South Woodford Village Gazette
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Residents launch petition against HMO application on Hermon Hill

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Residents have launched a petition urging the council to reject any House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) application for 125 Hermon Hill.

“The developers originally said the house was being refurbished as a family home. Once work was almost complete they changed their plan to operate a six-room HMO instead… Hermon Hill is in an Article 4 protected area, which is meant to stop uncontrolled HMO conversions. If this is allowed, Article 4 becomes meaningless across Redbridge,” said a neighbour.

Visit swvg.co.uk/125hh

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Two new yellow box junctions in South Woodford

SWVG-JAN-FEB-2026-yelThe junction of Orford Road with Hermon Hill

New yellow boxes have been installed at the junctions of Albert Road with Chigwell Road and Orford Road with Hermon Hill.

“Community feedback echoed existing concerns over stationary traffic impacting sightlines [at the Albert Road junction]… Results from a traffic survey also recorded significant obstruction at Orford Road,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

A proposal to install a yellow box at the junction of Grove Hill with High Road has been deferred to allow for further traffic surveys to be conducted.

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South Woodford filmmaker plans TV sitcom following YouTube comedy hit

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A filmmaker and actor from South Woodford is in talks to develop her dark comedy web series Do We Eat Him? into a full-length TV sitcom.

“The show follows two hilariously unhinged and hungry women, Brie and Piper, as they try to survive a zombie apocalypse. The show’s premise involves them finding a body and debating whether he is safe to eat!” said Fran St Clair, who created the series with Govind Chandran and Kelsey Cooke. The show has been watched over 145,000 times on YouTube.

Visit swvg.co.uk/dweh

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New electric vehicle charging points on lampposts across South Woodford

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Redbridge Council is to install 34 new electric vehicle charging points on lampposts across South Woodford.

It’s the final phase of a two-year project in partnership with Siemens and ubitricity, which has seen over 300 new on-street charge points installed across the borough. “This is another big step towards ensuring we have the proper infrastructure in place to ensure there are no barriers to people using electric vehicles. We all have a role to play in tackling climate change,” said Councillor Jo Blackman.

Visit swvg.co.uk/ev3

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Real Christmas tree recycling services available this January

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Residents have several options for disposing of real Christmas trees this January.

Local charity Haven House will be collecting and recycling trees from 5 to 7 January (donation and booking required). Redbridge Council will also collect real trees for free between 12 and 23 January. Collection dates will vary across the borough, so trees must be left at the property boundary by 6am on the first day of the service. Christmas trees can also be taken to Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.

Visit swvg.co.uk/treecollect26

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Redbridge Council asks residents to help shape the borough’s future

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Redbridge Council is seeking the views of residents to help shape the future of the borough.

“We’re developing a new Borough Vision, which is a shared direction for how we want our borough to look and feel in the future. This vision will guide every major decision, investment and service improvement, acting as a ‘golden thread’ that connects long-term aspirations with everyday operations of the council. Please complete our survey and help create a thriving borough,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/bvision

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SEND priority action plan

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Redbridge Council has published a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) priority action plan.

It follows an Ofsted report which highlighted widespread failings in education, health and social care, with inconsistent access to support affecting the experiences and outcomes of children with SEND. “The plan outlines the actions we will take to make the required improvements,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/sendact

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5,000-mile walk to honour late fiancée and support local hospice

WVD-JAN-2026-danielDaniel and his late fiancée Caroline Sarpong

A supporter of Saint Francis Hospice – which provides end-of-life care across Redbridge – is walking 5,000 miles from London to Ghana to raise funds for the charity and to take the ashes of his late fiancée to her final resting place

“I lost the love of my life, Caroline, to cancer in 2024. I’m doing this to raise awareness and as much money as possible for the hospice, the place that looked after Caroline with so much care and affection right up until she drew her last breath,” said Daniel Forrester.

Visit swvg.co.uk/followdaniel

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Community awards

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Nominations for the Mayor of Redbridge’s annual community awards are open until 6 January.

Do you know an unsung hero on your street or anywhere within your local community? Or a group or organisation that has made a positive contribution to the lives of local residents? If the answer is yes, why not enter them into our community awards this year?” asked a council spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/maward

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South Woodford Village Gazette loses out on award to Colours of Redbridge

WVD-JAN-2026-crColours of Redbridge at the Ilford and Redbridge Business Awards

Having reached the finals of the Ilford and Redbridge Business Awards in December, the South Woodford Village Gazette lost out to Colours of Redbridge in the Social Value Award category.

“There was strong competition in our category and Colours of Redbridge are worthy winners. I’m grateful to all who took part in the public vote to help us reach the final,” said editor Lee Marquis.

Launched in 2023, Colours of Redbridge is a multi-organisation partnership that delivers community-led activities and events.

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Structural survey prompts new round of repairs on George Lane Viaduct

SWVG-JAN-FEB-2026-viaA structural survey took place in November 2025

A structural survey has revealed that more work is needed on the George Lane Viaduct.

“Following routine structural inspections, the council has identified a series of measures to repair sections of the structure, including concrete works and parapet repairs. Additional works have also been scheduled as part of our ongoing inspection process to ensure the bridge remains in good working condition. These repairs form part of the council’s regular inspection, maintenance and capital works programme, which also covers other structures across the borough,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

The Viaduct was built to replace a former level crossing, keeping George Lane connected when the Central Line was extended to Woodford in the late 1940s.

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