Romford Market was awarded a licence to trade in 1247 by King Henry III. Originally a sheep and cattle market, in fact before the War my uncle sold second-hand cars there alongside cattle pens. Apart from being a viable crossing over the River Rom (hence the name), the market contributed to the development of the town with up to 150 traders selling a wide range of goods.

When a proposal to open on Sundays was taken, 83 per cent were in favour, prompting Havering’s Leader to announce “Romford Market is the jewel in the crown for Romford”.

Now the current inept Labour-run council are proposing: closing the Sunday market, increasing parking charges by up to 16 per cent, closing libraries, reducing funding for five Metropolitan Police officers, reducing Christmas decorations and outsourcing services.