Labour to take action to combat climate change following fires in Havering

Councillor Keith Darvill and a fire in Pea Lane, Upminster (Credit: London Fire Brigade)

Havering’s Labour Group has put forward plans to tackle the impact of climate change following last week’s devastating fires in Wennington. 

The leader of the group, councillor Keith Darvill, says the borough’s climate change plan urgently needs improving to better protect residents from fires and floods. 

He claims some simple measures, such as keeping drains clear and maintaining access to hydrants, have been neglected by the local council for years. 

Several homes were completely destroyed by the fire in Wennington last week (Credit: Havering Council)

A large number of homes, buildings and cars were destroyed or damaged by the blaze in Wennington last Tuesday. There were also fires in Dagenham, Hornchurch and Upminster. 

Around 100 properties across 72 different locations in Havering were hit by floods in August 2020 and many vehicles were damaged during flash floods June 2021.

Crews tackled a large blaze in Dagenham (Credit: London Fire Brigade)

Cllr Darvill became the borough’s first ever Cabinet Member for Climate Change last month, following the local elections in May. 

He said the council should have used its existing open spaces to limit the impact of rainfall and landscaped them with firebreaks and fire-smart plants. He argued private landowners in the agricultural and industrial sectors should have been encouraged to do the same.

“The events of the last week and past two years show the need for greater resilience within Havering to protect residents against the impact of fire and flood,” said Cllr Darvill. 

“The climate change plan needs improving as a matter of urgency. The agenda of activity within the Council needs to be expedited. The Labour Group are working to ensure the residents of Havering have the protections and services they need.” 

Many properties around Brookway in South Rainham were damaged during the flooding in August 2020

The Romford Salvation Army has set up a dedicated JustGiving page to support those affected by the fire in Wennington last week.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online here. 

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