A new green team that aims to make Harold Hill a better place for everyone to live is calling upon residents to help restore the area's open spaces.

The new environmental steering group is part of the New Horizons project and follows on from the launch of the project. The group aims to discuss social and ecological issues as well as how to improve all general public areas.

Before the first meeting of the group, chaired by Cllr Anne Roberts, at the council, there will be a public meeting giving people the opportunity to say what they would like to see done in the area.

Environmental project officer for New Horizons Tony Jones said: "We are looking for people who are keen to take action and take steps to improve our environment. I am hoping to get people at the meeting interested in the environment and revved up to take steps to improve our area.

"We have received lots of positive feedback after the New Horizons launch and we are hoping for a good turnout on Thursday.

"This meeting is really for those who want to do something about the environment. We are not looking for people to make complaints but instead we want people with ideas, people who actually want to do something.

"After the meeting I will relay public opinion to the new steering group and they will take the issues further.

"We are particularly interested in the woodland area in Harold Hill which has been neglected since the housing estate was built here, general green spaces and the nearby parks.

"This is a long-term initiative and we hope it will make Harold Hill a better place for everyone who lives here."

Other issues include improving shops and buildings, making public footpaths safer and trying to clean up waste areas.

The public meeting is at St George's Centre, Chippenham Road on Thursday August 3 at 7.30pm. For further information call Tony James on 01708 432590.

Opening cut: The New Horizons project is officially launched by the Mayor of Havering Cllr Brian Eagling at Central Park, Harold Hill on Saturday.

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