5 days Ago
The news prompted hundreds of responses from locals and former residents. Many were quick to share their personal experiences of both the highs and lows of life in the borough. Some, like Ruth Kettle-Frisby, were keen to stand up for Havering and highlight its positives.
Mrs Kettle-Frisby said: "I love living in Havering and bringing my young children up here." Others agreed that while the area has its problems, it still has a lot to offer. Jetinder Sira said: "Overall it’s not a bad place to live in.
" Jesse Mensah echoed this view, commenting: "This borough isn’t the worst." However, the majority of comments reflected a deep sense of disappointment and frustration with the changes seen in recent years. Christopher Sood said: "Streets not cleaned, homeless and drunks everywhere," while Kim Donegan said: "Never seen an area go downhill so quickly.
" Some pointed to increasing crime rates and a lack of community pride. Vicki Fidler said: "Crime has only gotten worse." Julie Wallington added: "No pride in the area anymore.
" Long-term residents were particularly vocal about the borough's decline. Joanne Holland said: "Check your old archives — things have clearly changed." Joanne Clarke reminisced: "It was a beautiful place in the 80s and 90s.
" Nicola Martin summed up a common sentiment with: "Lived here all my life and it’s declining." READ MORE: Four reasons why Havering is a great place to live There was also anger over new housing developments and the perception that Havering is being changed for the worse. Nikki Hamilton said: "Too many houses built for people from outside.
" Michelle Steele took it further, stating: "We’re a dumping ground for other boroughs." Some, like Pat Gladman, expressed concern about the local economy, saying: "Shops will suffer if car parks are sold off." A sense of hopelessness was evident in many comments.
Lisa Halverson-Fry posted: "If I could afford to move, I would." Rachel Murrell simply said: "Can’t wait to move out." Anna Johnson highlighted how quickly the area has changed, saying: "Even in five years I've seen it decline.
" Several contributors compared Havering to other London boroughs, with some insisting the situation is not unique. Zehra Sarah said: "Feels safer than Hackney." Lisa Newman argued: "I’d say Redbridge is worse.
" Karen Whiting added: "Nah it ain’t – Merton is worse." Others, like Albert Mutton, felt the criticism was overblown, saying: "There are a lot worse places in London." Despite the negative views, a few residents were determined to stay positive.
Serena C Ewer said: "Still love it, even with the issues." Rich Miller was even more upbeat, stating: "Best place in the world, love it." For some, the borough's transport links were a saving grace.
Cathy Margaret mentioned: "The Elizabeth line." Robert Farnsworth agreed: "Fantastic transport – just needs more pedestrian zones." Yet, for others, the best thing about Havering was its exit routes.
Adam John Webb joked: "Favourite thing is leaving via the M25." Steve Henderson said: "A127 – away from it." Heather Read summed up this feeling: "It’s got a station to get out.
" As the online debate rages on, it’s clear that Havering’s reputation is a matter of fierce pride and deep frustration in equal measure. The comments reflect a borough at a crossroads, with many hoping for improvements but all agreeing that things have changed – for better or worse..
