Millions of pounds in funding for community projects could be lost from the borough after it was revealed an environmental trust is to be dissolved.

Both Havering Council and the borough’s MPs have called for reassurances after it was revealed Veolia North Thames Trust has been absorbed by the company’s national trust.

Critics say the move will mean that money raised from two landfill sites in Rainham and Pitsea, will no longer be invested in the local area.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell is one of seven MPs to write to Veolia executives, calling for them to maintain the same level of funding – £20million since 1998 – in the area.

He said: “We think it’s unfair because the landfill sites that the money comes from are all in our area, and that money could now go anywhere in the country, so we stand to benefit from substantially less of it.”

Havering Council is also lobbying other sources to maintain current levels of investment in the borough’s community projects.

Council leader, Cllr Roger Ramsey said: “We are very concerned about what the proposed changes will mean for our residents.

“We know our local community organisations will still be in a position to apply for funds from the proposed national trust that will be established, but there will be no guarantee that projects in our borough will benefit to the same extent.”

Veolia was quick to reaffirm its commitment to the area.

The company’s chief corporate officer, Robert Hunt, said: “Veolia remains committed to the North Thames region as we have a number of important sites and recognise the positive contribution they can be to the local area and its residents.

“We look forward to continuing to support the great community and environmental projects we have always been keen to be involved in.”