Councillor Leader’s Anger Over Gallows Corner Delays: “A blow to residents and businesses who have already endured significant disruption.”

Leader of Havering’s Council-Councillor Ray Morgon shares his monthly column in the Havering Daily. Councillor Morgon discusses the endless frustrations over the delays at Gallows Corner, Launders lane and supporting Zane’s Law.

Following extensive pressure from the Council, which included meetings with the Transport Commissioner and officers, we now have some clarity on the revised timeline for the completion of the Gallows Corner flyover project.

After months of uncertainty, it is encouraging to finally have a clearer sense of when Gallows Corner will reopen. However, I must express my deep disappointment that the delays mean this vital junction will not be reopened in time for Christmas. 

This news will come as a blow to residents and businesses who have already endured significant disruption for far too long. The closure has affected daily life, local businesses, schools, emergency services, and public transport, and has delayed the delivery of the Council’s wider highways programmes. The pain and frustration felt across Havering is very real and cannot be understated. 

While we recognise the complexities of this major infrastructure project, including the unforeseen engineering challenges with the water main diversion by Essex and Suffolk Water, we remain extremely concerned about the impact these delays continue to have on our borough.

The Council has consistently pressed TfL and ESW for a firm completion date and better communication, and we will continue to hold all parties to account to ensure this new timeline is honoured.

We are also pushing them for some form of compensation for businesses and residents.

In addition, we will continue pushing TfL for further clarity on a firm end date, and for regular, transparent updates as the project progresses.

Another issue facing residents near Launders Lane, Rainham, is the disruption and health risks caused by persistent fires and smoke. These fires have affected homes, schools, and businesses, creating anxiety and impacting quality of life. After extensive investigations and a judicial review, Havering Council has now formally identified Arnold’s Field, Launders Lane, as “contaminated land” under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This is a significant step forward.

It’s important to be clear: the land is privately owned. Legally, the responsibility for preventing fires and restoring the site lies with the landowner. However, the Council will not stand by while residents suffer. We are committed to doing everything within our power to resolve this issue and protect public health.

This determination gives us stronger tools to act. We will now consult with the landowner on a remediation plan and, if necessary, serve a formal notice requiring action. Our goal is simple: stop the fires and reduce the risks to residents as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we are exploring interim measures and funding options to accelerate progress.

We also support the campaign for “Zane’s Law” to strengthen national requirements and funding for councils tackling toxic landfills, and you can read more on this below. 

We are also coming up to that time of year where the Council will be considering its budget and finances for next year. You already know that, like most local authorities across the country, Havering is struggling under woefully inadequate government funding, and the sharp rise in inflation and costs for social care. The situation is a difficult one, and we have already exhausted all of the cuts we can make while still being able to maintain vital services. 

Keep an eye out for more information on the budget in the coming weeks, and please take a few moments to sign our petition to the Government, urging them to address the funding formula and give Havering the money it deserves. 

Cllr Ray Morgon,

Leader, Havering Council

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