Hitchin Green, off Taunton Road, Harold Hill, is the third much-loved open space to be officially granted village green status.
A stone plaque, declaring the site an official village green, was unveiled during a special celebration on Sunday 27 July.
Village green status will protect the site from any future housing developments ‘in perpetuity’, meaning all future generations will be able to enjoy Hitchin Close 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 Katharine Tumilty, ward councillor for Gooshays Ward.
Councillor Ray Morgon, 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.
“I’m pleased to be able to once again say that safeguarding the green for future generations as a vital community asset was a manifesto promise we made and are now delivering.”
Local resident, Tammy, said:
“It’s so good we’ve finally managed to get the village green status.
“It all started in 2012 and we have to thank locals like Michelle from the Wombles for her help in keeping the area clean, and Jenny for her beautiful garden. “
Havering Council have five village green dedication events this summer.
The first, took place at Fleet Close on 11 July, the second at Wennington on 20 July.
The remaining scheduled dedication events include:
- 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