“Go and Live Next to It”: Rainham Residents Voice Fears Over Health Risks From Ongoing Fires

Residents in Rainham say they are suffering from stinging eyes and breathing difficulties as fires linked to the Launders Lane site continue to pollute their community. They claim their health, safety, and well-being are being ignored.

Locals believe the smoke is aggravating serious health conditions. Residents have reported living with COPD, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, while some say they fear long-term exposure may be contributing to further serious conditions. Campaigners cite research showing that poor air quality and fine particulate matter can increase risks of heart and lung disease.

At a recent meeting, one member of the public referred to Havering Council’s stated objective of “Supporting our Residents to Stay Safe and Well,” adding: “We’ve seen precious few signs of it.”

Many residents feel abandoned, left to cope with the impacts of living near a site that has been plagued by repeated fires. They are angry that people who do not live with the day-to-day reality of the smoke are often the ones chosen to speak on their behalf.

One resident told the Havering Daily: “Go and live next to this site and then experience first-hand what it is like. Only then will you understand what we are dealing with.”

Campaigners are now calling for urgent intervention, warning that the cost is being paid in residents’ health and quality of life.

Residents are also unhappy that representatives speaking on their behalf at meetings, fail to fully comprehend just what it is like living in the area. One resident told the Havering Daily: “Unless you live in the area and experience what we do each day, then you can not fully understand how we live. People are making decisions for us and have never even been to the area to experience what we do everyday. It is very frustrating.”

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.