On 23 May, prospective Labour council candidates for South Hornchurch visited Blake Close to inspect the remnants of a long removed playground. Residents have previously raised the lack of play facilities for young people with the MP, and Jon Cruddas had secured a promise from Havering Council to replace the slide. However, this is yet to come to fruition and local people believe that a fully restored playground is needed for new and existing families in the area.

Adeel Akhtar said: “Havering Council have removed the play equipment piece by piece over the years and have failed to replace it. Many residents are concerned that there is an agenda to build on the site, which makes it all the more important that we campaign for a fully restored playground on Blake Close.”

Julia Offord Pearman added: “There is little play space for young families in the surrounding area, and the site has been entirely neglected by Havering Council. I want more than a brickwork slope for the children of South Hornchurch. The council has a duty to replace the play equipment and we will work hard to make it happen.”

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