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A joint operation between Barking and Dagenham Council enforcement officers and the police, last Thursday, saw them close down four shops that have remained open during the coronavirus outbreak despite government guidance which asked them to close. 

Despite certain shops being given clear guidance from the government to temporarily close if they’re not an essential, these shops remained open. 

These shops included two in Barking - a hairdressers and a phone shop. 

During these unsettling times there are some people who, unfortunately, may try and make a quick profit out of the vulnerable.  

Council trading standards officers have become aware of a number of coronavirus related scams that are currently taking place across the country and things that residents, especially the vulnerable need to look out for.  

While you’re keeping yourself busy at home make sure you keep a watch out for the following scams:  

During this Covid-19 crisis, it has never been more important to have a safe space to share stories. Write On! the quarterly print magazine and online forum is published by Pen to Print, a project born in Barking and Dagenham. Funded by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and the Arts Council, Pen to Print links local writing communities into the publishing industry by showcasing the work of emerging writers. 

 

Emergency staff and frontline workers helping vulnerable people can now apply to park for free in council-owned car parks and parking bays across Barking and Dagenham during the coronavirus pandemic.

The council is making key worker permits applications available from today, in a move to help these important staff continue providing vital services to the local community. Residents will also be able to park for 5 mins in CPZ zones without a permit, so they can drop off essential items outside loved ones’ doors, while socially distancing.

Enforcement officers from Barking and Dagenham Council have been out in force shutting down a number of businesses operating illegally in the borough despite government guidance asking them to close during the coronavirus lockdown.  

During a planned operation, enforcement officers identified and shut down nine businesses operating when they should have been temporarily closed down.  

The businesses ranged from vape shops, beauty suppliers and hand car washes to scrap metal yards.  

Barking and Dagenham Council is asking for your help to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.   

Following the latest guidance from the government, a number of businesses should now be closed for the foreseeable future to make sure we’re doing everything possible to stop this virus spreading.  

Local resident, Hamza Sharif is now a qualified plumber and in full employment following contact with the council’s Job Shop.

Hamza had always wanted to be a plumber and first approached the Job Shop aged 15, but as he was too young, he was signposted to the Technical Skills Academy where he completed a Level 1 in Plumbing. 

Barking and Dagenham council and local social sector launches a coordinated project to support vulnerable people and harness local goodwill during global coronavirus pandemic.

A project called BD CAN – which stands for Barking and Dagenham Citizens Alliance Network, has officially launched in the borough today (23 March 2020) to help co-ordinate community support for local people affected by coronavirus, but it’ll be bigger than that – it will also be one of the key places to go for anyone who wants to help others during the pandemic. 

Residents across Barking and Dagenham looking for work and training opportunities are being encouraged to take part in the Job Shop ‘Registration Week’ which takes place from Monday 16 to Friday 20 March. 

Staff and councillors who know or work with residents looking for work are being urged to direct them to the council’s job shops at Barking Learning Centre or Dagenham Library, Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.00pm. Residents can walk in and do not have to book an appointment.

Barking and Dagenham’s sixth annual Women's Empowerment Month officially kicked off at Barking Town Hall on Friday 6 March, with a host of inspirational guest speakers and performances.



The launch featured Polly Neate CBE, Chair of The Barking and Dagenham Domestic Abuse Commission, Zahra Ibrahim, Director of Excel Women’s Centre, and Jessica Soares Paim, The Young Mayor.