Squirrels Heath Ward encompasses a diverse range of areas, such as the areas of Gidea Park to the east of Balgores Lane and south of Main Road, including the Gidea Park Exhibition Estate, extending from the railway station to Main Road, as well as Ardleigh Green and a section of Heath Park. Haynes Park, situated towards the south of the ward, and the roads south of The Drill Roundabout to the west of the River Ravensbourne and Ardleigh Green Road also fall within the boundaries of Squirrels Heath Ward.
Nearby is the garden suburb of Gidea Park, an estate designed by famous architects from the early 20th century. Squirrels Heath and Heath Park comprise the area of the town that borders Hornchurch, a small part of which—Ardleigh Green and Nelmes—falls within the boundaries of the Romford constituency.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. during his Maiden Speech in Parliament, 17th July 2001
Gidea Park is the focal point of the ward. Gidea Park experienced substantial growth in the early 20th century, marked by town planning exhibitions and the establishment of a railway station on the main line from London Liverpool Street. The historical roots of the area extend to the 15th century and the construction of Geddy Hall, later known as Gidea Hall. One remarkable aspect of the area's history is the construction of Romford Garden Suburb in 1910-1911 on the Gidea Hall and Balgores estates. This exhibition of town planning resulted in the creation of 159 cottages and houses, showcasing the work of over 100 architects. These Exhibition houses, now part of the Gidea Park area, are recognised for their architectural significance, with six of them being listed buildings.
In terms of society and leisure, Gidea Park boasts educational institutions such as The Royal Liberty School, known for installing one of Britain's first electronic computers in 1965. The area also hosts a combined junior and primary school, along with Havering College of Further and Higher Education. Gidea Park is home to the Romford Hockey Club, Gidea Park Lawn Tennis Club, Romford Golf Club, and public parks like Lodge Farm and Raphael Park. Furthermore, the Gidea Park Sports Ground hosted Essex County Cricket Club's first-class cricket matches between 1950 and 1968.
I recently visited Havering college in my constituency and Barking and Dagenham college just outside it. The Secretary of State will be pleased to know that we have excellent standards there, but one thing that is lacking is the importance of teaching our young people about the British constitution, our history, political affairs and so on. What do the Government intend to do to ensure greater awareness of those subjects among young people?
Andrew Rosindell M.P. House of Commons, Technical and Vocational Exams, Monday 18th January 2021
Ardleigh Green, another area within the ward, is predominantly residential and features a small set of shops. Historically, it was an enlargement of a hamlet within Hornchurch, forming part of the Liberty of Havering. The place name, formerly known as Hardley Green, suggests a meaning related to "heath clearing" or "clearing in the heather."
Transportation in the area is facilitated by Gidea Park railway station on the Great Eastern Main Line, served by Elizabeth line trains. Romford railway station is the next stop on the line towards London, offering additional express and stopping services. Several London Bus routes connect Gidea Park to various destinations, operated by Stagecoach London and Blue Triangle.
