Local History from 1945

Immediately after the War, the Hainault Estate was started, using prefabricated houses and other quick-build techniques. The road names are all connected to features of the forest or flora and fauna.

At this time the area was served by a steam railway connection from Ilford. This was replaced in late 1947 by the tube trains running to Newbury Park and Woodford.
This was extended to Hainault in1948.

The Labour Government, under Clement Atlee, announces its decision not to allow Fairlop Plain to be used for housing, and in 1953 the Conservative Government of the day announces that Fairlop Plain is unsuitable for use as a Civil Airport.  

Ilford Council eventually take over Fairlop Plain, and between 1956 and 1965 more than a million cubic yards of gravel had been extracted, by contractors P.T.Read.

In 1989, having exhausted the gravel extraction at Fairlop Plain, after 30 years of work, P.T.Read mark the end by bulldozing their staff canteen.

In 1961, Kelvin Hughes Ltd., became a division of Smiths Industries Aerospace.

The Boroughs of Ilford, Wanstead and Woodford were merged to become the London Borough of Redbridge, in 1965. At the same time as the amalgamation of the boroughs, boundaries were also relocated, thereby bringing the whole estate under the auspices of the newly formed London Borough of Redbridge.

IG postcodes came into operation in 1971.

In 1987,”Fairlop Waters”, was born including an 18 hole Golf Course.

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