Upminster

Angela Watkinson MP has been kind enough to put together an entry for our blogspot in relation to Upminster....

"One of the things I like about Upminster is that it doesn’t change much – we like it the way it is. Certainly there have been changes since I first moved to Upminster town in 1965 – it still retained its village feel, with lots of individual shops who would accept a cheque without identification, because the shopkeepers knew most of their customers. We had a little cinema, where Somerfield is now, and primary aged children could walk to school unescorted. (Can you hear the Hovis tune?)

Change over the last 6 years is harder to define. People eat out much more these days, so the balance between restaurants and retail shops has changed. Our much loved land mark, Upminster windmill, has suffered storm damage but happily, repairs are already in hand. When restoration is complete, there will also be a visitors’ centre for schools. Local residents complain increasingly about anti social behaviour and PCSOs now assist the police in gathering information. We are all worried about further hospital closures but Upminster constituency continues to be a desirable place to live, with good schools and transport links to London which maintain the high house prices. Unlike most London constituencies, we are 50% Green Belt including some farms. Havering used to be called the Town and Country Borough and I think that describes it very well.

Upminster constituency used to be a series of villages which have gradually joined together over the years. My vision for the future is to upgrade the parts that need it whilst retaining their individual local character. Our churches, voluntary organisations and sports clubs are all well supported – it is simply a great place to live."

I hope to be able to post a few more items from other MP's and PPC's in the area in the near future.