walking
Waltham Forest residents demand pavement improvements and free parking, as Newham Council reviews its walking strategy.
In July 2026, residents in Waltham Forest demanded urgent improvements to pavements and the reintroduction of free parking. Concerns were raised at a council meeting about the perilous state of pavements, particularly in the Drysdale area, where a residents' association representative reported a high number of trips and falls. Councillor Kay Isa questioned the impact of current parking policies on local businesses.
Newham Council is reviewing its approach to promoting walking as a form of physical activity, following concerns raised in September 2025 about the absence of a borough-wide strategy. This review comes despite adult activity levels in Newham increasing by 10% over the previous five years, and children's activity levels rising from 28% in 2018/19 to 43% in 2023/24.
Key facts
- Waltham Forest residents demanded urgent pavement improvements and reintroduction of free parking in July 2026. Source
- Concerns about perilous pavements in Waltham Forest's Drysdale area were raised in July 2026. Source
- Newham Council is reviewing its approach to promoting walking, following concerns raised in September 2025. Source
- Adult activity levels in Newham increased by 10% over five years by September 2025. Source
- Children's activity levels in Newham rose from 28% in 2018/19 to 43% in 2023/24. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.