An environmentalist is eager for the River Rom, said to have become “a dirty ditch” in recent years, to be transformed once again to its former glory.

The Roding Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership, a group made up of agencies including Havering Council, the Environmental Agency and Thames Chase Trust, is launching a public consultation, asking for residents’ views on how to make the most of the river and Grenfell Park which it runs through.

Secretary of Friends of Bedfords Park and all-round environmentalist Lois Amos is calling for residents to have their say.

She said: “The River Rom is a vital part of the Romford townscape and is indeed why we are called Romford. It has a rich heritage.

“It has sadly been culverted over the years and really largely ignored as a dirty ditch.

“Opportunities to change things for the better and the greater good, especially when it concerns our environment, do not present themselves that often, so we must take a grip of them now.”

Havering Friends of the Earth has also welcomed the consultation but remains sceptical as to how improved access will be managed, insisting that the “wildlife and the condition of the river” would need to be protected.

Development manager for Thames21, Emma Harrington, said: “We’re excited about this opportunity to find out how the river is important to people and how its link with Grenfell Park can be improved for wildlife and to increase the enjoyment people can get from visiting this stretch of river and the surrounding habitats.”

A drop-in session will be held by the partnership on February 25 at the YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford, from 10am-3pm.

Visit thames21.org.uk/event/public-consultation-river-rom-and-grenfell-park/