London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

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Barking and Dagenham population pyramid

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is a London borough in East London, England. It is part of the Greater London administrative area and covers an area of 13.93 square miles. The borough was formed in 1965 by the merger of the former area of the Municipal Borough of Barking and the Dagenham Urban District, which had been part of the historic county of Essex. The borough borders the London Borough of Havering to the east, the London Borough of Redbridge to the north, the London Borough of Newham to the west, and the River Thames to the south.

History

The history of the area dates back to the 1st century AD, with Barking originally being a fishing and agrarian settlement in the county of Essex. Dagenham was also a farming village. The area saw significant industrial growth in the 20th century, particularly with the establishment of the Ford Dagenham plant in 1931, which became one of Europe's largest car manufacturing plants. This industrial growth led to an increase in population and urban development.

Governance

The governing body of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is the Barking and Dagenham London Borough Council. The council is responsible for local services such as education, housing, and planning. The borough is divided into wards, each represented by elected councillors. The borough also contributes to the election of members to the London Assembly and has its own Member of Parliament (MP) for the national parliament.

Geography

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is located in the eastern part of Greater London. The River Thames forms its southern boundary, providing a natural border with the neighboring boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley. The borough's landscape is primarily urban, with residential, commercial, and industrial areas. There are also several parks and open spaces, including Barking Park and Dagenham Chase.

Demographics

The borough has a diverse population, with a significant proportion of residents coming from ethnic minority backgrounds. The area has seen various waves of immigration, contributing to the cultural diversity of the borough. According to recent census data, the borough has a population of approximately 210,000 people.

Economy

The economy of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has historically been dominated by manufacturing, particularly the automotive industry due to the presence of the Ford Dagenham plant. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards service industries, retail, and regeneration projects aimed at diversifying the local economy. The borough is also home to the Barking Riverside development, one of Europe's largest brownfield site developments, which aims to provide thousands of new homes and jobs.

Transport

The borough is well served by public transport, with several London Underground, London Overground, and National Rail stations providing connections to central London and other parts of the Greater London area. Major roads such as the A13 and the A406 also provide important transport links for road users.

Education

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has a range of educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, as well as further education colleges. The borough is committed to improving educational outcomes for its residents and has several initiatives in place to support this goal.

Culture and Community

The borough has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous community and cultural events taking place throughout the year. The Barking Learning Centre and the Broadway Theatre are key venues for cultural activities, offering a range of performances, workshops, and exhibitions.