“WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR MUCH — JUST THE RIGHT TO BREATHE”: RAINHAM RESIDENTS DEMAND ACTION OVER LAUNDERS LANE

17th August 202617th August 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Launders Lane, Protest, Rainham, Toxic Air min read

“We are not asking for much, just the right to breathe like everyone else.”

Those powerful words came from a Rainham resident who joined the latest protest over ongoing concerns about fumes and smoke from the Launders Lane site.

The protest, held on Saturday 15 August, is part of weekly demonstrations by residents who say they have had enough of what they describe as persistent “choking fumes” affecting their lives.

Residents gathered near the A1306 carrying placards highlighting their concerns and calling for action over the long-running problems surrounding the site.

During a live newsfeed with the Havering Daily, resident Sonia spoke openly about the impact she says the situation has had on her family.

“I have had two strokes and I’m only 42. My husband is 50 and has COPD and emphysema. Myself and my daughter have severe asthma. It is a nightmare living here.”

Sonia continued:

“We can’t open our windows, we wake up to fumes that are choking us. I don’t want to die, I’m too young. I have a daughter.”

Her words highlight the deep concern among residents who live close to Launders Lane and say they feel they have been living with the consequences of repeated fires and smoke for far too long.

Residents are now calling for a public health enquiry, saying they want greater scrutiny of the potential impact of the ongoing situation on people living nearby.

The issue has become a major source of anger in Rainham, with residents continuing to campaign despite years of complaints and repeated incidents at the site.

However, it is important to distinguish between residents’ concerns about their health and any proven medical link to the Launders Lane site. Individual health conditions have multiple potential causes, and establishing whether exposure to smoke or other pollutants has contributed to specific illnesses would require appropriate public health and medical investigation.

For the residents protesting, however, the issue is about more than statistics.

They say they want to be able to open their windows, enjoy their homes and breathe without fear of what they may smell or see outside.

And their message remains stark:

“We are not asking for much — just the right to breathe like everyone else.”

Councillor Luke Barry was also at the protest to add his support and told the Havering Daily: “Previous administrations have dragged their heels with the Launders Lane Crisis and this has gone on for far too long.

It’s about time that it gets more attention from Central Government, the Mayor of London and the Environment Agency.

I have full confidence that the new administration will make significant progress during its tenure.”