‘Sue Is Waging War on Fly-Tipping!’ Rainham Councillor and Incredible Young Volunteers Clear Rubbish Dump.

29th October 202629th October 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Councillor Sue Ospreay, Fly tipping, Lightin Drama Group, Rainham, Volunteers min read

Councillor Sue Ospreay is waging war on fly-tipping, and yesterday she showed exactly what community spirit looks like! Sue and a fantastic team of young helpers from the Lighting Drama Group rolled up their sleeves and completely cleared an eyesore fly-tip after an elderly residents’ block was left facing the rubbish day after day. With the support of Chelsea from Sharp Skips, the team turned a depressing mess into a powerful example of people coming together to do the right thing.

If you know Sue, you know Sue! Her motivation, determination and work ethic are second to none. She is a remarkable lady whose commitment to her community is clear for everyone to see.

The clean-up began after Sue was contacted by Becci, who works at Randall Court in Rainham, a block of flats for elderly people.

Residents were having to look out at a huge fly-tip every day, with rubbish becoming an unwelcome feature of their surroundings.

Sue said it was like living in the middle of the local tip.

Becci had already written to the council but, having not heard back, decided to reach out to Sue for help.

And Sue did not simply sit back and wait.

She spoke to the young people at the Lighting Drama Group and asked them a simple question:

“Do you think it’s nice for people who have worked all their life and are now retired to have to look at a mess like this everyday?”

Their answer was no, and they stepped up to help clear the rubbish.

Sue then contacted Chelsea from Sharp Skips, who came forward to help get the eyesore cleared. Sue praised Chelsea and her team for always being among the first in the borough to support her and others working to keep Havering clean.

It was a fantastic community effort, with young people giving up their half-term time to help improve the lives of local residents.

Sue was honest about the fact that it should not have been necessary for volunteers to clear the mess in the first place.

“Is it right that we clear this up?” said Sue.

“No it isn’t. But should others look at this mess all the time? No it isn’t,” said Sue.

Sue was clearly proud of the young people who had given up their time to make a difference.

She said all these young people had come out during their half-term holiday to help, adding that she was very proud of them.

And who could blame her?

At a time when fly-tipping continues to blight communities, it is heartwarming to see young people showing such consideration for older residents and taking practical action to improve their neighbourhood.

This was about far more than clearing rubbish. It was about respect for people who have worked all their lives, community pride and showing that when people pull together, they can make a real difference.

Sue and her team are now setting their sights on other fly-tips across Rainham, determined to keep tackling the problem and improving the local environment.

A huge well done to the young people from the Lighting Drama Group for their incredible work, to Chelsea and the team at Sharp Skips for stepping in to help, and to Councillor Sue Ospreay for continuing to fight for her community.

Rainham should be proud of them all.