It’s Time to Restore A Much Needed Sense Of Pride Across Our Borough.

For all those who live in Havering, many still take great pride in shopping locally and supporting our independent businesses. It is time to restore that pride in our town centres and once again make them places that people want to visit, shop in and enjoy.

There are many who spend time knocking those who remember our borough as it once was, often telling them that times move forward and those days are gone. Change is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we should stop caring about the places we call home.

Restoring a sense of pride across Havering is something that, surely, most residents would like to see happen.

Our high streets have changed. Whether that has been for the better or the worse is something on which we will all have different opinions. What we are sadly seeing, however, is many well-known local shops and high street stores closing their doors, leaving behind unsightly empty premises that are too often replaced by temporary or short-term businesses.

Our independent traders continue to face enormous challenges. Business rates have risen dramatically and many business owners say their monthly rents have more than doubled, leaving them under immense financial pressure. They are the backbone of our communities, yet many are simply trying to survive.

Parking charges are another issue regularly raised by residents. Many people now question whether to visit their local high street or drive to larger retail parks where parking is free. Every shopper who chooses to go elsewhere is another lost opportunity for our local businesses.

Romford Market remains one of the most important parts of Havering’s history. While it is sadly much quieter than it once was, it still has enormous potential. It remains an iconic part of our borough and many residents hope that, with the right support and investment, it can once again become the thriving market it was famous for.

Across Havering there is still so much to celebrate.

Hornchurch is home to much-loved independent businesses such as Best Sellers, which continues to serve the community with the personal service that only local shops can offer. Another business that has become a firm favourite with residents over many years is the family-run Italian restaurant Umberto’s. Renowned for its warm welcome, authentic Italian cuisine and outstanding service, many local diners regard it as one of the finest Italian restaurants anywhere in the borough. Its success is a shining example of how independent family businesses continue to give our high streets their unique character and charm.

Across the borough, our cafés and restaurants remain places where friends and families come together to enjoy good food and good company. They are more than places to eat—they are places where memories are made, friendships are strengthened and communities come together.

Keeping our town centres clean is equally important. Dirty streets can quickly create a sense of decline, while clean, welcoming environments encourage people to spend time in them.

In Hornchurch, residents know and appreciate Robert, whose commitment to keeping the streets clean has earned him enormous respect. His hard work does not go unnoticed and demonstrates the pride that so many people continue to have in our borough.

In Romford, The Hope Café provides outstanding support to those who need it most, reminding us that our town centres are about far more than shopping—they are places where communities come together to care for one another.

In Rainham, The Ship Cafe is a little treasure that supports an incredible amount of people and in Beam Park the Mardyke Community Centre run by Lesley and John is truly invaluable.

Our local PCSOs are another source of reassurance. They are familiar faces who regularly patrol our town centres, building relationships with businesses and residents alike and helping people feel safer while they shop.

There is already a great deal of good across Havering’s town centres. What they need now is investment, support and a renewed sense of pride.

We should continue to champion our independent businesses, support our local traders and celebrate those who work tirelessly to keep our town centres welcoming. We should encourage people to shop locally whenever they can, because every purchase helps sustain the businesses that give our high streets their identity.

If we all continue to support our local shops, encourage independent businesses, keep our streets clean and work together as a community, there is every reason to believe our town centres can once again become the vibrant places so many people remember with affection.

The Havering of yesterday may not return exactly as it was, but that does not mean we cannot build a Havering that future generations will be equally proud to call home.

Perhaps the time has come not to look back with sadness, but to look forward with pride. Together, we can restore pride in Havering’s tow

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