Havering Residents Association (HRA) have pushed back on the idea of the borough leaving London after Reform’s local election victories.
Nigel Farage’s party took control of the council after winning 39 seats in last week’s vote, taking the north-east London authority out of no overall control and marking the first time Reform have won a council in the capital.
Farage and other party figures have openly discussed the possibility of giving Havering residents the choice to leave London and become a part of Essex.
But HRA, who are now the second-biggest party in the council with 14 seats, believe this would be against Havering’s interests.
HRA said: “Havering historically grew from residents moving out from the East End.
“We officially become a London Borough on April 1st 1965, so our connection to London has been in place for many years.”
Reform MP for Romford Andrew Rosindell wants Havering to have a referendum to decide its fate.
But losing the Metropolitan Police was one of the biggest reasons why the HRA are firmly against Havering leaving London.
HRA said: “Essex police is a different beast to the Met.”
Greenery was another issue raised by the independent party with Havering being the third greenest borough in London.
They fear that if they leave London, the borough will lose the services needed to keep their public parks running smoothly.
The party said: “The location of these green spaces doesn’t change, but the services do.
“Everything will be dependent on what Essex has or doesn’t have.”
The cost of Essex buses and no longer operating under TfL (Transport for London) was another reason why the HRA wants to remain in London if it came to it.
They said: “Our fares would move into the Essex price bracket, increasing commuting costs for Havering residents”
HRA also added that they cannot see any positives to becoming an extension of Essex.
Butcher and Havering resident Robert Smith said: “Havering is probably best left the way it is.”
“Most people do see Havering as Essex, but it is a London Borough.”
Asian and Brazilian food supermarket owner Mishal Khan said: “We should not move, Havering is doing good in London.”
However there are some residents who think Havering joining Essex will improve the borough.
Turkish restaurant owner Mangal Meze said: “Leaving London will be a good thing.”
“I used to live in Essex before I moved to Romford and things are better there.”
Reform and Essex Police has been contacted for comment.
Featured Image Credit: Catherine Kamara
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