“Why Has It Taken So Long?” Rainham Residents Demand Answers Over Land Contamination Concerns.

Frustrated residents are once again voicing their anger at Havering Council and the landowner over the ongoing issue of potential land contamination at Launders Lane, claiming health and safety are not being put first.

For more than three years, members of the local Launders Lane steering group have been fighting to get clarity on the state of the land, yet they say delays, half-measures and excuses are potentially leaving people’s lives at risk.

“Why has this taken over three years of the steering group bringing this up? Whilst we acknowledge some actions have been taken, they’re nowhere near enough to protect lives.”

Concerns centre around whether the land is contaminated, an issue residents say has dragged on without firm answers. They argue that determinations should have been made long ago.

“Why is it taking so long to reach a decision as to whether the land is contaminated or not? This is something we have raised time and time again with the council.”

Locals are clear that the impact is not just physical, but mental too. “It’s affecting mental health as well as physical health. Older people haven’t got time, and this will affect the younger generation too.”

There are also demands for accountability from both the landowner and those in positions of authority. “The landowner needs to start taking responsibility. The council and Environment Agency have been aware of unauthorised tipping for years.”

Other frustrations include:

• Why water testing was carried out before it passed through Arnold’s Field, rather than after, en route to the Thames at Southall Bridge.
• A sense that delays are deliberate, with winter fast approaching.
• Anger that football teams are still being charged to hire nearby pitches despite the ongoing concerns about the next field.

Many now feel only a full public inquiry will expose what they see as “wrongdoings by all involved.”

“Unacceptable – it’s taken this long after a judge’s ruling and still they haven’t come to the right decision. People don’t have weeks or months for more damage to be done to their health.”

Residents have also questioned leadership. “We should be hearing more from the CEO in such a serious situation.”

While the council has pointed to actions already taken, locals believe they fall far short of what’s needed. For now, the community waits, but patience is wearing thin.

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