St Alban’s Councillor’s Fears Over Lack Of Security At Hylands Park.

St. Alban’s Ward Conservative Action Team Councillor Judith Holt and Martin Firmstone are celebrating the award of a grant to for playground improvements and a wildflower labyrinth in Hylands Park, Hornchurch – but, they are also concerned about security there and in Park Lane Recreation Ground.

“It all started in early 2024 when a resident reported to me that the toddler swings in the playground were broken, ” explained Councillor Holt. ” I posted this on Facebook, asking residents what improvements in the play area they would like to see.Then, last September, I was asked by Mr Richard Cottam, the Parks Development Manager at Havering Council, to write a letter of support seeking a grant from Veolia Environmental Trust to improve and modernise the play equipment, plus add some planted seating areas, in order to make them more accessible and inclusive for SEND children with physical, mental and learning disabilities. He re-applied in  January and we helped again by asking for and forwarding residents’ opinions.  On 30th May, we were delighted to hear the application had been successful! It shows what can be achieved when the Council and residents work together.”

However, the pair are concerned that the park gates are no longer locked every night. “In November 2022, Councillor Holt handed in petitions from local residents to ask that the gates of Hylands Park and Park Lane Recreation Ground could be locked again every night – but, this has not happened,” commented Mr Firmstone. “The back fence of Park Lane Recreation Ground is wide open whilst the new hedges are growing – which isn’t really satisfactory. We would like to see Havering Council restoring locked park gates everywhere. We would hate to think this new play area in Hylands Park might be damaged.” 

“We will continue to campaign for the safety of residents in these two popular beautiful parks which, with their sports facilities, playgrounds and biodiversity, are the green gems of the community in this part of Hornchurch.”

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