Zara Aleena silent march: important information on how to join the march and local traffic routes

Many of our residents and businesses will be aware of the tragic incident involving Zara Aleena, who died in the early hours of last Sunday (26 June) on Cranbrook Road, Ilford.

In a show of solidarity from the local community and a tribute to Zara's memory, the family has organised a silent march in the borough on Saturday 2 July.

The meeting place for the silent march is opposite Cranbrook Rise, IG1, on Cranbrook Road at 1.30pm. The silent march will begin walking at 2.17pm to finish Zara's journey home to Gants Hill. 

Road closures:

To support the community and help ensure the walk can take place safe for those participating, several significant road closures and diversion will be in place tomorrow afternoon. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

 The closures are:

•  Cranbrook Road leading to Gants Hill Roundabout will be closed to traffic from 12pm with an anticipated reopening time of 4pm
• Traffic coming from Ilford will be diverted via The Drive. For those that require local access to their properties on Emerson Road, Bethell Avenue, The Square, Holcombe Road and Tilloston Road, please ask a traffic marshall at a closure point, and they will assist you
• Woodford Avenue will be closed from Charlie Brown's roundabout at 1.30pm. This closure will extend to Gants Hill roundabout
•  The A12 may be closed eastbound from Redbridge Roundabout. Transport for London will take this decision based on the number of people attending the march

A large attendance is anticipated for the march, and significant traffic delays are expected. Buses along the route will also be diverted to aid the walk

With that in mind, we strongly encourage those who plan to join Saturday's Silent March to travel by public transport. Gants Hill Underground Station and Ilford Station are within proximity to the starting location of the march.

If people plan to travel by car, we advise them to use Ley Street multi-storey car park.

Family members have requested those wishing to join the silent march to wear white.

Notes to editors:

For further information, please contact Paul Morris at paul.morris@redbridge.gov.uk or 07888 852492.