Lower train fares

Lower fares from Romford On Sunday 31 May, TfL Railtakes over the stopping services currently run by Abellio Greater Anglia between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield as part of the preparation forCrossrail. Timetable details are available here. New fares will apply on many services and TfLconcessions  will appy on most services. For example the Peak Zones 1-6 pay as you go fare from Romford to Oxford Circus will fall from £7.60 to £5.10 (a 30 per cent reduction) with the off-peak fare falling from £5.20 to £3.10 (a 40 per cent reduction)  Fare details are available here. More information available here.

Air pollution

Free service alerts residents to air pollution

​Havering residents are being reminded to sign up for a free service that will send them an alert when air pollution or pollen reaches levels which may affect their health.

​There are several ways to receive air pollution alerts.

 

• Download the free airTEXT smart phone app, which provides the latest forecasts for pollution, UV, grass pollen and temperature.

• Get free SMS alerts for the borough (Vodafone, O2, Three or Sure (CWC)). Text 'follow airtext_havering' to 86444 for alerts as free text messages. To unsubscribe from the SMS alerts, simply reply 'STOP' to one of the messages.

• Follow @airtext on Twitter

 

The main source of air pollution in Havering is vehicle emissions. Significant amounts also come from residential and commercial gas use, industry, construction sites and emissions from outside London.

 

The borough was declared an Air Quality Management Area on 11 September 2006 due to levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) not meeting air quality objectives in many parts of the borough. The Air Quality Management Area covers the whole of the London Borough of Havering.

 

Find out more about about air pollution and airTEXT in Havering

Langtons Summer Concert 2015

One of the most popular events in the borough's cultural calendar, Langtons Summer Concert, will return to Hornchurch on Sunday 7 June from 3pm to 5pm.

The concert will, once more, be in the beautiful setting of the Langtons House Gardens and feature live music from the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra.

Admission is free and residents can bring their own picnics and chairs.

Last year, around 2,000 residents and dignitaries listened to two hours of classical music, performed in the grounds of the stately house, in Billet Lane, Hornchurch.

Simon Parkinson, Head of Culture and Leisure said:

"The Langtons Summer Concert is always a popular day out and enjoyable event, and is one of the reasons why so many residents are proud to live in Havering. I hope everyone who attends enjoys the day."

Obesity levels

More than two thirds of adults will be overweight by 2030

Europe’s growing obesity crisis will see almost three-quarters of men and two-thirds of women in the UK being overweight in 15 years, health experts have said. Projections by the WHO and UK-based researchers suggest that 89% of men and 85% of women in Ireland will be overweight or obese by 2030. In the UK, the comparable figures will be 74% for men and 64% for women, up from 70% and 59% respectively five years ago.

New parking tariff

New charges from Monday

From Monday 27 April 2015 Havering Council is tidying up some of its car parking charges outside of Romford and at on-street pay and display sites (not meter tariff sites) across the borough, to extend the free parking period and reduce the cost of parking for up to two hours. 

The aim of having a period of free parking outside Romford was to encourage people to visit our high streets and support local businesses

The new parking charges will apply for Havering Council’s car parks, outside Romford Town Centre.

The new  schedule of charges is as follows:

• Up to 30 minutes - FREE
• Up to 2 hours - £1.00
• Up to 3 hours – £2.00

The pay and display machines will be set to allow a maximum of two free 30 minute periods in any given  24 hour period – one am and one pm.

The remaining tariff structure is unchanged and can be seen here.

Parking remains free on a Sunday and there is no need to display a ticket on Sundays.

Improved signage will explain the new charging system.

Under new laws brought in earlier this year, parking enforcement will only be considered 10 minutes after the ticket has expired, giving motorists a ‘grace period’ to return to their vehicle.

Cuppa with a Copper

Cuppa with a Copper

Officers from Romford Town and Squirrels HeathNeighbourhood Policing Teams will be in Costa Coffee,  83 Main Road, Romford, RM2 5EL from 11am until 12pm on the last Monday of every month.

Come along to discuss any concerns or issues you may have over a cuppa.

Meet the police on St George’s Day

Havering Police’s next Community Engagement Day is on St George’s Day, Thursday 23 April, and will once again involve Havering Council's Community Safety team along with your Neighbourhood Policing Team from Havering Police and Special Constables.

Across the Borough, officers will give out crime prevention advice, security code cycles, provide purse chains and timers for lights and radios distributed so burglars think someone is at home.

So if you are running an event on that day and want to invite the police along, contact your localNeighbourhood Policing Team.