End of line for local red cross

05 February 2010

The Red Cross centre in Seymer Road, Romford

FALLING donations have forced The British Red Cross to pull out of Havering - ending almost 100 years in the borough.

Disappointed volunteers resigned on mass following the charity's decision to withdraw, leaving Havering without the humanitarian organisation's presence for the first time since 1915.

All 25 existing volunteers, who used the last remaining centre in Seymer Road, Romford, to hone first aid skills, say the move has left them with no facilities to train.

Lynn Morris, 53, said: "We are all so bitterly disappointed by the decision. The Red Cross is the most wonderful organisation and this will be a major loss to the community.

The volunteer for more than 35 years, added: "We used to give first aid support to countless local community events over the years.

"This centre was very important to our ability to be first aiders because we used to meet every Monday to keep up to date with all the courses you need. Now we simply can't do that."

Doors shut forever on Monday 11 January, when members marked 60 years at those premises with a fireworks display.

At its peak in the 1970s, the charity had six centres across Havering. Now the nearest Red Cross centre is in Gants Hill, Redbridge, which is too far for many Havering residents to travel.

A British Red Cross spokesman said: "As a charity reliant on public donations we have a responsibility to make best use of our funds and unfortunately the Romford centre was not proving to be financially viable. At the time of the closure it was only used one evening a week.

"We met with the volunteers concerned and offered them other opportunities to volunteer with the Red Cross but they have so far not taken up our offer.

"We are continuing to expand our work with vulnerable groups, such as those with disabilities, and with schools in Romford, Dagenham and the surrounding areas. From first aid learning to humanitarian education in schools Red Cross staff and volunteers are working in local neighbourhoods every day.