Barking and Dagenham is simply the best in London on National Offer Day, as 94.44 per cent of parents in the borough have been awarded their first preference primary school.

Figures released by the Pan London Admissions Board show that Barking and Dagenham has once again smashed the London average of 87.38 per cent to give 2,956 pupils their first choice of primary schools.

The total percentage of parents securing an offer from one of their preferred schools in Barking and Dagenham was a massive 99.17 per cent, again beating the capital’s average of 97.85 per cent.

Barking and Dagenham Council has increased the frequency of enforcement patrols in two Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) areas that were renewed last month, following a consultation with residents.



The two PSPOs that were up for renewal were in Barking Town Centre and Broad Street, Dagenham and two of the main things that came out of consultation were the need for increased enforcement patrols and signage in the PSPO areas.

Barking and Dagenham Council has launched a new survey that looks to identify key places where residents, particularly women, don’t feel safe in the borough.



Launched on the council’s consultation portal, One Borough Voice, the survey allows residents to:



•    Drop a pin onto a map to highlight the areas where they don't feel safe in the borough

•    complete an anonymous form on areas where they feel unsafe

On Tuesday 13 April, Sikhs and Hindus around the world celebrated Vaisakhi. Barking and Dagenham Council along with members of the Barking Gurdwara, part of the Singh Sabha London East, observed this holy event with a flag raising at Barking Town Hall with a special video message.

Another business in Barking has been closed down by council enforcement officers after it continuously refused to follow Covid guidance.



Fish Bazaar on Longbridge Road was told to close its doors for two weeks last Thursday, 8 April by council officers.



Despite several warnings around social distancing and the use of face coverings in the store, the business ignored the advice and continued to operate in an unsafe way.

Two landlords of a property in Dagenham have been ordered to pay costs and fines totalling £61,057.05 after they were prosecuted for multiple housing offences.



Mr John Renvoize and Mr Dedar Shah owners of a seven bed property located at 2 Third Avenue, Dagenham were ordered to pay the fines following a court case at (Romford Magistrate Court) on Friday 19 March.

Barking and Dagenham Council have broken ground on a major energy infrastructure project which will bring the borough another step closer to becoming the green capital of the capital. The project, which has received over £9m of government grant funding will put the borough firmly on the map as being a leader in the delivery of low carbon energy schemes.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Barking and Dagenham Council’s enforcement team has worked alongside businesses to ensure they’re following the regulations and provided advice where needed.



From Monday 12 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers, beauty salons can reopen alongside hospitality venues, such as restaurants, cafes and pubs for outside table service and the joint work between the council and business owners will continue.

Residents are being asked to share their views on how best to use a brand-new community space coming soon to Sebastian Court. Those also interested in applying for the lease are encouraged to get in touch.

In addition to the 95 new, affordable homes planned for the Sebastian Court site, the area will also welcome new playgrounds and public spaces for local people to benefit from.

Applications to apply for the lease are welcome, with the following days open for covid-safe site visits:

As the days get longer and the warmer weather begins you may find unexpected and unwanted visitors knock at your door with glossy brochures and generous price reductions for home improvement work.