The Council meeting on Wednesday 19 November 2025 addressed tree safety inspections and the future of Romford Police Station's front desk. Councillors voted to accept an amendment to a Labour motion regarding tree inspections, which then became the substantive motion. Subsequently, a Conservative motion to reverse the closure of Romford Police Station's 24-hour front desk was passed.

Tree Inspections

A motion was proposed by the Labour Group calling for a rigorous programme of regulatory tree inspections, prompted by events in Southend and a near-miss in Harrow Lodge Park. An amendment from the Havering Residents Association Group proposed continuing the existing programme of regulatory inspections.

During the debate, Councillor David Taylor, Chair of the Places Committee, noted that the committee had received reports on the tree inspection programme and acknowledged a lack of follow-up on previous reports. Councillor Brian Eaglin raised concerns about dangerous branches in Harrowwood Park that had been reported but not addressed. Councillor Martin Goode argued that the current programme was not fit for purpose, citing long delays in repairs and issues with pedestrian walkways. Councillor Judith Holt echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for more rigorous and regular inspections, and quicker action.

Councillor Keith Prince observed that the amendment, while commendable in its future plans, did not reflect the urgency of the motion. Councillor Gerry O'Sullivan stated that while progress was being made, more work was needed. Councillor Tim Ryan spoke about a tree in Stockland Road that had been a persistent issue for two years without a response. Councillor Jane Keane expressed interest in the proposed voluntary tree warden scheme and inquired about the delegation of responsibility for tree safety to volunteers. Councillor Reg Whitney acknowledged the national context of trees falling but stressed the council's responsibility for local safety.

Replying to the debate, Councillor Keith Darvill, Leader of the Labour Group, reiterated the need for more rigorous action due to changing circumstances. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, discussed the challenges of recruiting arboriculturalists and the practicalities of inspection frequencies, mentioning the ongoing work on a new tree strategy.

Ultimately, the amendment by the Havering Residents Association Group was carried by 24 votes to 18, becoming the substantive motion.

Romford Police Station Front Desk

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the closure of the front desk at Romford Police Station. Councillor David Taylor moved a Conservative Group motion calling for the reversal of the decision to close the 24-hour front desk. He highlighted a lack of publicly available data on usage and stressed the importance of front desks as places of safety for residents, particularly those who may not be able to use 999 or online reporting methods.

The Labour Group proposed an amendment, moved by Councillor Keith Darvill, calling for a review of the decision to close the front desk at night time. Councillor Darvill acknowledged the pressures on police resources but argued for engagement with police partners to ensure services are available when needed. He cited evidence from colleagues who had experienced low or no visitors to the front desk during night shifts.

During the general debate, Councillor John Tyler, a former police officer, spoke about the importance of the human element, stating that figures don't matter. It's not figures, it's people. He emphasized the role of front desks as places of safety and the need for a human face in dealing with the public. Councillor Keith Prince supported the Conservative motion, arguing that the Labour amendment was an attempt to obfuscate the issue and that the Mayor of London had misled residents. He detailed instances where people use the police station for reasons beyond reporting crime, such as seeking safety or reporting lost property. Councillor Stephanie Nunn and Councillor Barry Mugglestone also spoke about the perceived betrayal of promises regarding the 24-hour service. Councillor Reg Whitney suggested taking the motion to the Mayor of London. Councillor Jane Keane, despite being a Labour councillor, stated she would vote with the Conservatives due to the importance of the front desk for vulnerable residents. Councillor Dilip Patel and Councillor Judith Holt also voiced strong opposition to the closure, highlighting the impact on Havering residents and the perceived unfair treatment of outer London boroughs.

In the replies, Councillor David Taylor argued that the decision was terrible but not the fault of a specific MP, and questioned the use of outdated technology by the police. He drew a parallel to his own experience working night shifts, where the presence of a desk was crucial for individuals in need, regardless of visitor numbers. Councillor Keith Darvill advocated for a pragmatic approach through negotiation and lobbying. Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the funding shortfalls for the police and the difficult choices being made, suggesting that police on the streets were preferable to a front desk with low usage. He also noted that the police station would still be open for other functions, such as the custody suite.

The Labour Group's amendment was not carried, with 22 votes against, 5 in favour, and 15 abstentions. The substantive motion, the Conservative Group's motion, was then carried by 35 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions.

Other Matters

The meeting also included discussions on the East London Joint Waste Plan, with councillors authorising officers to submit the plan for independent public examination. Support was also expressed for Zane's Law, a campaign advocating for stronger regulations and government funding to address contamination from legacy landfill sites. Several petitions were presented, covering issues such as traffic calming measures on Mourney Road, concerns about speeding trucks in Wellington, the need for CCTV in Haroldwood, opposition to development on the M25 in Haroldwood and Brentwood, and requests for 20mph speed limits in specific areas of Hornchurch. Members also asked questions on various council matters, including the Bridge Close Development, lighting in Romford subways, parking in Harrow Lodge Park, grass verge repairs, housing fraud checks, parking zone restrictions, fly-tipping, development at Harrelcourt Road, council property inspections, and the Bean Park Ward regeneration.