An area in Harold Hill has become the third to be granted village green status this year as part of a bid to protect green sites from housing developments.

Hitchin Green in Harold Hill was granted the status by Havering Council in a celebration on Sunday (July 27).

Village green status protects sites from future developments “in perpetuity”, the council said.

Ray Morgon, Havering Council leader, was pleased to safeguard Hitchin Green as a “vital community asset”.

He said: “It has been great to see the community come together to celebrate the village green status with a litter-pick and tidy up of the surrounding area, arts and crafts stalls and ice cream.

“It sums up everything Havering represents – inclusivity, community spirit, and generosity."

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The celebration was attended by Cllr Morgon, cabinet member Graham Williamson and Gooshays ward councillor Katharine Tumilty.

A stone plaque was unveiled as part of the ceremony.

The council has five village green dedication events this summer.

On July 11 in Fleet Close in Upminster the first event took place, followed by the second at Wennington Village, Rainham, on July 20.

The next event will take place on the land at Gooshays in Harold Hill at 1pm, followed by one at Dover’s Corner in Rainham at 12pm on August 14.