Launders Lane: Leader statement

Following the meeting on Monday (1 August 2022), the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, said:

“This has been an issue that has blighted the lives of local residents for many years. I heard first hand last week their concerns at a meeting they held.

“Launders Lane is private land, and over the years, although the Council or the Environment Agency have taken action, partly due to the change in landowners it has been difficult to achieve the desired outcome.

"However, we know this is not what residents want to hear. We are therefore working together with the London Fire Brigade, the Environment Agency, Jon Cruddas MP and local councillors to see what other action can be taken to make people feel safer.

“Initially this will include bringing in specialists to monitor air quality of pollution levels in and around the site, so everyone understands what we are dealing with.

"We understand that that the current road traffic air quality sampling is not effective in monitoring pollution from the fires.

"We shall also bring in specialists to carry out sampling to understand the type of materials underground along with carrying out further tests on the fishing lake to check for water contamination.

"We are looking at moving a fire hydrant so it is easier for the LFB to manage the fires, although, currently, they are not causing physical danger to local people. 

"In addition, the Environment Agency will check and follow up on the Court Order issued in 2017 to determine what legal powers now exist.

"We shall do all we can to help residents with this issue, however, because it is private land it is complicated and it won’t be easy to resolve.

"We have a number of people working on this but it may be some time before and if a final solution is found. We will of course continue to keep residents informed including any further actions.”