Stratford Market Village update   

Following various negotiations and advocacy to support the reopening of the much loved Market Village, we have been successful in identifying £700k funding from a GLA Good Growth Fund which was no longer required to allow Newham Council to take on the lease of the market and enable the 60 affected businesses to resume their trade soon. Subject to Cabinet approval on 2 April, we will then work with the traders and UNEX the current landlord of the market to enable the market to reopen as soon as possible. 

Read the Council statement >

Don't forget - you need ID to vote 

 The Mayoral and London Assembly election is taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024. To cast your vote at a polling station, valid photo identification is essential. Accepted IDs range from passports and driving licenses, to blue badges and certain travel cards. Presented ID must be the original, not a photocopy, with a name matching your voter registration. If you don’t have a suitable ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the April 24 deadline. 

Check all acceptable ID list >

Thames Water Victorian Mains replacement disruptions 

Working with Thames Water ,we are improving to improve the water mains in East Ham to provide a more reliable drinking water supply, reduce leaks, and protect the future water supply for thousands of residents. Works will be carried out across the areas below and we apologise in advance for any disruptions this may cause you. 

High Street North: Works will continue for seven months. Buses are being diverted via Ron Leighton Way.  

High Street South: Works will commence near the junction with Barking Road on April 29 and will last for 3 weeks. 

Barking Road (junction with High Street South & High Street North): Throughout May, we will be replacing the main pipe across the junction. Works will be completed by Summer 2024. 

We’ll keep you informed as work progresses. If you have any questions, please call 0800 316 9800 or email customer.feedback@thameswater.co.uk quoting reference BB70055905.

Easter Half Term Holiday Activities

Discover fun activities for children and young people (four to 16 years of age), including those with special educational needs (SEND, up to 18) happening in Newham, over the Easter school holidays. Funded by the Department of Education for families in receipt of Pupil Premium (means tested free school meals), a range of local clubs across Newham are providing opportunities for your child/young person to meet new friends, learn something new, stay active and eat a nutritious meal during the Easter school holiday. 

Activities include multi sports, arts and crafts, drama, cookery and much more, to suit different ages, abilities and interests. 

Register for the Easter Programme >

Revised  Easter waste collection days 

Amidst the Easter holiday, don't forget about your revised waste collection day. You won't miss a collection but there will be changes to your waste collection day. 

Remember to roll out those bins on the revised day. Let's keep Newham looking blooming lovely this spring!

View the changes and mark your calendars >

Free app to manage bills and benefits 

We have teamed up with SuperFi to provide residents with access to their easy-to-use mobile app which can help people to better manage their bills and debts, specially those wanting to manage their finances in a high cost of living environment. From receiving reminders on your monthly bills (such as Council Tax or utilities), accessing discounts from your favourite retailers, easily viewing and/or cancelling your subscriptions to even checking if you’re receiving all of the government benefits you’re entitled to.

 Sign up to SuperFi >

Free childcare for working parents 

As part of the Government’s expansion of the 30-hour entitlement, working parents may now be eligible to access 15 hours of free childcare for their two-year-olds from April.  You may be eligible for Up to 15 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for 2 year olds or up to 30 hours of early education over 38 weeks of the year for 3-4 year olds. The offer can be used flexibly with one or more childcare providers whilst some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks, using fewer hours per week.

Apply now for an April start >

New lease of life for listed Tate Institute

After many years of being underutilised, we have now appointed non-profit organisation ReSpace Projects to lead the regeneration of the former Tate Institute social club into a local holistic facility to support the North Woolwich and wider Newham communities.The improvement works at Tate Institute will create four self-sustaining areas, consisting of an enterprise hub, workshops and event spaces, creative studios and community gardens curated to co-exist in one collaborative environment. 

The first design and construction phase has now started and will aim to make the building safe, watertight and operational by July 2024 to start opening the space for more community events.

Read about the plans >