Residents Demand Action: “Bring Back Romford as the Place to Be!”

The Havering Daily asked readers what changes they wanted to see made to Romford and we received hundreds of comments! Your messages were loud and clear about the changes you want to see in Romford. Nearly four hundred of you shared your views and the message is unmistakable. Residents are tired of the town looking run down and want real improvements that make Romford a place to be proud of again.

Residents expressed their views en masse and we are happy to share them here. Many of you described Romford as a town that has lost too much of its identity and vibrancy. Readers feel that once-loved features have disappeared, the town centre has become overcrowded with low-quality developments and essential services have not kept pace with the population. There is a strong sense that Romford no longer serves the community in the way it once did, and people want to see change that restores pride, safety and character.

The most common request was for fewer takeaways and a higher standard of restaurants. Many want a town centre that attracts families, not somewhere dominated by fast-food shops and short-stay units. A bigger and better hospital was another major demand, with readers saying Romford needs facilities that can cope with local growth.

A safer station was repeatedly mentioned, with many calling for a stronger police presence and better security. Residents also want to see an end to the constant rise of unattractive flats and a return to more thoughtful, visually appealing buildings. Some even said they miss historic features such as the fountain which once gave the town character.

Parking came through as a central frustration. Many feel charges are driving shoppers away and leaving local businesses struggling. Readers want free or cheaper parking options that encourage people to return to the high street.

A better market was another priority, with people saying they want the lively, thriving Romford market they remember rather than what they view as a tired and poorly managed version today. Walk-in health centres appear high on the wish list too, as does a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour.

Residents also want cleaner streets, more pride taken by shop owners in keeping outside their premises tidy and the return of well-known stores that once anchored the high street, such as Debenhams, Woolworths and BHS. Empty boarded-up shops are described as eyesores that contribute to a general sense of decline.

The message from readers is consistent. They care about Romford and want to see real investment, better planning and a return of community spirit. They want a town that feels welcoming, well-kept and full of life.

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