“After 53 Years, Rainham’s Beloved Couple Forced to Leave Because of Launders Lane”

Cathy and Shaun Newton are bidding a very tearful farewell to Havering this week. The much-loved and well-respected couple, who have lived in Rainham for 53 years, say their departure is a direct result of the ongoing issues at Launders Lane.

The couple, key members of the Launders Lane steering group, have fought tirelessly alongside other local residents to bring the issue to light. Cathy recalls the harrowing impact on her health last year, when she was rushed into hospital with double pneumonia. Doctors told her family it was one of the worst cases they had ever seen, and she was hours from being induced into a coma.

On the move.

“I feel very angry that this move isn’t by choice. My hand has been forced because I almost died from breathing in the toxins from Arnold’s Field, Launders Lane,” Cathy said. “I am furious that our council, whose duty is to protect residents’ health, allowed illegal dumping to go unchecked. I don’t care which administration it was — this is on Havering Council.”

This week, the Newtons are leaving their beloved home because they cannot risk another summer where smoke and toxins make breathing a daily struggle. “This move has cost us a significant amount, all because Havering Council failed in their duty of care,” Cathy said. “I am having to move to protect my health and to prevent my daughter and husband from seeing me in the critical state I was in on that first night in ICU.”

Despite the heartbreak, Shaun has been recognised for his tireless community work, receiving a Mayor’s Merit from Councillor Sue Ospreay for his dedication to the community and his fight alongside Cathy and the steering group against the ongoing nightmare of Launders Lane.

Shaun with his Mayor’s Merit given by Councillor Sue Ospreay.

“The mental impact has been severe. My husband has had to witness, on many occasions over the last few weeks, me having what I can only describe as meltdowns, in floods of tears,” Cathy explained. “Does Havering Council seriously think it is acceptable that one of their residents has had to endure this because they failed me and all the other residents?”

The ongoing problems with the fires at Launders Lane are well documented, but those living in Rainham understand the daily toll it takes. Cathy and Shaun Newton have long been the heart and soul of the local community, and their departure will be deeply felt. They are much loved and well respected by neighbours, friends, and the wider community, and their absence will leave a significant void.

“We will never stop speaking out. We love this community too much to walk away silently. Our fight isn’t over, even if we have to fight it from a distance,” Cathy said.

After 53 years, Rainham is no longer their home, but Cathy and Shaun Newton leave behind a legacy of dedication, courage, and care. They will be greatly missed, but their commitment to the community and to exposing the dangers of Launders Lane remains as strong as ever.

Shaun and Cathy a much loved Rainham couple.

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