Here’s the latest news from your Labour Councillors and Labour Team in Barking and Dagenham. These are our collection of Borough-wide news stories. You can also find more local news and stories relevant to your ward by clicking on your ward from the homepage.

  • Major Boost for Valence House

    Major Boost for Valence House

    Labour Councillors have today approved a new master for Valence House Museum – the borough’s only surviving medieval manor house.

    The historic building will undergo a significant transformation under the new plans, which sets out a bold vision to enhance the historic site as a vibrant heritage, education, learning and cultural centre for local residents and visitors alike. 

    The works will focus on addressing conservation repairs to the Grade II* Listed building, it will also focus on the collections and archive, accessibility and improvements to the natural landscape including the North Moat, South Moat and Valence Park.

    Labour Councillors also welcomed the news that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced Barking and Dagenham as a ‘Heritage Place’ – a recognition that brings with it long-term support and funding opportunities aimed at celebrating local stories, places and people.

    Labour Council Leader Dominic Twomey said “We’ve invested in Valence House over the years to make sure it remains a key part of Barking and Dagenham’s heritage offer – and we’ll continue to do so. Combined with the recent Heritage Lottery Fund’s Heritage Places announcement, this marks a really exciting moment for the borough and shows our commitment to celebrating and protecting our shared history.”

    Labour’s Deputy Council Leader Saima Ashraf, added  “Valence House holds a special place in the hearts of our residents, and we know how much local people enjoy and value it. That’s why their views have been so important in shaping the masterplan to help not only preserve our past but inspire future generations. And with our new status as a Heritage Place, it’s fantastic Barking and Dagenham is being recognised for its extraordinary stories and cultural contribution.”

    You can find out more about Valence House here

    Image (c) Gordon Joly – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, via wikipedia

  • Police Counter to Remain Open

    We’re happy to announce that following a strong campaign by Labour MPs, Councillors and local residents, the Metropolitan Police Service have announced that Dagenham Police Station front counter remain open. 

    Labour Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said,

    “I’m really pleased the Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed Dagenham Police Station front counter will remain open. This is a big win for our community and a vital step in keeping our residents safe.

    “It follows a strong campaign from our MPs, councillors, and local residents. We’ve made our voices heard and the hard work has paid off – a big thank you to everyone who backed our campaign.” 

  • Labour’s Campaign for Step-Free Station Access

    Labour’s Campaign for Step-Free Station Access

    Following months of campaigning by Labour Councillors, Transport for London have agreed to conduct a feasibility study into making Dagenham East and Becontree stations step-free, potentially paving the way for making the stations more accessible.

    Labour Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, Dominic Twomey, said “I wholeheartedly welcome this decision from the Mayor of London to conduct these studies. These are two of the borough’s busiest stations, but they lack much needed step-free access. Inclusive transport options are vital for our community, especially for residents and visitors with limited mobility, parents with prams, and elderly members of our borough.

    “Hundreds of residents signed our petition asking for TfL to increase accessibility at Dagenham East, which the Mayor’s announcement recognised. Transport improvement remains a key priority in Barking and Dagenham and we will work closely with TfL and other partners to continue to improve transport infrastructure in our borough.”

    Over the last few years public transport has improved significantly in the Borough with the introduction of the:

    • Overground line extension to Barking Riverside
    • the Superloop bus service
    • the Thames Clipper at Barking Riverside, connecting the borough to the city 
    • more cycle paths and the introduction of E-bikes

  • Council and police getting tough on vehicle offences

    This weekend Barking & Dagenham Council Teams and the Police led an operation to tackle uninsured vehicles, persistent evaders, fraudulent permit holders, and misuse of Blue Badges across the Borough.

    The operation drew on intelligence from resident reports and frontline staff – along with proactive patrols across hotspot areas.

    Police Officers carried out over 100 vehicle stops. In addition:

    • Six fraudulent QR code stickers – used to scam residents paying for parking were spotted and removed.
    • Two uninsured vehicles were seized and towed by the Street Duties Team.
    • Two arrests were made, including one for a wanted individual in connection with a drink-driving offence.
    • Seven vehicles were removed for fraudulent permit use, including cases where drivers had three or more unpaid PCNs.

    Labour Councillor for Valence Ward Syed Ghani, who also sits as the Labour Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said:

    “This operation shows the strength of partnership working in tackling fraud and keeping our streets safe. From permit abuse to Blue Badge misuse and even scams targeting residents, we’re taking firm action to protect our communities. 

    “I want to thank our enforcement teams and the police for their continued dedication to making Barking and Dagenham a safer place to live, work and shop.

  • Statement from the Leader of the Council

    Councillor Dominic Twomey, Labour Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: 

    “I am sure everyone in Barking and Dagenham is completely appalled by the disgusting attack on a Synagogue in Manchester yesterday, and I know that all our thoughts will be with the families of the two men who were killed, and the four people who remain in hospital. 

    “Anti-Semitism has no place in society, and we must continue to do all we can to ensure hate is challenged and rooted out wherever we find it – here in Barking and Dagenham and throughout the country.”

  • Crime Down Most in Barking & Dagenham

    This week’s Barking and Dagenham Post reports on news that our Borough has had the greatest fall in annual crime of all local authorities in England, according to new research.

    A spokesperson for the Labour-run Council told the paper:

    “This reflects the strength of our Community Safety Partnership, which brings together the council, police, health services, schools, and voluntary organisations to tackle key issues like youth violence, antisocial behaviour, and violence against women and girls.

    You can read the good news here.

  • Black History Month

    This week marks the start of October and of Black History Month.

    Black History Month celebrates the culture, history and achievements that Black African and Caribbean people have brought to the United Kingdom

    Labour Councillor for Chadwell Heath, Sade Bright, this week expressed the importance of the month to the Borough:

    “Black History Month is a time to reflect, to learn, and to celebrate. It’s about recognising the incredible contributions of Black communities, not just nationally, but right here in Barking and Dagenham. This year’s theme, ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, speaks to the strength and beauty of Black heritage. I’m proud that our programme offers something for everyone, and I encourage all residents to take part, be inspired, and help us honour the legacy and future of Black excellence.”

    You can find out more about the wider programme of events and activities across the Borough here.

  • Homes for Local people

    Homes for Local people

    Earlier this week Labour Councillors on Barking and Dagenham’s Planning Committee unanimously approved the next phase of development at Barking Riverside with planning granted for the next 650 new homes by L&Q.

    Barking and Dagenham continues to lead the way with approving and building quality new homes for local people. Barking Riverside remains one the of the largest new sites of quality affordable homes on brown-field land in the capital, with housing unlocked by the extension of the overground line and new station.

    There’s a nice write up of the story in this week’s Barking and Dagenham Post.

  • Battle of Britain Memorial

    Battle of Britain Memorial

    Labour MP for Dagenham Margaret Mullane, Deputy Council Leader Saima Ashraf, and fellow Councillors joined the Dagenham Branch of the Royal Naval Association, ex-forces officers, and veterans to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, ensuring the freedoms we cherish today.

    The memorial took place at Dagenham Parish Church for the 85th Anniversary Remembrance Service of the Battle of Britain.

    We continue to remember, honour and stand together with them

  • Bikes for Barking

    Labour Councillors have long campaigned for a bike hire scheme for Barking and Dagenham. and we’re delighted it’s now happening through a new trial. We’re excited that Voi e-bikes are coming to the Barking this September. You may spot the pink bikes starting to appear across Barking.

    Whether it’s for a quick trip around town or a longer commute into central London, this is a great way to get into cycling.

    You can find out more and download the app from the Voi website