gate management
Havering Council is currently discussing why park gates have not been routinely locked at night since 2022, following concerns raised by residents.
Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park safety and gate management in November 2026 after residents raised concerns about gates not being locked at night. The committee heard calls for more data and a clearer rationale for the council's policy regarding park gate security.
The routine locking of park gates at dusk stopped in autumn 2022 as part of Havering Council's medium-term financial strategy. Of the borough's 89 parks, 34 have gates that could be locked, but they are not routinely secured overnight.
Key facts
- Park gates across Havering have not been routinely locked at night since 2022. Source
- Havering Council's Place Overview & Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed park safety and gate management in November 2026. Source
- The practice of locking park gates in Havering stopped in autumn 2022 as part of the council’s medium-term financial strategy. Source
- Of Havering’s 89 parks, 34 have lockable gates. 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 12 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.