Lawns Park gate SHUT as anti-social behaviour sparks council action.
A gate at Lawns Park in Romford is being temporarily closed following multiple complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour, with Havering Council promising increased police, Parks Police and enforcement patrols in the area.
The council has taken the decision to close the gate as it works with police and other teams on additional measures aimed at improving safety for residents and park users.
Councillor Martynas Cekavicius, Cabinet Member for Public Realm, said the decision followed multiple complaints from local residents.
“Following multiple complaints from local residents regarding anti-social behaviour around Lawns Park, the Council has made the decision to temporarily close this gate.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, and we understand this will be a short-term inconvenience to some park users, for which we apologise.”
The council says the closure is intended to help tackle the ongoing problems while further measures are put in place.
Cllr Cekavicius added:
“The temporary closure is intended to help address the ongoing issues while additional measures are put in place to improve safety in Lawns Park for park users and local residents.
“We are supporting the Police in their efforts to take appropriate action in response to those responsible.
“There will be an increased Police presence in the area, with additional patrols by the Police, Parks Police and our own Enforcement Team.”
The move comes after anti-social behaviour concerns have already been raised publicly in relation to Lawns Park.
A localn PCSO from the Mawney’s Safer Neighbourhood Team issued an alert in August referring specifically to anti-social behaviour at Lawns Park and announced an evening Violence Against Women and Girls Walk & Talk at the park. The message encouraged residents to speak directly to officers and report incidents or information.
Lawns Park is a substantial public green space between Romford and Collier Row, covering around 17 acres.
It includes a children’s play area, multi-use games area, sports facilities and an outdoor gym, making it an important recreational space for local residents.
The council currently lists four entrances to the park, at Mashiters Hill, Horndon Road, Playfield Avenue and The Drive.
It normally operates between 8am and dusk.
Lawns Park is also one of Havering’s 16 Green Flag parks, with the council retaining Green Flag status across all 16 sites for the sixth consecutive year in 2026.
The Green Flag award recognises parks that meet standards covering maintenance, cleanliness, safety and visitor facilities.
The council’s decision to temporarily close a gate therefore comes as it attempts to protect the wider park environment while responding to concerns about behaviour.
For residents who use the park, the message from the council is clear: action is being taken following complaints, and visitors should expect to see a greater uniformed presence.
Police, Parks Police and the council’s Enforcement Team are all expected to carry out additional patrols.
The temporary closure is intended to be just that — temporary — while further measures are put in place.
But for residents who have raised concerns about what has been happening around Lawns Park, the increased patrols will be closely watched.
The council says it is working with police to take appropriate action against those responsible for the anti-social behaviour.
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