintained a healthy trade alongside some of the biggest retail stores in the UK.

There are more than 400 shops, cafés and restaurants, a cinema complex and bowling alley all in an area of 200,000 square metres and at night Romford has a thriving night time economy and is a popular nightspot.

 

Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Michael White said;

 

“Romford is already one of London’s great retail centres with high street shops and big brand stores mixed with independent retailers and an historic market. This is what makes it different to these mega-malls, Romford is a town centre not just a shopping centre, it has character and individuality, a heart and soul.

 

“Where else could you strike up bargains from a local trader whose family have been trading in 760 a year old market for generations? We want to keep Romford different to these giant shopping malls and we encourage everyone to come to Romford to experience a real town centre.”     

 

Surgery this week

I am doing a surgery with Andrew Rosindell MP in ASDA, Romford this afternoon from 3 pm.

Counterfeiting gang leader to pay £1.2 million after Havering Council busted biggest ever global eBay scam

21 September 2011

The ringleader of a criminal network convicted of masterminding a global fake golf club scam after an unprecedented investigation by Havering Council has been ordered to pay more than £1.2 million by a court.

The counterfeiting operation was the biggest of its kind ever to be investigated by a Council trading standards team and is the largest counterfeiting conspiracy ever uncovered on eBay.

 

Gary Bellchambers, from Rainham in Havering, was ordered to pay back the total amount at a Proceeds Of Crime hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court .

 

Bellchambers has to pay £1,248,638 in total – of which £250,000 is towards Havering Council’s prosecution costs. Havering Council will also receive a large amount of the confiscated amount. If he fails to pay the amount within four months he faces a maximum of up to five years in custody in default. He is currently serving a sentence of four years and three months in jail after the criminal trial in 2009.

 

Earlier this year four other members of the gang were ordered to pay a total of £643,000. The confiscation orders totalled £513,000 and £130,000 was towards the Council’s prosecution costs.

 

The group sold millions of pounds worth of counterfeit golf clubs and other fake golf merchandise through the website between June 2003 and March 2008.

 

Bellchambers was the ‘ringleader’ who orchestrated the conspiracy, sourced and organised the delivery of more than six tons of golf equipment into the United Kingdom alone.

 

The majority of the fake goods were manufactured at factories in Turtle Creek, Shenzhen, China and shipped to the various defendants’ addresses in the UK. From bases in Thailand, or their homes in the UK, they arranged for the fake goods to be sent to eBay customers in Ireland, Australia, the United States, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, the Netherlands, Brazil and New Zealand. Nearly every major golf brand had been counterfeited.

 

The downfall of the counterfeiting empire was brought about when a customer complained to Havering Council trading standards officers after she had tried to get a refund for two clubs.

 

The Council then launched an investigation, codenamed Operation Augusta, named after the US golf club which hosts The Masters.

 

Council officers searched the homes of the defendants and other addresses and seized computers and thousands of golf clubs.

 

The defendants sold the clubs for around £50-£100 (genuine clubs retail at £110-130). The cost of manufacturing each fake club and having it shipped from China to the UK was US$5.

 

Councillor Lesley Kelly, Cabinet member for Public Protection, said:

 

“Operation Augusta was an unprecedented investigation and a huge victory against counterfeiters who were ripping off thousands of people. It was an incredible effort by our team, named this year as the best department in the country in tackling counterfeiting.

 

“We will be able to take a large amount of these criminals’ assets and invest this money into protecting local people.”

 

Under the confiscation order made on May 6 this year, Roy Cottee, (23/9/43) of Thorn Lane, Rainham, was ordered to pay £220,000 within six months and also £60,000 prosecution costs. His wife Kay  (26/5/63) was ordered to pay £80,000 and £10,000 prosecution costs.

 

Keith Thomas, (13/11/59) from Martin Drive, Rainham, was ordered to pay £173,000 and £40,000 prosecution costs.

 

Sharron Williams, (21/11/60) from The Alders, West Wickham, Kent, was ordered to pay £40,000 and £20,000 prosecution costs.

 

In the criminal trial which took place between September and December 2009, Roy and Kay Cottee, Sharron Williams and Helen Wilson, (14/11/80) of The Knoll, Hertford, were found guilty of conspiring together to sell or distribute counterfeit golf clubs, clothing and accessories bearing signs likely to be mistaken for registered trademarks contrary to Section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

 

Bellchambers, (2/9/63), of Dunedin Road, Rainham, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy along with Keith Thomas. Chris Moughton, from Hayfield Avenue, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to a role in a connected conspiracy.

 

Keith Thomas was sentenced to 16 months in prison and Roy Cottee was given a custodial sentence of 12 months.

 

Confiscation orders  were also made against Helen Wilson and Chris Moughton was held in January this year.

 

Havering Council’s Trading Standards team was named as the best department in the country in the Anti-Counterfeiting Group’s annual awards on Thursday 5 May 2011.

 

The ACG Awards Committee gave the team the 2011 Department Award for Excellence on Thursday 5 May for “outstanding work” for the Operation Augusta investigation and successful prosecution.

 

The Council was awarded £500 towards courses for Trading Standards officers, surveillance equipment, satellite navigations units, digital cameras or IT equipment.

This weekend at the Queen's Theatre

We've got something for everyone!

www.queens-theatre.co.uk

---

THIS Saturday Open Day at the Queen's!

Sat 17 Sept

As part of London Open House, the Queen's Theatre will be throwing open its doors to give you a peek behind the scenes! Join us for a backstage tour, revealing the hidden elements that go into creating professional theatre.

Free Backstage Tours | 10am | 11am | 12noon

Free Tours for Children (aged 4 - 10) | 10am | 12 noon
There's also exciting, fun activity-filled tours for children!

Last few places remaining!
Please book in advance by calling the Box Office on 01708 443333
Also THIS weekend!
Sun 18 Sep | Opera Novella presents Verdi's Rigoletto | 5pm | £22 | £16 children

Mon 19 Sep | Wayne Sleep in Performance | 7.30pm | £18

London Open House

Romford Recorder
The Queen’s Theatre, Havering Town Hall and Towers Junior School-these are just some of the buildings that residents will be able to take a peek behind as part of the London Open House.

Havering Town Hall

The event on Saturday September 17 and Sunday September 18 will see 12 buildings in Havering opening their doors for residents to explore.
Among the gems taking part in the annual event will be the Thames Chase Forest Centre, which reopened in April 2010.
People will be able to explore the award winning modern visitor centre which is attached to a 17C listed barn-one of the best preserved in the London area.
Residents will also be able to take a look behind the scenes of local democracy as the Grade II listed Havering Town Hall offers regular tours as part of the event. The design was the result of an architectural competition won by Collins & Geens and the building boasts unique fittings using Bath stone, bronze and Tasmanian oak.
Some of Havering’s classic buildings will again be taking part in the open weekend including The Queen’s Theatre, which will also have children’s activities, the recently refurbished Langtons House, Upminster Tithe Barn and Rainham Hall.
This year Havering has two exciting new editions to the event, Hylands Primary School and Towers Junior School have both recently been modernised. Hyland Primary School now boasts sustainable features such as a biomass boiler and sedum roof.
Residents can also join the Gidea Park Garden Suburb Walk. The two-hour tour takes in the Gidea Park exhibition houses and Hare Street buildings in the suburb’s centenary year. The walk takes place on the Saturday, meeting at 10.15am at the entrance to the Balgores Square car park.
There will also be the opportunity to take part in a guided walk around Havering-atte-Bower the oldest Royal village in the country. The walks will take place at 10.30am on Saturday 17 and 2.30pm on Sunday 18 meeting point is the bus stop on The Green.
Councillor Andrew Curtin, Cabinet Member for Towns and Communities, with special responsibility for Culture, said: “We are seeing some very interesting architecture being built in Havering now, tackling many social issues from environmental sustainability to reflecting modern ideas about education, as well as responding to aesthetic and engineering issues.
“I am looking forward to seeing some of these building as part of London Open House in Havering in 2011, and setting new works in the context of the rich historic tradition of landscape and architecture which exists in the borough, and I hope that many other residents will do so too.”
If you fancy exploring outside Havering, other buildings in London will also be taking part in the event.

LEARN ABOUT QUEEN’S THEATRE
Residents will have the chance to learn more about the vital work in education and with young people which the Queen’s Theatre does at Romford Town Conservatives annual dinner at Romford Golf Club on Friday 14th October, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £30 and are available from Cllr. Wendy Brice-Thompson on 01708 747993. There will be a speaker from the theatre.
HEAR BORIS JOHNSON SPEAK IN ROMFORD
Boris Johnson is to speak at a dinner at a Romford venue on Thursday 6th October at 7.30pm. Tickets are £50 each. Residents who are interested in attending should send a cheque for tickets made payable to Havering and Redbridge Conservatives at 23 Butts Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2JS. You should include your name, address and a contact e.mail or phone number.

Library Events

AGE CONCERN AT CENTRAL LIBRARY
Age Concern will be holding an event in Central Library on 4th October hoping to help residents with the maze of questions about care in later life and matters such as who pays for it. Entry will be by ticket only, £3 each. To book and for further information please phone 01708 796602.
GIDEA PARK LIBRARY FOR 7-11 YEAR OLDS
The Special Agents Reading Group meets monthly on Tuesdays from 4-5pm. Admission is free, but residents need to phone the library on 01708 434978 to book a place.
POETRY AT HORNCHURCH LIBRARY
Havering Poetry Group for Adults will next meet on 14th September at 4.30pm at Hornchurch Library.

Green Flags for our Parks

GREEN FLAGS
Cottons Park, Lodge Farm Park and Hylands Park have all been awarded prestigious Green Flags in the Green Flag Award Scheme supported by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and Keep Britain Tidy, among others. The flags recognise outstanding achievement in areas including nature conservation, maintenance and community involvement. 8 parks in Havering have Green Flags.
NEW EXHIBITION AT LOCAL STUDIES LIBRARY
An exhibition on the history of Romford Summer Theatre, who celebrate their 50th anniversary producing Shakespeare in Raphael Park this year, is open for all to see for free at the Local Studies and Family History Centre on the first floor of Central Library until 25th September. To check opening hours please phone the library on 432392.

PARKS PROTECTION TEAM
Havering Council’s Parks Protection Team can be contacted on the mobile telephone number 07904 805 872 should you notice anything untoward going on in any Havering park.
HYLANDS PARK
The Council has carried out some repairs on play equipment. Hylands Park Community Amateur Sports Club is opening its 6 tennis courts in the park to residents for free on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm until 23rd October. There is no need to pre-book and all are welcome. The Council works with Hylands Park Action Group to continue improvements at the park.
COTTONS PARK
The Council has replaced picnic tables, some outdoor gym equipment and children’s play equipment at Cottons Park. the Council works with Friends of Cottons Park to keep on improving the park.
LODGE FARM PARK
Picnic tables inside the play area have been replaced by the Council.

STANLEY AVENUE
Residents have suggested restricting maximum stay levels in free car-parking bays near Balgores Lane.
THOMAS ENGLAND HOUSE/ WILLIAM PIKE HOUSE
Homes in Havering are installing new lifts in both of these towers. It is also hoped that finances may be available to install double glazing in all flats in both houses and to do some external decorations.
ROMFORD CONSERVATION AREA
An application for conversion of the upper floors of Quadrant Arcade was rejected by the Council in part due to the negative impact which it was believed the application would have on the visual aspect of the conservation area. An application at "The Lamb" public house was altered on conservation advice to ensure that important internal features of this historic building were maintained as part of a planning application submitted for the site. We have raised concerns about impact on the visual appeal of the conservation area of an application by HSBC at 9 Market Place.

ST EDWARD’S WAY/MAWNEY ROAD
We have asked the Council to ensure there is ample signage given for proposed junction changes at this site.
VICTORIA ROAD
The Council is to remind shop owners of their responsibility to ensure that the surfaces that they own in front of shops are safe for pedestrian use. Extra litter bins are to be installed in the part of the road between the ring road and South Street and patching work is to be carried out on the public footway. We are very grateful to residents for contacting us seeking progress on these matters. The Council has been instructed by Network Rail to introduce a three-tonne weight limit on the railway bridge between Victoria Road and Heath Park Road. Unfortunately restrictions are likely to be in place for a significant period of time. Width restrictions will affect bus routes 370, 496, 649 and 650, which will be diverted via Brentwood Road.

Bridge in Heath Park Road, Romford

I'm happy to report that following our requests, the Council have taken action to reduce the risk of damage to cars going through the 2 pinch points over this weak bridge.  The posts have been shortened so no-one should hit them with their wing mirrors any more.

REGARTH AVENUE
We have asked for problems with the bridge at the end of Regarth Avenue to be raised with the owners of the structure.
MERCURY GARDENS
We have enquired as to whether the owners of the shrub beds outside Wilkinsons in Mercury Gardens intend to improve the state of them.
WOODFIELD AVENUE
Residents have suggested restricting maximum stay levels in free car-parking bays.
INGRAVE ROAD
The Council is to consider converting the parking meter bays to local resident permit bays to ease car parking problems for residents of Dunton Road and Aveley Road at the suggestion of local residents.
WESTERN ROAD
We objected to an application to install new air conditioning units on the roof of Sovereign House after residents in Halyards Court expressed concerns that it would result in unacceptable noise levels in their flats right next door to it.

EASTERN ROAD
Following requests from residents we have raised problems with low-hanging branches in Eastern Road inside the Ring Road with the Council.
ROSSALL CLOSE
Progress seems to have been made on preventing problems with weeds growing in to residents’ gardens from the new Hylands School site.
BRIDGE CLOSE
Many thanks to residents for their continued cooperation regarding car-parking problems in the Close. We hope that a satisfactory solution has now been found.
SOUTH STREET
A licensing application to allow alcohol and food consumption on the street outside The Brickyard has been refused by the local authority.
LODGE AVENUE
The Council has carried out some further tree maintenance work. We hope that this mitigates problems that residents were experiencing here and are grateful to those who got in touch with us to highlight the problem.
MARKET LINK
Residents of Emma House and Hazeleigh House have contacted us about car-parking problems which they are experiencing in Market Link.

LENNOX CLOSE
Homes in Havering have carried out maintenance on a tree near Tolbut Court following concerns raised by residents.
THE BREWERY
We have asked whether the owners intend to replace a missing street tree near Brantano’s and Thomas Cook stores.
HAYSOMS CLOSE
We have raised problems in the private car park with its owners in response on resident concerns. Many thanks to Home in Havering for carrying out maintenance work on some trees in the Close.
MANOR CLOSE
A further planning application in Manor Road at the end of Manor Close which caused concern to residents has been rejected by the Council. We have raised pavement and road improvement issues with the Council following enquiries from residents.

Message from Andrew Rosindell M.P.

A special Message from
Andrew Rosindell M.P on his 10th Anniversary as our local Member of Parliament for Romford.
Dear Resident
There has been no prouder moment in my life than when, in the early hours of the 8th June 2001, the then Labour Mayor of Havering, Cllr. Denis O’Flynn, declared that I had been duly elected as the Member of Parliament for Romford. This was not only the first "gain" for the Conservative Party since Tony Blair’s New Labour Landslide of 1997, but it also proved to be the largest swing to my party of any constituency in the whole of the United Kingdom. It was wonderful for me, achieving my life’s ambition to be elected to the Parliament of my nation and to be chosen to represent my home town was a special privilege that few M.P.s are given.
In Romford, I am not just someone that happens to be the M.P., I am a local boy, born and bred and that makes a world of difference. Understanding the community and relating to local people is so important and that is what I hope I have been able to do in my ten years in the House of Commons. I want to thank everyone who have supported me over the years, the people of Romford have been truly magnificent, electing me with a larger majority each time, in 2001, 2005 and in 2010.
As I sit in my office in the House of Commons, overlooking the Victoria Tower of Parliament, I see the Union Flag proudly fluttering in the wind which now flies every day of the year. This one small achievement is an historic landmark of which I am immensely proud. We should always uphold and defend our flag and the freedom of our nation that it represents.
Speaking up for the things I believe to be right is what I, as your local Member of Parliament have never been afraid to do and I hope to go on doing so for a long time to come!
Looking after Romford, fighting for England and putting Britain first were the three pledges I gave to the people of Romford ten years ago and today, I renew those pledges to the constituents of my town, whom I am honoured to serve in the Parliament of our great nation.
Andrew Rosindell M.P.

ALBERT ROAD
We are aware of traffic infringements and thank residents for highlighting them to us. We have raised the matters with the relevant bodies to see whether a way forward can be found.
PARK END ROAD
Improvements have been made to the pathway leading through the Library Gardens. Many thanks to the Council’s Parks Department and Library Service for the beautiful planters in front of the library entrance which have added much to our pleasure over the summer.
STREET CLEANING NEAR ROMFORD STATION
We are advised that there will be regular washing of this area once the new paving has bedded in. This will include footways and bins and be in addition to the current street cleaning regime in the area. The Council is also going to consider whether the organisation Transport for London may be willing to fund further enviornmental improvements in this area.

RICHMOND ROAD
We have opposed an application for a further change of use at a commercial site.
TUDOR AVENUE/DRIVE/GARDENS
Following requests from residents we are advised that the Council intends to consider action which could be taken to alleviate car-parking problems. Many thanks to residents who have contacted us about this already. We will emphasise to the Council the need to consult local residents on the nature of the problem and ideas to deal with it.
FRAZER CLOSE
Parking restrictions are to be placed in front of a pram ramp to make it easier for disabled residents to gain access to their properties.
DOLPHIN APPROACH
5 disabled persons parking bays are to be installed on the south east side of Dolphin Approach with a maximum stay time of 3 hours. The rest of the road is to be restricted to prohibit waiting and loading at any time.

Manor Road, Romford

MANOR ROAD
The road will be closed at its junction with Victoria Road and Heath Park Road until further notice. This is to prevent traffic which is not suitable for a residential road diverting down there as a result of work Network Rail requires on the railway bridge in Victoria Road. Width restrictions are not suitable at this location, and so we are advised that he best way of preventing unsuitable heavy traffic in Manor Road is by closing it at this junction.

NORTH STREET
Unfortunately, in our view, work seems to have started on a major development at 23-55 North Street, inside the Ring Road. This application was refused by the local authority but approved by the national Planning Inspectorate, over-ruling the Council, on appeal from the applicants. The Council is examining new machines to clean gum off of the pavements here and elsewhere in the town centre. Further planting is to take place on the outside edge of North Street roundabout during late Autumn to improve visual appeal on the approach to the town.
MAIN ROAD
Following enquiries by residents, we have asked whether it is intended that the bench outside Harefield Manor Hotel at the junction with Pettits Lane is to be reinstated following recent work by the hotel.
KINGSTON ROAD
The national Planning Inspectorate has supported the decision by Havering Council to refuse planning permission for the demolition of the bungalow at 3 Kingston Road and its replacement with 6 x 1 bedroom flats. The Council has refused an application to extend and make other alterations to the nursing home at the junction of Kingston Road and Gilbert Road.

Raphael Park Restoration

The Heritage Lottery Fund has made a major award to Havering Council to restore the historic and natural environment of Raphael Park. The Council consulted Friends of Raphael Park and Lodge Farm Park and other local amenity societies and residents on the application. Raphael Park is part of the landscape of Gidea Hall, with roots going back to the 12th century. It has always been closely linked to Romford. When the Queen of France visited Gidea Hall in the 17th century, her courtiers referred to Romford as being a place in front of Gidea Hall!!! When Romford Garden Suburb was built in 1911, the park was intended as a town planning device to prevent poor quality "ribbon" development in Romford. Restoration work at the park should begin in early 2012 and last for most of the year.

Havering Rock Festival 2011!

 · Public event

Show more

 

 

Time	27 August · 12:00 - 22:00
Location	Harrow Lodge Park Hornchurch Rd
Created by:	Luke Mccreary, Brooke 'Toblerone' Amber Stark
More info	Havering Council is organising a free all-day music event for young people to showcase local musical talent with bands supplied and booked by Ahha Entertainment - http://www.facebook.com/Ah​haEntertainment The event, called Hornchurch Live, will be on Saturday 27 August – the day before the Havering Show.

Update on arrests

The Metropolitan Police Service has now arrested 1401 people in

connection with violence, disorder and looting. 808 of these have been

charged.

　

Further facts and figures:

　

Scale of disorder and police response

　

- 22 of London's 32 boroughs saw serious disorder on Monday night.

　

- The number of 999 calls increased by almost 400% in a 24hr period. The

Fire Brigade received over 1,700 to reports of fires burning. At their

peak the number of crime scenes numbered over 500.

　

- As the operation progressed the number of officers increased from

3,000 on Sunday, to 6,000 on Monday, more than the total size of West

Yorkshire police.

　

- Very early on Tuesday, plans were in place to enable 16,000 officers

to be available that night. Mutual aid, the cancellation of all leave

and the support from the Special Constabulary contributed to this.

　

- Police staff also played a key role supporting the operational

response with many people working long hours at short notice.

　

Scale of investigation

　

- In total the Op. Withern investigation team includes around 500

officers. The enquiry is being led by the Homicide & Serious Crime

Command with support from detectives, uniformed officers and police

staff from across the MPS.

　

- We estimate that we currently have around 20,000 hours of CCTV footage

to view, although this is likely to significantly increase as we gather

further material from CCTV, the public and other sources.

　

- Op. Withern has 125 officers dedicated to going through CCTV this

weekend.

- Forensic and crime scene examiners have been working on more than 800

crime scenes.

　

- More than 200 forensic submissions have already been made to labs.

　

- There have been around 7.5million views of the suspect images on the

Met Flickr account.

　

　

　

Key Youth messages 12.8.2011

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Young people need support to develop into responsible adults, and you can help by volunteering. To find out more go to: We are actively involved in supporting and developing young people through programmes such as the Volunteer Police Cadets and other organisations.We work with local communities through our Safer Neighbourhoods teams, schools and partner organisations to respond collectively to issues involving young people. We support the 99% campaign, in the belief that the majority of young people do not commit serious or violent crime.Recent events were pure criminality, causing harm and damage to innocent local people and places, and we will pursue those responsible through the courts.www.youlondon.org.uk and www.do-it.org.uk www.met.police.uk

　

　

Updated business information available at

WELCOME TO ALERTCOMMS

13th August 2011 　 　 WELCOME TO ALERTCOMMS Police Communication to the Community ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------　 　 　 Updates and advice f or businesses; Met flickr disorder images; 　 　 　　　　　　　　 The Met Police leadership is very proud of the dedication and bravery displayed by officers and staff who put themselves in harms way and continue to work with communities out on our streets. They demonstrated why the Met Police has a world class reputation in policing. They showed discipline and professionalism, which should never be seen as a sign of weakness. 　　　　　　　　 The Met Police strongly refutes that the wrong tactics were used. 　 　　　　　　　　 Police Officers did not 'just stand by' 　 　　　　　　　　 The scale and breadth of incidents 　 　 　 　　　　　　　　 The changing nature of the disorder witnessed over the period from Saturday 6th to Tuesday 9th August was significant. o 　　　　　　　 On Saturday disorder was localized to Haringey and concentrated i n a half mile area of Tottenham High Street, focused on attacking the police. o 　　　　　　　 On Sunday this became far more sporadic, mobile and commercially motivated. o 　　　　　　　 On Monday again it was sporadic in nature, but much more organized through the use of social media. 　　　　　　　　 Monday night was the worst the MPS has seen in current memory · 　　　　　　　　 As the operation progressed senior officers reviewed tactics and increased the number of officers. 　 　 　　　　　　　　 We continue to relentlessly pursue all of those involved in criminality.　 　　　　　　　　 The Met has been overwhelmed by the levels of public support, including a Facebook page attracting around a million messages of support. Similarly the number of hits on Flickr to view the images of suspects has grown to over six million. 　 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 　 　 　 For further information, please contact your nearest police station: Romford　Police Station Telephone: 101 Opening Hours: 24 hours a day 　 　 　 　 From 3,000 on Sunday, to 6,000 on Monday, more than the total size of W.Yorks police, and very early on Tuesday, plans were in place to enable 13,000 officers to be available that night. Mutual aid, the cancellation of all leave and the support from the Special Constabulary contributed to this. for unacceptable levels of widespread looting, fires and disorder. Officers put themselves on the line to protect life and communities. on Monday night, when 22 of London's 32 boroughs saw se rious disorder, was unprecedented. The number of 999 calls increased by almost 400% in a 24hr period. The Fire Brigade received over 1,700 to reports of fires burning. At their peak the number of crime scenes numbered over 500. but had to make difficult choices to prioritise incidents where public safety was at risk. The setting of fires and use of violence against emergency services, including the targeting of police officers, was an example of the cynical tactics used to tie up resources. Policing is not an exact science. At times it is about making difficult judgements on the ground. The Met's ability to attend and intervene in some criminality particularly on Sunday and Monday was challenged by the overwhelming number and nature of incidents and the number of officers available. http://www.flickr.com/photos/metropolitanpolicehttp://content.met.police.uk/News/Updates-and-advice-for-businesses/1260269396125/1257246745756