Wennington Green, the much-loved open space in Wennington Village, Rainham, has officially been granted village green status.
The village green dedication comes after the two-year anniversary of the Wennington wildfire that disrupted many people’s lives and destroyed 19 homes.
A bronze plaque, declaring the site an official village green, was unveiled during a special celebration on Saturday 20 July 2024 and has been added to the existing Wennington Green wrought iron sign.
Village green status will protect the site from any future housing developments ‘in perpetuity’, meaning all future generations will be able to enjoy Wennington village green.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Havering Council, attended the dedication, alongside Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration and Councillor Jackie McArdle, ward councillor for Rainham and Wennington.
Councillor Ray Morgon, said:
“Safeguarding the green for future generations as a vital community asset was a manifesto promise we made and have now kept.
“I hope that this will go a long way to helping Wennington residents hold on to the incredible community spirit that I see in the village, which has grown even stronger since the fires two years ago.”
Local residents Carole and Georgina, who helped with the plaque design and wording, said:
“We’ve been fighting for this for over ten years and it means a lot for future generations.
"The fear of this greenspace being developed has now gone.”
Havering Council have five village green dedication events this summer.
The first, took place at Fleet Close on 11 July 2024, the second at Wennington 20 July 2024.
The remaining scheduled dedication events include:
- Sunday 28 July 2024, 10am, Land west of Taunton Road, Harold Hill
- Sunday 11 August 2024, 1pm, The land at Gooshays, Harold Hill
- Wednesday 14 August 2024, 12noon, Dover's Corner, Land at New Zealand Way, Rainham