Cllr Michel A. Pongo

It was with great sadness that this afternoon I learned that my nephew, Jordan, 18, had been stabbed to death in Dagenham last night. His mother is inconsolable. If you are gang member, this message is for you. Drop your knife and quit the gangster life before it is too late.

Good first quarterly North Cluster meeting with local police and ward councillors, focused on improving communication, accessibility and engagement. Key updates included stronger action on ASB, ward panel data, youth and school engagement, more visible policing, VAWG work, and regular Days of Action. Also agreed future ward walkabouts with councillors, police and ASB teams to tackle local concerns in Chadwell Heath and Marks Gate. Thanks to Inspector Carroll Weeden and colleagues for the partnership work. #CommunitySafety #ChadwellHeath #MarksGate

Over the past two weeks, my ward colleagues and I have attended several Community Iftars across Chadwell Heath Ward, including the LBBD Labour Councillors Multi Faith Iftar at Ariana Restaurant on Longbridge Road. These gatherings bring people of different faiths and backgrounds together and show the strong spirit of unity, friendship and community cohesion in our borough. Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing.

Important HMO updates from tonight’s Chadwell Heath Residents Association meeting: the Housing Enforcement team has expanded from 6 to nearly 40 officers, speeding up inspections and tackling the backlog. Residents were briefed on the 3 types of licensing (Mandatory, Additional & Selective) and how illegal or overcrowded HMOs are identified through complaints, council tax data, and online adverts. Mr Ray Haslam from the Council confirmed they welcome anonymous reports—vital in spotting dangerous setups like over‑occupation, illegal conversions, and “hot-bed” shifts used near factories. Upcoming national changes, including landlord registration and the Renters’ Rights Act (from May 2026), will strengthen accountability. Please continue reporting suspected HMOs to help keep our neighbourhood safe. 🏘️🔍 #ChadwellHeath #HMOs

Today we mark International Women’s Day, celebrating the achievements, strength and resilience of women in our communities and around the world. Thank you to the many women who make a difference every day in Barking and Dagenham and beyond. Let us continue working together to advance equality and opportunity for all. #IWD 🌍💜

Cllr Perry and I Knocked on 180 doors on Roselane today and gathered valuable feedback from residents. We reassured neighbours that ASB concerns are known to the police (WIP) and we’ll be following up. Potholes reported online and questions answered on the doorstep. Afterwards, we held another litter pick in Marks Gate outside the A12 underpass (following 26 Feb). Across both sessions, we removed 14 bags of rubbish and reported fly-tipping. Great to see residents appreciate the hands-on approach — and fantastic that two young residents joined in 👏 If you live in the south of Chadwell Heath ward, which area would you like us to clean up next?

On 19 Feb in Marks Gate, residents braved the cold for the Winter Light Festival lantern parade, marching together to the rhythm of the drums. I was glad to join them. A beautiful reminder of the warmth and togetherness that make our community special. ✨🏮

Great to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Barking and Dagenham today. A proud moment for our community — their visit meant a lot to local residents and organisations who work hard every day for the borough. 👑

Door knocking in Padnall Road on 14 Feb 2026 🚪 We visited the odd-numbered homes and gathered valuable feedback from residents about the local issues affecting them day-to-day. Listening first is how we deliver better for our community. #CommunityEngagement #ListeningToResidents #WorkingForYou

Spent some really positive time today at the community event organized by the On The Rock International Ministries in Marks Gate. ❤️ We joined residents for a fun chair Zumba session, served the community, and then took the opportunity to get our BMI, blood pressure and kidney health checked too. For me, this Valentine’s season is about more than cards and flowers — it’s about community love, checking in on one another, and looking after our health together. That’s what real love in action looks like. 💛 A big thank you to the organisers for putting together such a thoughtful and uplifting event for our community. #Community #Valentines #HealthAndWellbeing

Tonight I attended the Residents’ Association meeting in Chadwell Heath. We heard from British Transport Police following residents’ requests, and from Chief Inspector Mo Mahmood, who oversees Neighbourhood Policing across Barking & Dagenham. Great to see strong engagement from the community. The more we come together, the stronger our voice for change. #ChadwellHeath #CommunityEngagement

Looking for a fresh start in 2026? Join us at the Apprenticeships Jobs Fair on 12 February, 12–2pm at Dagenham Learning Centre. Meet employers, explore live vacancies and get expert careers advice. Don’t miss it! 📩 vacancies@lbbd.gov.uk

This morning, we knocked the remaining evenly numbered doors on Padnall Road and Hutchinson Court and spoke with residents in Ethel Cottages about the local issues that matter most to them. We also reported fly-tipping identified along the way. After the session, we met with residents at Marks Gate Community Centre to discuss a range of concerns, including untaxed vehicles. We then visited the affected locations together and agreed an action plan, including reporting the vehicles to the DVLA.

Yesterday, we were pleased to visit the newly refurbished Rising Generation Youth Centre (formerly Padnall Hall). It was great to see the space nearly complete and ready to support young people across our borough, and we’re looking forward to the positive impact it will have. Afterwards, we went on to speak with residents on West Road, discussing the issues that matter most to them.

Earlier this year, after the crossover service at Grace Church, a young resident contacted me about her interest in public health. I was pleased to invite her to attend today’s Health Scrutiny Committee, which she joined with her mum. She already reads council public health reports for her studies. Brilliant to see young people engaging so early and I’m always happy to support and encourage young residents to get involved 👏

Today we were out door-knocking on Padnall Road, speaking with residents at even-numbered properties from 118 to 346, as well as neighbours in Hutchinson Court. Great conversations on the doorstep about the issues that matter locally. We’ll be back to knock the remaining doors soon.

Yesterday we were out door knocking in Cavendish Gardens, Lansbury Avenue, Morley Road and Beresford Gardens. Really good conversations with residents about the issues that matter most locally. Pleased to hear the bin collection delay raised by Morley Road residents has now been resolved. #CommunityFirst #ListeningToResidents

Flu jab done ✔️ Really easy getting vaccinated at work this week. If you haven’t had yours yet, it’s still worth doing. Protect yourself and those around you. The NHS flu vaccination programme runs until the end of March.

Great to join today’s Whalebone Lane North / Rose Lane Day of Action 👍 Councillors, council teams, local businesses, volunteers, Rose Lane Primary School, McDonald’s staff and the Marks Gate Community Hub all working together to clean up Tantony Grove and surrounding streets. Real community action in action 💪🌍 #DayOfAction #CommunityPride #CleanerStreets #BarkingAndDagenham

Door-knocking in Goresbrook ward yesterday morning and Beam ward this afternoon. Good discussions on local issues and encouraging feedback from residents. Listening to residents remains a top priority. 💬🏡

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