Havering Council Faces Legal Challenge Over Pollution Concerns and deeming the land at Launders Lane ‘non toxic’.

Havering Council is currently under legal scrutiny regarding its management of potential pollution risks at a Rainham site known as Launders Lane. The case, brought by a group of local mums lead by Ruth Kettle-Frisby, questions whether the council adequately addressed pollution concerns, particularly those related to harmful substances such as methane, asbestos and further chemicals that could endanger resident’s health. They key question the group ‘Clear the Air in Havering’ are challenging is just why the council deemed the land not toxic?

Launders Lane has previously been associated with spontaneous fires breaking out during heatwaves, sparking fears that dangerous toxins might be released into the air. There are also concerns about the possible contamination of nearby water sources, raising further alarm among locals.

Ruth Kettle-Frisby’s legal claim argues that the council did not thoroughly investigate these risks or take sufficient action, despite being aware of the potential hazards. Now, the court will determine if the council’s actions were lawful or if more should have been done to safeguard the public and protect the local environment.

Speaking to The Havering Daily, Kettle-Frisby shared her frustration: “The situation in Launders Lane is heartbreaking and unsustainable. The fires need to stop. I am taking this legal action as a last resort to ensure that Rainham children have the right to breathe clean air, just like any other child.”

“For years, responsibility has been passed back and forth between the council and the landowner. If this claim is successful, the council will have to reassess whether the land is truly contaminated based on a more comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the evidence and pollution risks.”

Kettle-Frisby added, “Clean air should be a human right, not a privilege based on where you live. Rainham’s children, especially those with health conditions, are bearing the brunt of this crisis. They deserve the freedom to play outside without worrying about toxic air.”

If the court rules against Havering Council, it may lead to costly remediation work and legal fees, which could impact local services or potentially increase council tax for residents. This case is being closely watched, as it raises critical questions about how environmental and public health risks are managed in the borough.

A Havering Council spokesperson responded:
“We understand legal action has been taken by the Clean Air in Havering group concerning Launders Lane. Due to this legal action, we are unable to comment further at this time. Residents can read our previous statements on the contaminated land report and updates on Launders Lane on our website.”

This has been a very difficult and complex issue that has gone on for ten years now and locals living in the area dread the summer and prepare themselves each year for having to close their windows due to the poignant, choking smell that comes from the area daily. Fear for people’s healths have also urgently been flagged up with concerns over endless breathing issues from many and even reports of children not only not being able to play outside in their gardens, but having to wear masks indoors to stop inhaling the awful smell.

For visitors who attend the area along Launders Lane when the fires are burning, the acrid smell is the first thing that impacts you.

Our firefighters spend days and days each summer outside of the area doing their best to control and manage the fires.

The situation after years of ongoing debate, has now become a matter of urgency for residents living in the area who feel forgotten and ignored after ten years of begging for help.

This legal challenge over the deeming of the land to be non toxic will soon reveal the way forward for those who have suffered for so long.

Stay tuned to The Havering Daily for further updates as this case unfolds.

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