More than 150 residents in Gidea Park gathered for a street party to celebrate “community spirit” and a couple’s 70th wedding anniversary.

Romford Recorder: Residents enjoyed a barbeque and cultural dishes at a street party in Gidea Park. Picture: Louise NashResidents enjoyed a barbeque and cultural dishes at a street party in Gidea Park. Picture: Louise Nash (Image: Archant)

People in Links Avenue and Hockley Drive have formed a new residents group in an attempt to combat crime in their area.

They held a street party with a barbecue and DJ on Saturday, July 6.

Romford Recorder: Gidea Park residents held a street party on Saturday, July 6. Picture: Louise NashGidea Park residents held a street party on Saturday, July 6. Picture: Louise Nash (Image: Archant)

Louise Nash from Hockley Drive told the Recorder: "[The group] has been very successful and we have had meetings with the local police, Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, local councillors and the neighbourhood watch.

"It has been a great way to meet neighbours face to face in times where everyone leads busy lives.

"We were also celebrating two residents, Margaret and Peter Metcalf who have lived in Links Avenue for 55 years and had their 70th wedding anniversary that day.

"It was a great day and the community spirit was brilliant."