Exclusive: Outrage As Builders Cut Through Mardyke Open Space Fence and Remove 40ft of Trees.

Rainham has lost more trees as builders cut through fencing and flatten Mardyke parkland — Council investigating.

Residents shocked as builders access public parkland from private property, destroy trees and shrubs, and drive diggers along footpaths where children play.

Bank Holiday Monday took a disturbing turn for local dog walkers at the Mardyke Open Space in Rainham, after they witnessed a group of builders cutting through park fencing and removing a large section of trees and shrubs.

The workers, believed to be connected to a private property on Frederick Road which backs onto the park, were seen using diggers to cut through metal fencing and drive along a public footpath. Residents estimate that approximately 40 feet of greenery was completely destroyed.

Carol and Rob Baker, two local residents- were sent images of the builders in action and rushed to the scene. “It was disgusting,” Carol told The Havering Daily. “They were out of their property and into the parkland. They removed the park fence and proceeded to cut trees and shrubs along the back.”

The property is believed to have recently changed ownership, and residents claim the back garden is now being levelled — possibly in preparation for conversion to another HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), which has not yet been confirmed.

Carol continued: “There was a whole row of beautiful trees and bushes, and now they are all gone and the land in Mardyke open space is levelled and just a soil surface “

“We went to see what they were doing. My husband challenged them on why they were driving diggers on footpaths that families use — and they went on to assault him.”

Police were called to the scene, and Havering Council enforcement officers attended the property following outrage from residents using the park.

“The land there is now completely flat, everything has gone,” Carol added. “There are children playing, families walking — and now diggers are being driven over the public paths. It’s beyond unacceptable.”

The incident has sparked fury and deep resentment in the local community, who say the loss of trees adds to ongoing concerns about green space destruction and unauthorised building work in Havering.

A spokesperson for Havering Council told The Havering Daily:
“Our enforcement team has asked any works in the Mardyke Park area to stop while it investigates if and what planning permission has been given.”

Residents on Frederick Avenue remain deeply concerned about the possibility of the property being converted into an HMO, and are calling for immediate action and a full investigation into the land clearance and any planning breaches.

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