Victoria Road/Heath Park Road Railway Bridge Situation Update, 13th January 2012

The Council’s bridge engineering consultants had a telephone conference with Network Rail’s engineers in the week before Christmas where Network Rail’s detailed structural review report was discussed.  Our consultants pointed out some issues which they felt needed checking and clarifying which was followed up immediately after Christmas with some detailed comments. Our consultants have also completed a risk assessment (following a National model for doing so) into the implications of reopening the bridge with temporary footway protection.
 
The outcome of the risk assessment is that the bridge has stood for approximately 120 years without apparent incident and with the information contained within Network Rail’s current detailed assessment report, it can be reopened to all classes of traffic with temporary footway protection (a steel barrier system for example).  This is considered fully adequate to be in place for up to 18 months which will then allow the Council and its consultants to further discuss the issues with Network Rail; for Network Rail to undertake some more detailed work (if they accept the issues raised by our consultants) and then for an agreement to be reached for a permanent solution which may require permanent footway protection. 

The Council’s consultants submitted the risk assessment to Network Rail on 13th  January 2012, with a further request for a face to face meeting. 

London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

From Havering Council - In the Summer this year, London will be welcoming millions of extra visitors for two truly unforgettable sporting events, and celebrating

in an extensive culture festival as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.　

Just a short journey from the Olympic Stadium, Havering is ideally placed to share in the excitement of, and opportunities arising from, the hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We believe that 2012 presents Havering's residents with a unique opportunity to engage in the spirit of the Games, to try something new, and to get involved in culture activities - whether that be getting involved in the arts, music, theatre, libraries, dance, sport and physical activity, local history and heritage, or joining in the fun at Romfest and other local cultural events.　

As part of our drive to make it easier than ever to get involved, we have produced the Havering 2012 Culture Calendar, listing an array of different sporting, artistic and other cultural activities within the borough, for every day of 2012.　

For the full listing of the first edition of the calendar (January - March ), please visit:

Generating increased participation in cultural activity in the borough will provide a lasting legacy from the Games in 2012, supporting the local economy, increasing engagement in the voluntary and community sector, and contributing to improved health and wellbeing.

The calendar demonstrates the huge amount of skill and talent in Havering and the　 quality and variety of cultural and community organisations running activities.

www.havering.gov.uk/2012.　 The following quarters will be published later in the year.