A former Havering councillor has urged immediate action after demolition debris is reported to have come close to striking a member of the public at a central Romford redevelopment site.
Incident at busy pedestrian route
David Taylor, who previously chaired the Places Overview & Scrutiny Committee, has filed formal complaints with both Havering Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the incident at the former Santander redevelopment location. The site is accessed from the pedestrianised zone between South Street and Exchange Street, a thoroughfare used by thousands of shoppers and commuters each day.
Taylor says the site requires heavy vehicles to cross the public paved area during the demolition and rebuilding work. He has raised concerns that falling material from the site narrowly missed a passer-by and has asked authorities to confirm that adequate protective measures are in place to shield pedestrians.
“If the reports are accurate, this was a near miss that could easily have ended in tragedy. Thousands of people walk through this part of Romford every day. Nobody should have to worry about falling debris while walking through our town centre,”
He told InfoRadar he supports regeneration and investment in Romford but insists public safety must not be compromised in the process. Mr Taylor has also asked the council to inspect the condition of the pedestrian paving where construction traffic crosses and to repair any damage before it becomes hazardous.
What Mr Taylor has asked from authorities
- Launch an investigation into the reported falling debris.
- Confirm what safety measures are currently in place to protect pedestrians.
- Assess and repair any damage to public paving caused by construction traffic.
- Provide a public response outlining proposed remedial actions.
He has said he will publish the responses he receives from both the council and the HSE. That request signals an expectation of transparency around how safety risks are managed on high-footfall redevelopment projects in the town centre.
Local impact and what residents should know
Works on major redevelopment sites in town centres can create temporary risks for pedestrians and local businesses. Where heavy vehicles share pedestrian areas, adequate segregation, overhead protection and clear exclusion zones are standard controls expected under construction safety guidance. Residents concerned about the specific site are advised to:
- Report any damaged paving, loose debris or unsafe vehicle movements to Havering Council’s public realm team.
- Use alternative routes where possible while demolition and construction are ongoing.
- Watch for public notices at the site and any updates from the council or HSE.
| Action requested | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Investigation into incident | Havering Council & HSE |
| Confirmation of pedestrian safety measures | Havering Council |
| Inspection and repair of paving | Havering Council |
InfoRadar has asked Havering Council for comment and for details of any current risk assessments or protective measures at the former Santander site. Responses will be published when received.
The episode highlights tensions that can arise as town centres evolve: while regeneration projects are often welcomed for the investment and jobs they bring, they must be delivered without putting the public at unnecessary risk.
