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St Georges day flags at Town Hall
Council set to fly the flag for St. George’s Day

This year, Barking and Dagenham Council hopes residents can find inspiration in the story of St. George, a legendary hero whose story demonstrated strength and courage and overcame the odds to make the world a better place.

 

21 April 2022
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young child holding their parent's hand on their way to school
Nine in ten children offered first preference school in Barking and Dagenham

Over 93 per cent of children in Barking and Dagenham have been given their first preference primary school on National Offer Day this year. 

Figures released by the Pan London Admissions Board show that Barking and Dagenham Council received 3,255 applications.

“I wish all our families the best as they look ahead to the next chapter of their child’s education in September.”

The number of parents who secured an offer from a preferred school was 3,217 - 98.83 per cent of applicants. The average percentage in London is 98.04 per cent.

20 April 2022
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Community Hubs launch
East London Councils launch Community Hubs providing a local network of help and support

On Saturday 19 March, Barking and Dagenham opened three of its new Community Hubs; Sue Bramley Centre, Marks Gate, and William Bellamy.

Formerly opened by Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, and Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, the hubs aim to provide residents and neighbourhoods with the support they need, closer to home.

25 March 2022
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Greatfields School students with Cllr Rodwell Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council
East London school completes £23 million building

Students at Greatfields School in Barking moved into a new £23 million building this week as the final stage of building the school was completed.

The huge new building, funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and Barking and Dagenham Council, covers 10,000 square metres and includes 50 new classrooms, a hall, a library, and office and administration space. 

25 March 2022
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Fine
Lock-in smoking breach lands Dagenham restaurant owner a lofty fine

A Dagenham restaurant owner has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 after breaching smoke-free laws.

Mr Florin David Olteanu, 32, who runs Restaurant La Maria, was reprimanded after being caught hosting an illegal lock-in style party by Barking and Dagenham Council enforcement officers.

The incident took place in the early hours of 17 October 2020, when council workers responded to noise complaints and breaches of Covid-19 regulations, which at the time prevented households mixing and imposed a curfew on hospitality businesses from 10pm.

25 March 2022
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Attendees of Women's Empowerment Awards at Broadway Theatre, Barking
2022 Women’s Empowerment Awards highlight extraordinary achievements

Barking and Dagenham Council’s seventh Women’s Empowerment Awards ceremony took place this week, recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of women across the borough.

 

The inspirational finalists were chosen by a panel of judges, who also had the difficult task of choosing the ultimate winners of the eight categories on the night at The Broadway Theatre, Barking.

 

25 March 2022
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Frank Bruno and Cllr Rodwell
Frank Bruno Foundation announces new mental health and wellbeing headquarters in Barking & Dagenham

Boxing legend Frank Bruno MBE has today announced an exciting new UK headquarters for his mental health and wellbeing foundation in the East London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. 

 

Once a resident of the borough, the new wellness hub marks a major personal milestone for the Frank, as well as for the growth of the Foundation as it looks to work closely with Barking and Dagenham to provide vital support for residents. 

 

25 March 2022
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Eastbury Manor House
A new costume display helps bring the past to life at Eastbury Manor House as it reopens to visitors this Spring

Visitors to Eastbury Manor House in Barking are in for a treat this Spring as staff and volunteers reopen one of London’s few remaining Elizabethan houses. This house from 1573 will be open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm from 3 April to 11 December 2022.

Saved from demolition by William Morris’s Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) in 1918, this distinct National Trust house, managed by Barking and Dagenham Council, is a stunning architectural jewel near to the centre of Barking.

25 March 2022