News

Wanstead High School and Woodbridge High School were among those who contributed.

Temporary fencing has been assembled around play areas in Wanstead and South Woodford’s parks.

With kerbside recycling collections suspended, Redbridge Council is keen to assure residents that recyclable materials are not going to landfill.

A local children’s hospice has launched an emergency appeal and is bracing itself for a decline in income as it postpones or cancels its fundraising events in line with social distancing guidelines. “This is an unprecedented time for Haven House and we need the support of our local community now more than ever… We rely on our community to help us raise 81% of our funds,” said Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive at Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green. The hospice expects to lose more than £500,000 in the next three months alone. The hospice’s annual Sparkle Walk – which begins and ends in Wanstead and was scheduled for May 2020 – has been cancelled. Visit wnstd.com/hhemergency...

Residents are invited to take part in the Aldersbrook and Lakehouse Jumble Trail 2020. All money raised from stall fees will go directly to Aldersbrook Primary School. “Taking place on 6 June (subject to change), this event will allow you to connect with your community whilst selling unwanted items – plants, toys, clothes or cakes, whatever you like! Find us on Facebook to pay for a stall (£5) and secure your place on the map,” said a spokesperson for the PTA, which is organising the event. Visit wnstd.com/aljt...

John Cryer MP has advised of a temporary closure of Wanstead station.

Redbridge Council is interested in hearing from residents who would like to be part of a new customer feedback group, to share their experiences of dealing with the council with a view to improving its services. “We are reviewing new digital processes and those who join the group will be helping to shape the way we deal with the public,” said Sue Austin, Head of Customer Service. The group will meet quarterly, with the first meeting to be scheduled in May. Email sue.austin@redbridge.gov.uk...

Redbridge Council has suspended kerbside recycling collections and will now be collecting residents’ rubbish and recycling together.

A wild flower planting session took place on Christ Church Green earlier this month as part of the Wild Wanstead initiative, which is hoping to improve biodiversity in the area. “We know insects, pollinators and birds are vital to our ecosystem, but are under threat from urban living and use of pesticides. So schemes like this are crucial to provide much-needed habitats and will also enhance the beauty of our area. We look forward to seeing the wild flowers in bloom,” said Councillor Jo Blackman, who took part in the event....

Marie Curie volunteers are keen to thank local residents for their support following this month’s High Street collection for the Great Daffodil Appeal.

The installation of new nets at Wanstead and Snaresbrook Cricket Club has been completed. “We are now the proud owners of a four-lane, state-of-the-art training facility at Overton Drive. We are absolutely delighted… The nets will be locked and unavailable until a suitable time in April when the ground, hopefully, is drier, but they will be available for use in time for the start of what promises to be a very exciting 2020 season,” said a club chairman Martin Pluck. The work follows a £75k fundraising drive launched in February 2019....

Plans for the construction of a new public swimming pool at Wanstead High School are progressing. "Works are currently underway at Wanstead High to deliver temporary school accommodation and on-going access to the Multi-User Games Areas during the main school works. Once these current works have been completed, the school will decant into the new accommodation, allowing access to the main works contractor to undertake the programming for the demolition works. A preferred contractor has been identified for the main work, and we are currently concluding contracts. The contractor will be obliged, among other things, to meet a set of agreed ‘social value’ targets, which should include apprenticeship opportunities and construction vacancies for local people. There will be regular contact with residents in the immediate surrounding area throughout the project,” said Councillor Sheila Bain....