Following more than a year of sustained campaigning by Beam Park residents Carol and Rob Baker, who worked closely with Havering Residents association councillors to highlight long standing concerns raised by the local community.
The issue was first formally raised on 19 February 2025, when Carol and Rob Baker contacted Havering Council to raise concerns about the deteriorating condition of the open space they had witnessed over the last few months.
Residents also highlighted problems including damaged surfaces, worn areas and equipment that was no longer fit for purpose in a space heavily used by families, children and nearby households.
Throughout the campaign, it was made clear that Havering’s parks and open spaces budget remains under significant pressure, with informal open spaces often receiving lower priority than formal parks.
This has been a particular challenge in Beam Park, where large housing developments have been built in recent years with limited access to private gardens or dedicated outdoor play space.
Carol and Rob Baker argued that this made shared outdoor spaces even more important. They stressed that not all residents have access to a garden and that well maintained open spaces play a vital role in children’s play, family life and community wellbeing.
A key point in the process came in August 2025, when a site visit took place involving Cabinet Member Havering Residents Association councillors. During the visit, the condition of Mardyke Open Space was demonstrated on site, allowing councillors to see first hand the issues that had been raised.
Following continued engagement and advocacy, the £90,000 funding allocation has now been confirmed. The funding is expected to be used for repairs and improvements focused on the priorities identified by residents during the campaign.
Carol and Rob Baker welcomed the outcome. “This shows what can be achieved when residents’ concerns are raised constructively and followed through,” they said. “Mardyke Open Space matters to the people who live here, and we are pleased that investment has now been secured to improve a space used by so many local families.”
Council officers are now expected to finalise how the funding will be allocated and delivered, with works anticipated to begin within the next three to four months.
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