‘Hornchurch Is Being Left Behind’: Residents Hit Out at Fly-Tipping, Litter and Lack of Visible Police
Following yesterday’s Havering Daily article on concerns about the decline of Hornchurch, residents have come forward to share their experiences from fly-tipping and litter to anti-social behaviour and concerns over the lack of visible police officers in the town centre.
Residents have told the Havering Daily that they are increasingly concerned about the appearance of parts of Hornchurch, with particular anger directed at fly-tipping behind the former Pound Store.
They say rubbish is being left behind and the area is becoming increasingly unclean, with some questioning why more isn’t being done to tackle the problem.
But residents are also keen to make clear that they believe the problem is not simply about the Council.
They have criticised people who continue to throw litter and leave rubbish in public areas, saying that everyone has a responsibility to look after the town.
And there is praise too.
Local residents have highlighted the work of council employee Robert, who they say is a familiar and much-loved figure in the area.
His efforts to keep the area clean have been recognised by residents who say workers such as Robert deserve credit for trying to make a difference.
But despite this, residents say they are becoming increasingly frustrated by what they see around them.
One issue repeatedly raised with the Havering Daily is the visibility of policing.
Residents have questioned where their local police officers are and say they rarely see officers patrolling the High Street and surrounding areas.
It comes after a summer in which there have been multiple reports and concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour across Hornchurch.
Residents have raised concerns about groups of youths, behaviour in public spaces and late-night activity.
There has also been an alleged incident involving two teenagers who were reportedly the victims of a suspected acid attack not far from the High Street. Any such incident is understandably deeply concerning for the local community.
Residents are now asking a simple question:
Where is our local police presence?
They say that seeing officers out on the streets would provide reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors and could also help deter anti-social behaviour.
The concerns come as residents increasingly say they feel Hornchurch is being left behind.
For those who live in the town, the issue isn’t simply about one dirty area or one incident.
It is about the overall feeling of the town.
They want their High Street to look cared for.
They want people to stop dumping rubbish.
They want action against those responsible for littering and anti-social behaviour.
And they want to see police officers visibly patrolling the streets.
But residents say that caring about the town isn’t enough if they feel their concerns aren’t being addressed.
The message coming from the community is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore:
Hornchurch residents want their town to be given the support and attention they believe it deserves.
And they are asking whether now is the time for Hornchurch to receive the same level of focus and resources that other parts of the borough receive.
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