An east London got together for a 'planting and picnic day' to celebrate local improvements and social solidarity.

It marked the construction of a community flower bed by local college students and other volunteers on Saturday 22 June.

The works were part of a drive to improve an area that has been blighted by litter and anti-social behaviour.

The event was also part of The Great Get Together weekend, in which communities around the UK held events to celebrate kindness and respect. The national event was inspired by Jo Cox, a British Labour politician murdered in June 2016.

The newly appointed Mayor of Redbridge Zulfiqar Hussain attended the event and spoke with local residents, who described it as a success.

The Ilford community worked with Redbridge Council to improve one of its roads in Ilford and surrounding areas. The road had particular issues around ASB and prostitution activities/litter. Together they formed a working group that have met regularly to discuss issues and ways of tackling these issues by working together. As a result, lighting, over hanging trees, security and general overall appearance of the Road have been looked at and some of these already addressed and others have a plan of how they will be tackled.

Part of this plan was to adopt and regenerate the raised planter at the top of the road. So the community together got all the brickwork rebuilt. They engaged with Team VIY in supplying a brick layer mentor, construction student volunteers from Havering College, a donation of a pallet of bricks from Havering college, donated building materials from Wickes Chadwell Heath and some local volunteers.

Today was a Community Planting and Picnic day in honour of Jo Cox, as this is truly the spirit and meaning of working together. The day was a success and fun for all.

The newly appointed Mayor of Redbridge Zulfiqar Hussain attended the event and spoke with local residents. Everyone was grateful that he took the time to come and represent the Council.

‘This truly is a Good News Story, showing how the Community Groups, local residents, businesses and Local Authority can work together and create something wonderful for the benefit of the area in which we live, work and serve.’