June 2025

Redbridge Council started rolling out a £4.2m programme of road and footway resurfacing works last month.

“We know that good quality roads and pavements are important to local people, and potholes are a regular source of frustration. This capital investment is therefore very welcome,” said Councillor Jo Blackman.

More than 50 areas across the borough – including a number of roads in Wanstead and Aldersbrook – will benefit from the scheme, which will also include street lighting improvements and flood alleviation measures.

A landmark moment for Redbridge as the borough prepares to host its first-ever Pride celebration – a powerful step towards equality and inclusion, says 14-year-old Wanstead resident Riku Fryderyk

The Pride parade in London has for 50 years been at the forefront of Pride Month celebrations in our capital city, with this massive event being the biggest of any city in the UK. Last year, the Redbridge Rainbow Community took part in the march between Hyde Park Corner and Trafalgar Square. It’s always brilliant to see smaller communities in towns and cities celebrating their individual diverse LGBTQIA+ population and showing support for an often marginalised minority.

That’s why the very first Redbridge Pride event is such an important milestone in the progress of pushing for equality in our borough. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to make themselves seen and heard in Redbridge and to ensure those living within the borough feel safe to express their true selves.

Three months ago, I attended a Pride History Month event at Parliament, where Wes Streeting MP had been invited to speak to members of Redbridge Council and the Redbridge Rainbow Community, which is organising this Redbridge Pride. He said with the borough having been a difficult place in which to be an open member of the community for a long time, it was truly incredible to see how far things have progressed. But there is still much room for improvement and community safety is at the heart of this.

The seeds of the future are being sown this year on Saturday 12 July at Redbridge Town Hall, with music, food and stalls. Two highlights – among a full timetable of great fun – include a workshop by Bollyqueer – a dance class which centres on queer and trans people – and a performance by Tyra Missoux. This event is made possible with the support of the National Lottery Community Fund, along with individual donors. It looks set to be a truly fantastic day that could be followed in later years with even bigger events – this is only the beginning. With recent changes to the law through the Supreme Court ruling, we are so grateful that we have a chance to celebrate our community’s existence with such a powerful event.

The Redbridge Rainbow Community advocates for the social inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in Redbridge, working with various public services so they can fully account for the community’s needs and public authorities to reduce incidents, as well as creating a safe space for residents of the borough to share their experience and make suggestions for change. The charity has been pouring a large amount of effort into this event and they encourage both members and allies alike to come along, and in doing so, become a part of Redbridge’s rich and ever-growing history.

Redbridge Pride 2025 will take place at the Town Hall, Ilford, IG1 1DD on 12 July from 12.30pm to 6pm (free). For more information, visit wnstd.com/pride

Redbridge Cycling Campaign will lead a 30-mile bike ride from Wanstead Park into central London this month.

“We will use a quiet route in and out of the centre and cycle down The Mall, alongside Green Park and around Hyde Park. The ride will be gently paced and marshalled throughout,” said a spokesperson.

The free event will depart from the park’s tea hut at 10am on 15 June, returning by 5pm. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic. Less experienced riders and accompanied children are welcome.

Visit wnstd.com/rcc

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands took part in a stakeholders’ site visit and feedback session last month.

“It was an opportunity to discuss options for a refresh of the comprehensive Parkland Plan adopted by the City of London in 2019… We were particularly pleased to meet Alison O’Connor, the new dedicated Wanstead Park Project Officer. The day was a welcome sign of the commitment of interested parties in keeping the Wanstead Park project moving despite the obstacles we have faced,” said a spokesperson.

Redbridge Council’s public health team has launched a questionnaire about local pharmacy services.

“This review will help us understand whether local pharmacy services meet the needs of residents and identify any gaps or opportunities for improvement. By sharing your views, you’ll help us ensure that pharmacy services remain… responsive to the needs of the community,” said a spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/phrm

Wanstead Bowling Club hosted a successful open day last month, with visitors of all ages trying their hand on the Overton Drive green.

“The day was a huge success. More than 60 people came along with 10 new members signing up, an amazing conversion rate… The 2025 season is now underway, with our men’s team competing in four leagues and the ladies’ team in two leagues, plus individual members taking part in regional and representative competitions,” said a club spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/bowling

Residents have claimed a small but significant victory in their campaign against TfL’s changes to local bus routes last September.

“TfL has reinstated the stops on Wanstead Place and Woodbine Place for the W14, something they originally insisted on delaying until the summer. But the Save Our Local Bus Services campaign – with help from Calvin Bailey MP and London Assembly Member Keith Prince – has ensured these vital stops are back on the route. The fight will continue until we see all the improvements needed,” said Liz Martins.

The Aldersbrook Jumble Trail Festival will return on 14 June.

Organised by the Aldersbrook Primary School PTA, the event invites residents to set up a stall outside their homes to sell pre-loved items. “For the first time, we’re also opening the school playground for stalls – perfect for anyone who can’t host outside their home. Whether you’re selling a little or a lot, we welcome everyone to join the fun!” said a spokesperson.

All registered stallholders (from £7) will be added to the online trail map. Visit wnstd.com/ajtf25

Snaresbrook has been added to a list of 30 stations under consideration for step-free adaptation.

It is expected TfL will select 15 of these stations to proceed to a full feasibility study later this year.

“It’s great news that Snaresbrook has made it onto TfL’s longlist, and it indicates our campaign is working. I will continue pressing the case that Snaresbrook should be included in the final 15 and become step-free. Residents can join me by signing and sharing my petition,” said Calvin Bailey MP.

Visit wnstd.com/stepfree

A joint agency operation has been taking place to tackle low-level criminality on Wanstead Flats.

Local police teamed up with the City of London Corporation’s enforcement team to provide high-visibility patrols aimed at preventing offending and targeting offenders, whilst providing reassurance to the community. “Due to the lighter evenings and warmer weather, an increase in antisocial behaviour has been noted,” said a spokesperson.

Councillor Beverley Brewer has been elected as the new Mayor of Redbridge for the 2025–2026 municipal year, taking over the role from Wanstead Park councillor Sheila Bain.

“I want to raise the profile of our borough and I will do my best for the people of Redbridge. I am extremely proud… Thank you for bestowing this honour on me,” said Councillor Brewer, who has selected Redbridge Foodbank as one of her chosen charities for her term in office.

Fellow South Woodford councillor Joe Hehir was elected as Deputy Mayor.

Cowley Road came together in true community spirit last month to mark 80 years since VE Day with a joyful street party full of reflection, fun and fundraising. Resident Jennie O’ Beirne reports

After being invited by Redbridge Council to apply to hold a street party to commemorate 80 years since VE Day in 1945, Cowley Road decided to go for it! We held our celebration on 4 May.

But before the festivities could begin, a small group of volunteers set about making the arrangements, starting with agreeing with the council to have the road closed for the event.  Each house in the street contributed the same nominal amount towards the day and the council supplied commemorative bunting and flags, which we used to decorate the street to great effect.

Finally, the day came and happened to coincide with the monthly market on Wanstead High Street, so keeping the traffic away became extra important!

The party began with a broadcast of Winston Churchill’s speech from that time and the street took a moment to reflect on the awfulness of war and how lucky we are not to have such terrible atrocities in our country today, even though wars still rage around the world.

Two of the street’s children set up a scavenger hunt, which had us looking for clues up and down the length of the road. The street sat down to a lunch at tables kindly loaned by The Duke and other neighbours. There was also a sharing table, laden with soft drinks, cakes and crisps for everyone to help themselves. Lunch was followed by a cake competition so the cakes could then be eaten!  We had a very successful auction of mainly donated items and everyone was given a raffle ticket with a host of prizes being given out, the star prize being a large hamper of goodies. We had a London quiz and a guess-the-intro music quiz, which everyone enjoyed with more prizes won.

There was a children’s table with colouring activities and a parachute-style game. With the street closed, it was great to see children playing football in the road just like old times.

Despite the chilly northeasterly wind, a great time was had by everyone, with wonderful neighbourly friendliness and great community spirit. From the smallest babies to some of the oldest residents, it was fabulous to have so many people join in, despite it being a Bank Holiday and a lot of households away.

We had a collection point for Tin in a Bin, which was very generously supported. We were also delighted to raise over £500, which we chose to donate to CombatStress, a veterans’ mental health charity.

For more information on closing a road for a street party, visit wnstd.com/party

For more information about CombatStress and the work they do, visit wnstd.com/cs