Even though there are sweltering temperatures predicted again for next week, here is some good environmental news. The air in Redbridge is steadily getting cleaner.
Nitrogen dioxide levels have fallen by 40% since 2018, a report from Redbridge has shown, and particulate matter (PM2.5) has been cut in half compared to the 2028 target. Cleaner vehicle emissions are one of the key ways the reduction has been achieved, along with local policies such as planning controls.
Councillor Jo Blackman said the council planned to go further in its efforts in the next few years, saying: “This is a huge step forward for Redbridge. People in Redbridge can enjoy cleaner and healthier air, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases and improving overall quality of life.”
Wanstead’s cricketers face a big match on Sunday at Overton Drive when the 1st XI meet Peterborough in the last 16 of the prestigious National ECB 40-over competition.
The club has a good record in this competition, being quarter-finalists last year and national winners in 2017. This year the team, headed by captain Joe Ellis-Grewal, are having an excellent season and are unbeaten.
The game starts at 1pm at the club’s ground next door to St Mary’s church; the bar will be open and spectators are very welcome for an afternoon’s top quality cricket.
Redbridge enforcement officers have stopped construction work on Evergreen Field until planning conditions have been met.
As we reported earlier this month the site was cleared of undergrowth and some trees were removed before the blue hoardings were installed. It is believed a complaint from a member of the public led to the council’s enforcement action.
After years of controversy, a plan was approved last year to build 24 flats on the site.
A council spokesperson told Wansteadium: “Our Planning Enforcement Team has visited the site and spoken with the developers. We requested that all works cease until the planning conditions have been approved. We remain in dialogue with the developer to ensure this remains the case.”
The original planning permission had 41 conditions attached, including one relating to an “arboricultural method statement” which would detail the protection of trees that are to be retained. It is believed that the complaint related to trees on the site, some of which are Holm Oak, an evergreen strain which is said to have given the site its name.
The developer has applied to remove of the conditions relating to how the construction work takes place, including parking, dust and air quality, safe pedestrian access and minimising the effect on the local environment. Their suggested plan covers similar ground and has an assurance that “the contractor will liaise closely with the neighbours, local residents and the Local Authority throughout the works in order to ensure that the works cause no disruption and that the appropriate consultations take place”.
The third Wanstead Beer Festival is taking place on October 4 and tickets are now available.
The event will again be taking place at Christchurch Halls and will feature more than 50 beers from across the country, including many local breweries. There will also be cider, gin and wine, plus soft drinks. Food will also be available. Tickets cost £10, which includes a special Wanstead Beer Festival glass. All proceeds will go to local good causes.
“We hope to get even more people attending this year. The first two years certainly proved the popularity of a beer festival in Wanstead, so come along and share a beer with friends and neighbours,” said Paul Donovan, WBF organiser.
The orphaned, much-abused phone box outside Wanstead station is being adopted by the fine folk who run Wanstead House, we hear. Congratulations and thanks to them from a grateful community.
