‘Outrageous and Deeply Unfair’: Romford MP’s Fury as TfL Snubs Compensation for Havering Businesses.

Andrew Rosindell MP has voiced his constituents’ deep frustration after yet another revised timetable for the Gallows Corner flyover works — and fury is now growing over TfL’s refusal to compensate struggling local businesses.

Mr Rosindell said the people of Romford have endured “many months of disruption, uncertainty, and economic harm with little consultation.” He acknowledged the technical challenges TfL, Essex & Suffolk Water and contractors have had to deal with, but insisted the impact on residents and traders has been severe and unacceptable.

He condemned TfL’s decision not to compensate those affected, saying it is “both outrageous and deeply unfair. Small businesses are already subject to intense attacks by central government, and there is no doubt that next week’s budget will double-down on this. Some local businesses are on the brink so everything must now be done to ensure their survival.”

Residents and business owners have repeatedly contacted him describing deliveries disrupted, long delays, and dramatic drops in customer footfall. As Mr Rosindell put it: “Local businesses, already under strain because of Labour’s war on small businesses, cannot simply absorb more stalled infrastructure works.”

Although he welcomed the new three-phase programme and the promise of completion by spring 2026, he issued a firm warning: “This revised schedule must be met without further slippage. TfL and its partners must ensure that every possible measure is taken to accelerate progress safely and to minimise any additional disruption. The discovery of shale pockets, uncharted gas mains, and other technical challenges may explain the delays, but they cannot excuse the lack of certainty provided to the public until now, let alone the fact that no compensation is being issued.”

He also confirmed he has raised the issue repeatedly in Parliament: “This week alone, I have called on the Leader of the House of Commons to allow time for a debate on this issue, and only today did I call on the Transport Secretary to make an intervention. To no great surprise, she refused and without reason, blamed the last Government.”

Highlighting how vital the junction is, he added: “The people of Romford, and the wider region, rely on Gallows Corner as a critical transport artery. They have shown remarkable patience, but that patience has limit.”

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