Havering Rallies After Devastating Wennington Fires
Havering Council is scrambling to help Wennington residents hit hard by Tuesday’s destructive fires. The blaze tore through homes and buildings, leaving damage and heartbreak in its wake.
Emergency Hub Opens to Support Displaced Residents
The Council sprung into action, setting up a rest centre at Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre for evacuees with nowhere to stay. It quickly morphed into an assistance centre offering a lifeline:
- Housing and financial aid
- Health and mental health services
- Support from North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), Havering Mind, and British Red Cross
- Educational therapists on hand
Havering Council Leader, Cllr Ray Morgon, toured the damaged areas yesterday, witnessing the severe impact firsthand.
Roads Closed & Access Restricted
Several roads around Wennington remain shut including Lambs Lane, New Road, Wennington Road, East Hall Lane, and Eastwood Drive. Villagers can only enter on foot to ensure safety. Vehicles must be left at Willow Farm Premier Inn, or those unable to walk can use shuttle buses organised by the Council.
The historic St Mary and St Peter’s Church, damaged in a previous fire, had reopened last year but the village remains under tight control as clean-up continues.
Power Restored, But Challenges Remain
Emergency electricity is back on for many, but gas supply is still down in some homes. Gas provider Cadent is on-site offering temporary fixes, including electric hobs. Residents are urged to conserve power until full services return.
Thanks to ongoing efforts, the Council is clearing debris, removing spoiled food from evacuated homes, erecting protective hoardings, and installing traffic lights for pedestrian safety.
Get Help or Help Others
If you’ve been displaced and need transport, contact Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre on 01708 454135. Those evacuated not yet receiving the Council’s special update texts can email their details or call:
- 01708 432824 (9am-5pm weekdays)
- 01708 433999 (evenings and weekends)
Generous locals and businesses have rallied with donations and fundraisers. Havering Council will prioritise aid for uninsured residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
The Wennington Fire Support Fund, led by The Salvation Army and backed by the Council, will distribute funds fairly through a panel involving trusted local partners.
As the village rebuilds, the community spirit and kindness sparked by this tragedy will be the foundation of recovery.
