Forest Gate South Ward in the north of the Borough is surrounded by five other wards – Stratford New Town, Forest Gate North, Manor Park, Green Street East, Green Street West and West Ham. Like most of Newham it has a very diverse population of almost 19,000 residents: 16 per cent White British, 14.5 per cent Bangladeshi, 12.15 Indian, Irish and 11.2 per cent Black African. With such diversity the ward remains very tolerant and the neighbourhoods appear to get on well.

Housing in the ward consists of mainly terrace, with two major estates, a few blocks of flats and just three tower blocks. The Woodgrange conservation estate situated between Woodgrange Road to the west and Balmoral Road to the east comprise around 800 Victorian properties along four roads, and are north and south facing. Residents on the Woodgrange estate see themselves as one community and take particular pride in doing so.

House ownership in the ward is around 29.6 per cent, with around 39 per cent private rental, 11.4 per cent Council rental, and 15 per cent from other rental sources. Woodgrange Road along with part of Upton Lane is considered to be the town centre.

Surprisingly there is only one pub along this stretch. The ward mirrors the same kind of social issues found across the Borough. Anti-social behaviour is now the largest issue confronting residents. Prostitution, drug dealing and illegal gatherings are a large part of our casework.

Many of these complaints would normally be for the Metropolitan Police to resolve but often require co-operation with the councillors.

The latest issue of interest for residents will be the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods scheme, to be introduced very shortly. This will have an impact along Earlham Grove, Keogh, Clova, Atherton and Carnarvon roads.

Newham Council has now received funding for improvement of the cycling route along the Romford Road and so residents can expect to see this work start soon.

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