Editor

The Eagle Lane subway was cleaned up in February by Redbridge Council’s new Rapid Response Clean Team.

The new service uses a specially equipped vehicle. “The vehicle is designed to handle a wide range of issues, thanks to being kitted with a range of equipment, including brooms, cleansing apparatus and jet wash capability,” said a spokesperson.

The subway – which runs under the Central Line – will receive a weekly cleaning visit. Street cleansing issues can be reported online.

Visit swvg.co.uk/reportit

Local resident and journalist Donna Mizzi writes an open letter to Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London and chairman of TfL, on behalf of W14 bus users

Dear Sir Sadiq Khan,

You have recently answered a London Assembly member’s question on the hourly W14 buses by stating the number of users is not high enough to justify a more frequent service. Local residents want to make it clear that it is TfL’s bus reorganisation that has directly reduced its usability. It is too infrequent, ridiculously unreliable and no longer goes where passengers need to reach, even terminating short of Whipps Cross Hospital.

From the date the new W14 bus was imposed in 2024, passenger figures plunged dramatically from about 1,800 to 300 a day. No one knew when the reduced hourly bus was due or where it would actually stop. And it still continues to be much of a mystery bus today. It’s usually late, sometimes early and frequently doesn’t arrive at all.

Yet the W14 is the sole bus service and only public transport accessible for hundreds of Wanstead and South Woodford households on the huge Nightingale Estate, and for further hundreds of flats and 60 retirement units by Snaresbrook Road. Most of those homes are beyond acceptable walking distances to essential services or other transport, particularly for the elderly, disabled or mums with young children. For those reasons, a bus service has run there for 36 years.

Elderly and disabled people cannot stand out in the freezing cold or in other extreme weather waiting for a bus which may or may not arrive. Residents, including the elderly, have frequently become ‘stranded’ when trying to get back home, waiting up to three hours for the next W14 to arrive. TfL has said for 17 months it has been working on W14’s reliability, but as you admit, it has still not met the minimum standard required.

When presented with TfL’s own W14 figures, you have stated: “none of the current routes are directly comparable with the old route numbers prior to the changes.” You say there are too many empty seats at present, exaggerated by TfL imposing unwanted oversized buses down these narrow residential roads. Meanwhile, hordes of children no longer contribute to daily passenger numbers because the W14 service does not coincide with school times. Pupils are also badly affected.

Here are other startling figures. An Equality Impact Assessment reveals the W14 route contains the highest percentage of elderly (41%) and disabled people (5%) using it out of all the local W-bus services. Therefore, TfL has hit the most vulnerable residents. The harmful impact has been massive, including despair, social isolation, inability to get to vital health appointments or even visit a pharmacy or food shops. Residents who cannot afford to keep the heating on are unable to reach a warm space. Carers and relatives also have more trouble reaching those who need support. These vulnerable groups are also less likely to have smartphones or computers, though the W14 service updates often don’t appear, anyway.

TfL’s positive spins on the overall W-bus services do not reveal the full picture. For instance, the W12 now covers more miles but also contributes to traffic jams in ultra-congested Leytonstone, so it often takes frail passengers 50 minutes to travel from Snaresbrook to Whipps Cross Hospital when their journey previously took 10 minutes.

W-bus problems have been dire enough to create an ITN News report, an MP’s petition presented to Parliament, demonstrations, public meetings, a 5,400-signature petition and direct questions to you in the London Assembly. Meanwhile, families have gone back to using cars or even struggle to buy a vehicle or order taxis. Or they avoid going out. Parents interrupt their work to run their children to school, clocking up double the road miles that taking a W14 would entail. Commuters’ travel time is extended. Individuals fear walking long distances along dark, quiet roads back to their homes. Others struggle with heavy groceries. Such bad services are not good for individuals, families, the health service nor the economy.

One of your main aims, you say, is to persuade Londoners to give up driving and use public transport. If so, increasing the W14’s frequency would be a priority.

Apart from the needs for greater frequency and a stop within Whipps Cross Hospital’s grounds (backed by its management), the other main W14 issues are:

The southbound W14 has been amended to stop near Wanstead Tube station. Passengers with mobility problems also need to get back from there; the present baffling W14 northbound stop is a third of a mile away.

The new W14 no longer stops by George Lane’s main shopping area and big supermarkets, making even weekly food shopping difficult. Changing buses with a heavy shopping trolley is not a sensible TfL suggestion.

TfL has failed to grasp the situation for 18 months. Local residents would love to hear some encouraging news from you as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,
Donna Mizzi (reply to editor@swvg.co.uk)

Written questions were submitted by the Deputy Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Russell, who called a public meeting on the local bus problems last June. She has agreed to deliver this letter to Sadiq Khan.

To view the original written questions and answers between Caroline Russell and Sadiq Khan, visit swvg.co.uk/busqa

The Guide Dogs’ recently refurbished centre in Redbridge has enjoyed architectural award recognition. Local volunteer coordinator Phoebe Coles reports on a building that champions sustainability

The Guide Dogs South East Regional Centre in Redbridge is celebrating an exciting achievement this year, having been shortlisted for the RIBAJ MacEwen Award 2026, a national recognition that celebrates architecture designed for the common good. The award highlights buildings that deliver meaningful social benefit, and the Redbridge site has stood out for its thoughtful design, commitment to accessibility and inclusivity and its focus on improving the lives of people with sight loss and the dogs who support them.

Designed by Kay Elliott Architects, the Redbridge centre is located in Woodford Bridge and is Guide Dogs’ first net‑zero building, demonstrating the charity’s strong commitment to sustainability and responsible design. As a working hub, it can accommodate up to 75 dogs, offering state‑of‑the‑art facilities that prioritise dog welfare, support high‑quality training and meet the needs of both staff and volunteers. Nestled within a greenbelt landscape, the site also enhances local biodiversity by increasing plant and tree varieties – an important feature valued by the award panel.

This modern centre is vital to the charity’s work in the region. The South East Regional Centre trains nearly 250 guide dogs every year and supports over 600 volunteer puppy raisers, making it a cornerstone of services across Essex and neighbouring counties. Its indoor and outdoor training areas, community spaces and flexible facilities enable teams to deliver essential skills, information and support services to people with sight loss.

Being recognised on the MacEwen Award shortlist reflects not only the building’s architectural merit but also the profound social impact Guide Dogs continues to have in our community.

With the centre growing in activity and impact, Guide Dogs is calling on local residents to consider becoming a volunteer fosterer. Fosterers provide temporary homes for dogs in training, offering love, stability and day‑to‑day care, while the dogs learn essential skills that will one day support a person with sight loss. It’s a rewarding role that directly contributes to the life‑changing work happening at Redbridge. Information on how to get involved can be found through Guide Dogs’ website, where opportunities such as fostering, puppy raising and other roles are regularly updated.

As Guide Dogs in Redbridge gains national recognition, there’s never been a better moment for local residents to support this incredible charity. By volunteering, you become part of a mission that brings independence, mobility and confidence to people living with sight loss across our region.

For more information on Guide Dogs, volunteer fostering and other ways to help, visit swvg.co.uk/gdvolunteer

The inaugural meeting of the South Woodford Health Practitioner Network in January brought together GPs, pharmacists, paramedics and other local health professionals – many meeting face-to-face for the first time.

“The event helped build relationships that will support more joined-up care, with professionals now working more collaboratively rather than in isolation,” said organiser Rena Pathak, who hopes the network will continue to grow and improve patient journeys across South Woodford.

Three English Longhorn cows finished their seasonal stay at Wanstead Park in February.

“We are grateful to the Friends of Wanstead Parklands and our cattle volunteers, who helped ensure the wellbeing of Lazy, Kite and Jolly whilst they went about their important business grazing the acid grasslands. Thanks to the cows, the anthills remain open and the dung beetles will continue to thrive, helping to preserve the delicate balance of Wanstead Park’s ecosystem,” said a spokesperson for the City of London Corporation.

The SOWO Society held its AGM in February and reflected on another busy and successful year.

“Highlights have been the ongoing Community Orchard and Eastwood Green re-greening projects, along with regular litter picks and social events. The Summer Festival in July was a great success and the Christmas Light-Up is firmly in the local calendar. The SOWO Business Network is also going from strength to strength, thanks to collaboration with Redbridge Council and local councillors,” said a spokesperson.

Visit sowosoc.org

A Muslim charity is hoping to convert a former restaurant building in South Woodford into an inclusive community centre, open to people of all backgrounds and faiths.

“Subject to planning permission, our aim is to create a welcoming, safe and positive environment where everyone feels respected, supported and inspired. The venue will host talks, events, workshops and family-friendly activities,” said a spokesperson for Seven Spikes Relief.

The building at 159–161 High Road was formerly home to the E Eighteen restaurant.

A much-loved Egyptian Goose often seen in the Snaresbrook area has died after being hit by a car on Woodford Road.

“Dudley and his partner Doris were known to many in our community and often seen grazing by The Drive. Dudley suffered a badly broken leg and other injuries and passed away at the scene. Doris was very distressed. I laid him on a white blanket, ensuring she could see him to understand he was gone and did not wait for him or go searching for him,” said Gill Walker, a local waterbird rescue volunteer.

South Woodford Library and Gym – which has been closed since the discovery of RAAC concrete in September 2024 – is expected to reopen this summer.

“Work commenced in December and forms part of the council’s wider RAAC remediation programme. The project includes the removal of RAAC panels, a full roof replacement, the installation of solar panels and a package of internal redecoration works… The project remains on schedule for completion ahead of the planned summer 2026 reopening,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

During procurement, the council received 14 bids, reflecting strong interest in delivering the scheme. The contract was awarded to Amber Construction Services Ltd.

Whilst the venue is closed, fitness classes, gym equipment and library books have been relocated to the Redbridge Drama Centre on Churchfields.

A youth charity leader from South Woodford was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours List.

Neil Martin, chief executive of the Jewish Lads’ & Girls’ Brigade, was recognised for ‘national service to young people, interfaith relations and Holocaust remembrance’. “I am profoundly humbled by this honour. More than an individual achievement, it reflects the dedication of [all] who make this vital work possible, and whom I am so privileged to work alongside,” said Neil.

Andrew Hollingworth explains why bringing his new play Tin Can back to South Woodford feels like home

I first walked through the doors of Redbridge Drama Centre when I was about 13 or 14 years old. I’m 38 now, and this February I’m bringing my own original play, Tin Can, back to the venue with my company Buckle Up Theatre. It’s strange, emotional, and very special to be returning — not as a participant in the youth theatre, but as a writer and performer presenting professional work.

The Youth Theatre Workshop at Redbridge Drama Centre was the first place that allowed and encouraged me to mix with other young people of varying ages. At school, year groups are kept apart, but here it was different. The group ranged from around 14 to 21, all with a shared interest in creating theatre. You could learn so much just by being in the room — watching the confidence, talent, and acting ability of others who were a few years ahead of you.

We would work together for a term or two on productions, sometimes scripted, sometimes devised. The devising process was particularly formative for me. Small groups would create scenes and characters, then bring that work back to the wider group and find ways to stitch everything together into a full piece. It taught me collaboration, problem-solving, and how ideas evolve through shared creativity.

The facilities at the Drama Centre were also a huge part of that learning. We rehearsed in proper studio spaces, and when it came time to perform, we did so in the Lovegrove Theatre, with professional lighting, sound and set. That was where I really learned how theatre comes together — and where I realised the limitations (or lack of limitations) of what can be created when you start making theatre yourself.

When I later applied to drama schools, the then head of the centre, Keith Homer, helped me refine and direct my audition speeches. That guidance was invaluable. After graduating, Redbridge Drama Centre also gave me my first acting job, touring local schools in an education project directed by Michael Woodwood, who lives locally in Wanstead. That early opportunity proved significant, as it began a collaboration that has continued over the years and now sees Michael directing Tin Can.

Returning now doesn’t feel like “full circle” because the Drama Centre has never really left me. It’s been the starting point for all of Buckle Up Theatre’s work, offering rehearsal space, technical support, and encouragement along the way. I’m sentimental about the place — it holds a lot of memories.

I still live nearby, in Wood Green, and my parents live in Loughton. At the moment, I’m building the set for Tin Can at their house. I’m not sure they’re thrilled about me angle-grinding metal in the garage and assembling scaffolding in my brother’s old bedroom — but they’ve always supported the life I chose, so they’ll have to live with it.

Tin Can is a wild sci-fi comedy adventure, created with the aim of entertaining first — offering escapism, laughter, and a trip to another world. That intention has always been at the heart of Buckle Up Theatre’s work. Bringing this production back to South Woodford feels right. Redbridge Drama Centre may not be on the high street, but it’s only a 10-minute walk from the station, and it offers high-quality theatre right on the doorstep. I hope more local people discover it — just as I did all those years ago.

Tin Can will be at at Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB on 27 and 28 February 2026 (7.30pm – 9.30pm). Tickets: £10. Visit www.buckleuptheatre.co.uk