This month, our teams have continued to take quick action to make Newham safer and cleaner. Working closely with the Metropolitan Police and other partners, council staff have delivered a series of successful operations across the borough, targeting anti-social behaviour, environmental crime, illegal trading and criminal activity.

From high-visibility ASB patrols in Stratford and a multi-agency Day of Action in Manor Park, to joint enforcement operations in Royal Docks and Canning Town, officers have tackled issues that you’ve told me matter most. These operations have resulted in arrests, the seizure of drugs, illegal alcohol, illicit tobacco and uninsured vehicles, as well as enforcement action against fly-tipping, waste offences and licensing breaches.

For example, the Police’s work in Britannia Village, Royal Docks saw:

• three arrests made for theft-related offences.
• Five e-bikes seized.
• Multiple laptops and mobile phones recovered.
• One recovered phone matched a theft reported just 20 minutes earlier.

I’ll go into more detail about these operations in the first edition of our community safety e-newsletter, which will be published next week. You can sign up using this link and select Community Safety on the form.

I want you to know that I am committed to delivering safer streets, cleaner neighbourhoods and a better quality of life for everyone who lives here. Huge thanks to all the officers, partners and residents who work together to keep our home safe.

Forhad

Mayor Forhad Hussain

Youth Empowerment team shortlisted for prestigious award

Congratulations to our Youth Empowerment Service (YES) for being shortlisted for the Children & Young People Now Awards 2026.

Their efforts, dedication and commitment have been recognised in The Public Sector Children’s Team Award category. The application highlighted the high-quality universal youth work offer delivered by YES, which meaningfully engages more than 4,000 people.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in west London in November.

Vote for our Youth Empowerment Service while you shop

We’re delighted to reveal our Youth Empowerment Service (YES) is in the running to win up to £1,500, to support our young people in care with healthy cooking, money management and life skills workshops. 

Our young people have been meeting regularly to try to build a successful application – and it’s all paid off as we now have a chance to secure valuable funding, through Tesco’s Thrive: Healthy Futures project. 

The winner will be decided by Tesco customers from Monday 3 August right through to the end of November. 

Simply ask the cashier for blue chips before casting your vote on your way out. 10 local Tesco Express stores are involved, so if you are passing one, please do pop in and back our YES team!

Find out how the Children in Care Council supports Newham's young people >

Plaistow mum praised by BetterPoints for becoming more active

Another Newham resident is celebrating after being named a ‘Move More Motivator’ – a title used by BetterPoints to honour those who’ve developed healthier habits. 

Claide, from Plaistow, says the app has helped her to get more active, she said: “Since joining BetterPoints, I have changed my routine. I take my children to school by bus, but I now choose to walk home whenever I can. Sometimes I also use a bike.” 

The app tracks users’ movements and the more you move, the more rewards you can earn. BetterPoints rewards can be spent at participating businesses across Newham, exchanged for high street vouchers, or even donated to charity. 

Download BetterPoints and start earning rewards >

Help Shape Newham's New Tool Library

Newham Libraries is launching a new Lend and Mend Hub at Stratford Library.

Like a book library, but for tools, residents will be able to borrow items such as drills, saws, gardening equipment, and DIY kits instead of buying them.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and help us create a Tool Library that meets the needs of our community.

Share your views by completing our survey >

Thames Water has annouced a hosepipe ban, check out the rules and help save water.

Following a dry spring and record-breaking hot weather in May, June and July, Thames Water have introduced a hosepipe ban across London.

Residents must not use hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars or fill paddling pools while the restrictions are in place. Anyone who breaks the rules could face a fine of up to £1,000.

The restrictions also apply to councils and limit non-essential water use in public spaces. As a result, the water play area in Central Park will be switched off for the duration of the ban, and Plashet Park and Plaistow Park’s water play areas will now not open until after the ban has been lifted.

By following the rules and using water carefully during the ban, we can help protect supplies, rivers, lakes and local wildlife. 

Check out Thames Water’s hosepipe ban, and FAQs for full details and exemptions >

London’s free open water lido returns for the summer

Set in the heart of Royal Victoria Dock, Summer Splash is open daily for three weeks Friday 24 July - Sunday 16 August. This free, family-friendly experience features lifeguard-supervised swimming, sandpits, deckchairs and sun safe areas to relax in.

There’s also a packed programme of free family activities to enjoy swimming and stunning city views. Families can also take part in free Swim Safe water safety sessions, helping children and young people build confidence and stay safe around open water. 

Find out more and book a Swim Safe session >

London T100 Triathlon comes to the Royal Docks

This weekend Royal Docks will host the London T100 Triathlon, bringing some of the world’s best professional triathletes to Newham.

Athletes will swim in Royal Victoria Dock, cycle past ExCeL London and along the Thames, then run alongside Royal Victoria and Royal Albert Dock.

The women’s race takes place on Saturday 27 July and the men’s race on Sunday 28 July. Residents are welcome to come along and watch the action from the sidelines.

Find out more about the London T100 Pro Triathlon Race >

Help us create a building safety app 

Do you live in a high rise building managed by Newham Council? Please take part in a survey to help us develop a new Building Safety App, which we will soon be trialling in some buildings.

Get in touch with any questions >

Complete the survey by 31 July >