News for the community, by the community.
The Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham, Margaret Mullane, MP, has strongly backed the decision to press ahead with a system to significantly reduce the risk of underground fires at Arnolds Field Launders Lane.
Cathy and Shaun Newton are bidding a very tearful farewell to Havering this week. The much-loved and well-respected couple, who have lived in Rainham for 53 years, say their departure is a direct result of the ongoing issues at Launders Lane.
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A Rainham couple who have lived in their home for more than fifty years have made what Kathy calls “an important yet for Shaun and I, sad announcement” as they prepare to leave Havering for good. Their decision comes after years of battling the ongoing issues at Launders Lane and what Kathy describes as the night that almost cost her life.
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On Tuesday evening at Rainham Library, Havering Council held a meeting to update local residents now that the land at Launders Lane has been officially deemed contaminated. The audience heard from Council Leader Ray Morgon, Chief Executive Andrew Blake Herbert, Public Health Director Mark Ansell Planning Director Helen Oakerbee. and a representative for the landowner. Residents listened to the work underway but what followed was an outpouring of deep frustration and despair.
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Havering Council will back calls to address a contaminated land “crisis” in the UK – as it continues its own battle in Launders Lane writes Sebastian Mann, local democracy reporter.
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Following Clear the Air in Havering’s High Court challenge, Havering Council has done the right thing and reverse
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After a decade of suffering from choking dust, noxious smells, and constant worry over air quality, residents near Launders Lane have finally received official confirmation from Havering Council that the land has been deemed contaminated.
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Havering residents are now looking for answers after land was deemed contaminated at Launders Lane, with council scrutiny highlighting the
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Residents of Rainham continue to suffer from the ongoing fires at Launders Lane, and urgent action is needed to bring
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After years of smoke, sickness and sleepless nights, Rainham residents have finally been heard.
Havering Council has now ruled that Arnold’s Field on Launders Lane is officially “contaminated land” — a landmark moment in a battle that has left an entire community fighting for its health and peace of mind.
Is this justice at last for Rainham residents? After years of campaigning and community frustration, Havering Council has finally declared Arnold’s Field, Launders Lane, Rainham, as “contaminated land” under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
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The body of a man has been discovered in Launders Lane, Rainham.
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Arnolds Field is “still smoking away” according to Rainham residents, who continue to be left high and dry as Havering Council drags its heels on their new
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Concerned local residents met with the Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham, Margaret Mullane MP, on Friday 19 September to discuss proposals
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Havering Council says dealing with a perennially burning rubbish dump is still a priority despite the apparent slow progress, writes
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Frustrated residents are once again voicing their anger at Havering Council and the landowner over the ongoing issue of potential land contamination at Launders Lane, claiming health and safety are not being put first.
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I am writing in response to the article on 11 September headlined: Exclusive: Launders Lane Smog Forcing Children Indoors Missing Out On Vital Outdoor Play.
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Havering Council has finally indicated in its recent Cabinet report update on 17 September 2025 that further inaction regarding the Launders Lane fires is simply not an option.
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Arnolds Field, in Launders Lane, has caught fire more than 100 times since 2019, sending potentially harmful smoke into people’s homes. Residents nearby have reported suffering from stinging eyes and constant coughing, and now keep their windows closed.
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A woman living less than a mile from the Launders Lane landfill site in Rainham, has spoken exclusively to the Havering Daily, about the devastating impact the site continues to have on residents and young children in the community.
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