Scope Out-Bringing Queer Creativity and Pride to Romford.

Kaleidoscope is currently the only dedicated LGBTQ+ space in Havering, providing monthly community meetups for locals aged 17-24, since it was established in 2022. The success of Kaleidoscope has now led to a new 5-month project aimed at providing a social and creative space for those aged 25+, funded by Havering Council’s ‘Community Chest’. The outcome of this project will be a series of community-designed LGBTQ+ Pride stickers which will be displayed in shop windows around Romford to foster a more welcoming atmosphere for a marginalised community.

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“The public Use of Glyphosate Represents An Urgent Health Crisis” : Havering Campaigners Demand Glyphosate Playground Ban.

A study launched this week by Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) has found residues of the weedkiller glyphosate and its toxic breakdown product AMPA in English playgrounds raising serious concerns about children’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in public spaces.

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Havering Ranked Near Bottom for Public Transport Access in London.

Havering has weaker public transport links than many other London boroughs, particularly compared with inner London areas. Large parts of the borough have low public transport accessibility levels (PTAL), meaning many residents are not close to frequent rail, Tube or other rapid transit services. Much of Havering outside key centres like Romford and Upminster scores low on access scales, reflecting limited options for walking or public transport and a reliance on cars.

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Havering Celebrates Unsung Heroes in the New Year.

As the New Year’s Honours List is announced, Havering is proud to recognise some truly remarkable individuals whose dedication and selflessness make our borough a better place. Behind the scenes, these outstanding members of our community work tirelessly, often without recognition, putting Havering first.

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Is England One of the Most Unhappy Places To Live In? UK Among Lowest-Ranked Countries for General Quality of Life in Major Global Study

A major international wellbeing study has delivered a stark warning for the United Kingdom, revealing that the nation is falling significantly behind its global peers when it comes to physical health, happiness, purpose, and general quality of life. The research, carried out by Harvard University, compared 22 wealthy nations and ranked the UK near the bottom for overall wellbeing.

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Five Face Prison After Rescuing Beagles from Animal Testing Lab.

Five people in Cambridge have been found guilty of burglary and are now awaiting sentencing, following the removal of eighteen beagles from a lab where animals are used for testing purposes. Under UK law, animals used in scientific research are considered property, meaning the removal constituted burglary.

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Repeat Shoplifter Jailed and Hit With Five-Year High Street Ban.

Another prolific shoplifter targeting Havering and Barking & Dagenham has been jailed, following determined work by local neighbourhood officers. Police have also secured a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) to protect high streets and retail staff across multiple areas, sending a clear warning that repeat retail crime will not be tolerated.

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Havering Leader, Councillors and Romford MP Head to Downing Street to Demand Fairer Funding.

On December 18, 2025, Havering Council leaders visited Downing Street to submit a petition for fairer government funding, highlighting significant local funding drops and rising service demands, urging a review of outdated funding formulas.

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Why We Must Stand United With Our Jewish Community and Remember the Havering Rabbi Who United Us All.

The Met Police is stepping up patrols around synagogues and Jewish community spaces following Saturday’s horrendous attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack, which took place during a community event attended by families and children, has sent shockwaves through Jewish communities across the world and prompted increased security measures here in London.

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Havering Branded One of the ‘Gloomiest’ Places to Live in Britain, Rightmove Survey Reveals

Havering residents have made their feelings loud and clear in a national Rightmove survey that has ranked the borough as one of the gloomiest places to live in the entire UK. The annual “Happy at Home” index placed Havering 218th out of 220, leaving it languishing near the bottom of the national list.

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