Attending a planting event of 200 new trees in North Woolwich Road, Silvertown, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said it is so important that work towards cleaner air continues for the sake of all who live, work, and visit Newham
Newham has made a significant leap forward in its pursuit of a cleaner, greener, and healthier future with the planting of 200 new trees along North Woolwich Road in Silvertown. This initiative is not only a response to Newham’s air pollution challenges but also part of the borough’s broader commitment to improving public health and enhancing the local environment.
The planting event, which took place in partnership with Bluesky landscaping and Kenson Highways, marked the completion of the latest stage of the Royal Docks Corridor project. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Newham Council and the Royal Docks Team — a joint initiative from the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham — is focused on improving the road layout and street environment along key areas such as North Woolwich Road and Silvertown Way, which stretch from Canning Town to Connaught Bridge. The newly planted trees are a vital part of these efforts, providing much-needed green space in the heart of one of London’s busiest districts.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, who attended the planting event, emphasized the importance of this green initiative for the future health and well-being of Newham’s residents. “Greener streets are healthier streets,” said the Mayor. “Improving the quality of the air we breathe means longer, healthier lives for our residents, but especially that of our children.”
Newham is facing some of the highest levels of air pollution in the country, with traffic being the primary contributor. The borough currently experiences the highest number of pollution-related premature deaths in England, with 96 people dying prematurely every year due to the impact of toxic air. Furthermore, Newham also reports the highest rate of asthma-related hospital admissions for children in the country, which has prompted the council to take urgent action to improve air quality.
“Right now, Newham residents are exposed to some of the highest levels of toxic pollution caused by traffic. As a result, we have the highest number of deaths in England – 96 people dying prematurely each year,” said Mayor Fiaz. “We also have the highest number of children admitted to hospital due to asthma-related conditions.”
One of the contributing factors to these alarming statistics is the location of Newham’s more established neighbourhoods. Many of these areas are located near busy main roads and are subject to high levels of ‘through-traffic’ as vehicles from other parts of London use residential roads as shortcuts. These factors create a dangerous environment for residents, especially children, who are more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution.
While air pollution does not respect borough boundaries, Mayor Fiaz stressed that the council would do everything within its power to combat the crisis. “We must do everything we can to address this crisis situation. That is why I believe in our commitment to create a zero-carbon future for our borough.”
The newly planted 200 trees along North Woolwich Road form part of the borough’s broader Street Tree Planting Programme, which is funded through the Urban Tree Challenge Fund in partnership with the Forestry Commission. The project aims to create pocket forests in urban areas, which help to absorb pollutants, improve air quality, and provide much-needed green spaces for residents. These trees will not only contribute to cleaner air but will also provide residents with areas of respite, enhancing the aesthetic quality of the local environment.
In addition to the tree planting, Newham Council has also invested £500,000 in the creation of pocket forests across various schools, Gooseley playing fields, and Newham Hospital. These projects aim to green the borough and promote environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on improving the health and well-being of local communities.
Mayor Fiaz also highlighted other green initiatives that have been rolled out across the borough, including the formal opening of Beckton Meadows, which features over two acres of wildflowers, grasses, and a Butterfly Garden. The area also includes the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Pathway, which further adds to Newham’s commitment to creating accessible green spaces for residents.
Moreover, the council has secured funding under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to remove gas from all maintained schools and libraries, significantly reducing carbon emissions across the borough. The council is also investing in Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), Healthy School Streets, and Zero Emission Zones to create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable streets for residents.
“These initiatives are just the beginning,” said Mayor Fiaz. “We have a clear commitment to reducing air pollution and improving green spaces for all our residents. This is not just about creating a greener Newham; it’s about making the borough a healthier place to live for everyone, especially our children.”
In the coming months, Newham residents can expect further announcements regarding the council’s ongoing efforts to tackle air pollution and expand green spaces across the borough. The Mayor concluded, “We will continue working towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Newham for generations to come.”
