News from Barking & Dagenham – October 2024
Dagenham Girl Pipers give up
A huge fire broke out in a residential and commercial block on Freshwater Road in Dagenham on 26 August. The professionals tackled the fire with 40 emergency vehicles and 225 firefighters, and drones were also used to investigate the situation and fight the fire.
One eyewitness reported that he could not believe how many vehicles were lined up there. It took eight hours to contain the flames so that most of the firefighters could be withdrawn.
While the flames were still raging, the discussion arose as to whether the fire could have been avoided. 80 residents were initially given temporary accommodation in the Becontree Heath sports centre and the council is now looking for regular housing for all of them.
New strong man in the town hall
Barking and Dagenham Council has elected Dominic Twomey as its new Leader of the Council. He succeeds Darren Rodwell, who announced his resignation in September. Rodwell and Twomey have been members of the council since 2010, Rodwell had been Leader since 2014 and was therefore the man in charge at the town hall. Saima Ashrav moves up to first deputy.
Darren Rodwell had actually wanted to run for parliament. However, just as the candidates were being chosen, rumours of sexual abuse emerged. The suspicions were not confirmed, but as a precaution Rodwell was not nominated.
