Romford Gets a Refresh: Havering Council Launches Major Town Centre Deep Clean
ROMFORD, UK – Havering Council has launched an intensive sanitation initiative aimed at revitalizing Romford town centre, utilizing heavy-duty technology to scrub away years of grime, graffiti, and neglect.
The project, which is being delivered in partnership with the council’s street cleaning contractor, FCC Environment, forms a central pillar of the Cabinet’s “100 Day Plan.” The initiative is a direct response to resident feedback, which consistently highlights the need for cleaner, more inviting public spaces.
High-Tech Sanitation
To ensure the town centre reaches a high standard of cleanliness, crews have been working in the early hours of the morning to minimize disruption to commuters and shoppers.
The operation utilizes a fleet of specialized machinery, most notably the Gladiator MV7000. This powerful unit features a mechanical scrubbing deck that deploys steam to lift deep-seated stains from pedestrianized areas. The team is also deploying industrial-grade jet washers and mechanical sweepers to tackle stubborn dirt on pavements, street furniture, and signage. Beyond basic cleaning, the teams are proactively removing unsightly graffiti that has blighted the town’s infrastructure.
Since the campaign began over a week ago, the cleanup has covered key thoroughfares, stretching from the top of South Street through Exchange Street and extending towards Romford Station.
A Renewed Sense of Pride
Councillor Martynas Cekavicius, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Realm, emphasized that the project is about more than just aesthetics—it is about economic and social vitality.
“We want our local businesses to thrive and our residents and visitors to enjoy the spaces they use on a daily basis,” said Cllr Cekavicius. “These deep cleans allow us to make a visible difference where it is needed most. We are committed to a cleaner Havering, but this is a two-way street; we ask that residents and visitors help us by using bins and picking up after their dogs.”
The Councillor also reiterated the local authority’s hardline stance on environmental crime, noting that the council is currently pushing to increase fines for fly-tipping to the maximum legal limit.
Future Expansion
Adissa Ouedraogo, Senior Contract Manager for FCC Environment, believes the initiative will act as a catalyst for local civic pride. “By undertaking this enhanced cleaning programme, we hope to invigorate a sense of ownership, encouraging residents and visitors to help keep the streets clean,” Ouedraogo said.
With the initial phase in Romford showing positive results, the local authority has confirmed that the cleanup will continue into the historic Romford Market area in the coming weeks. Furthermore, the Cabinet is currently exploring plans to roll out this deep-cleaning strategy to other town centres across the borough in the months ahead.
