Romford BID join Red Watch for their pocket parks project.

Romford Pocket Parks is an exciting, community crowdfunding project that Romford BID have been working on with Things Made Public and urban designers Wayward.  Last year they were informed that the project was successful in attracting funding from the Mayor of London’s “Make London” campaign and awarded £30,000.

Via a range of workshops and activities they have worked with local residents, schools, and community groups to develop the designs, locations and outputs of each greening project installed.  From the larger scale pocket parks located in North Street, the Brewery and Brookside Theatre that incorporate seating and greenery to the planters such as those outside Ciao Bella on South Street that incorporate herbs for their restaurant.

Installation and planting began on 20th April and plants were delivered on Friday 22nd April.  They desperately needed to be watered before they were planted and being at the space in North Street they struggled to gain access to running water.

BID Director Julie Frost messaged Havering’s Borough Commander to see if there was any possibility that the Fire Brigade could help and sure enough they did!  Romford Red Watch arrived some 20 minutes later much to the amazement of the students from St Edward’s Primary School who were helping with the planting.

Julie spoke with the Fire Officer in charge, Steve King, who said it was a great opportunity for the guys to join in with some community work.  During covid it has been so hard for the Fire Brigade to engage with the community, and they were pleased to be able to help.  They were on duty at the time and if they had received a call they would have to leave but we were fortunate that all the plants were watered and even the children and adults had a go too.

Julie told the Havering Daily: “A huge thank you to Borough Commander Paul McClenaghan, Steve King and all the Crew at Romford Red Watch.  They do such a brilliant job for the Borough, and it was great to connect with them for this project in Romford. We hope to work with them on further community projects in the future”.

Romford Pocket Parks will officially be launched in June and will include a trail map but if you are in Romford why not look out for them!