‘We Can’t Even Open Our Windows’: Rainham Residents Report Strong Smell as Smoke Seen Near Launders Lane
Residents in Rainham say they woke to a strong smell early this morning after smoke was once again seen rising from the Launders Lane area, leaving many questioning whether it was safe to open their windows.
The video was taken at 7am this morning.
From around 6am, a number of residents reported noticing what they described as a strong odour coming from outside their homes. Some said the smell was so noticeable that they chose to keep their windows and doors closed.
For many living in parts of Rainham closest to Launders Lane, they say this has become an all too familiar experience.
Residents told The Havering Daily that before opening their windows each morning, they often feel they need to check outside first to see whether smoke is visible and whether there is a strong smell in the air.
Several residents reported seeing smoke rising from the direction of the Launders Lane area this morning. While there were no obvious flames visible from where they were, they said the smoke was clearly noticeable.
Many say that when smoke is present, they feel unable to open their windows to ventilate their homes. Some also reported that the smell can still be detected indoors, even with windows closed.
Others described being woken during the night on previous occasions by strong odours and, on looking outside, seeing what they described as a haze or smoke in the surrounding area.
Residents say the recurring incidents have had a significant impact on their daily lives and continue to cause concern within the community.
One resident said: “Most people can wake up on a summer’s morning and throw open their windows without a second thought. We don’t feel we can do that. The first thing we do is check outside to see if there’s smoke or a strong smell.”
The concerns come as local residents continue to campaign for a long-term resolution to the recurring smoke issues associated with the Launders Lane area.
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