Welcome to our first week in review, in which we look back at three of the biggest stories in our area from the last seven days. 

Let’s dive into it. 

Budget plans include council tax hike 

Rumblings about what may be in Havering Council’s budget proposals have been ongoing for several months now, partially thanks to the consultation ran last year gathering residents’ views on various suggestions. 

Concerns were raised in particular about potential cuts to children’s centres, amending waste collection to alternate weeks, and withdrawing support for the Citizens Advice Bureau. 

Ahead of scrutiny and cabinet meetings next week, the final proposals have now been uploaded onto the council’s website. 

Romford Recorder: Cllr Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, described the budget proposals as very prudentCllr Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, described the budget proposals as very prudent (Image: Havering Council)

The authority plans to increase council tax by almost 5 per cent, including a 2.99pc rise in core council tax and a 2pc adult social care precept.

A host of proposed savings measures are also included, such as the closure of the Chippenham Road, Elm Park and Hilldene Children’s Centres. Cllr Keith Darvill however said Elm Park’s centre will at least remain open “in the short-term". 

For more on what the documents include, check out our piece here. 

Teachers join strike action on ‘Walkout Wednesday’ 

Teachers were among several different professions to engage in strike action this week, with more than 1,000 working in Havering being expected to join. 

To get the latest news and features direct to your inbox, sign up for our Romford Recorder newsletter here.

We spoke to three of those involved, asking them why they decided to take part in what was dubbed ‘Walkout Wednesday’. 

One of them, Hannah Wolf, told us: “I strike to honour my profession and to always, above all, to do the best by my students.” 

Romford Recorder: Hannah Wolf, a teacher at a school in Harold Hill, was one of those to strike on WednesdayHannah Wolf, a teacher at a school in Harold Hill, was one of those to strike on Wednesday (Image: Rebecca Wolf)

Have a read of that piece here. 

New Asda Express in Romford? 

The space previously occupied by Co-op in South Street may soon become home to a new Asda Express. 

Asda announced last year that it is looking to open 300 of the stores by the end of 2026. 

Romford Recorder: The site was previously occupied by a Co-opThe site was previously occupied by a Co-op (Image: Google)

An application for a premises licence for the South Street space has now been submitted by the chain, which if approved will enable it to sell alcohol from its proposed store. 

Check out our article on the application here.