All Saints Church, located in the heart of East Horndon, Essex, is a historic building with deep roots in the local community, dating back to the 14th century. Known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere, the church has long been a place of worship and a symbol of local heritage.
However, on New Year’s Eve in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church became the site of an illegal rave, causing significant damage to both the building and the surrounding graveyard. The event sparked widespread outrage and international attention. In response, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help fund the restoration efforts, raising thousands of pounds for the repair of the church and its grounds.
Following the incident, RMC was approached by the local council’s Community Safety Team to prevent further criminal activity and ensure that the church, which is cherished by the local community, remained a safe and welcoming space for all. During initial consultations, it became clear that other forms of antisocial behaviour, particularly issues related to loitering and inappropriate gatherings in the area, were also a growing concern. Due to the church’s isolated location, it had become an unattractive hotspot for undesirable activities, deterring well-meaning visitors from exploring the grounds and attending community events.
RMC’s solution involved extensive groundworks to remove areas that had been used for such activities and to clear overgrown tree lines, improving sightlines across the site. These works were carefully conducted under the guidance of nature experts, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and preserving the integrity of the landscape. Crucially, local volunteers played an active role in the transformation – assisting with site clean-up and vegetation clearance. Their support was instrumental, and without their dedication, these improvements would not have been possible.
To further protect the site, RMC installed an advanced 24/7 monitored CCTV system around the church and its entrance, which had become a hotspot for fly-tipping and other criminal activity. The new security measures immediately proved effective, with the area becoming significantly safer and more inviting.
The success of the project led nearby businesses and parks to invite RMC to extend the security system, making the entire area safer for local residents and visitors. As a result, RMC continues to provide CCTV, ANPR, security, and enforcement services to All Saints Church and its surrounding locations, including The Halfway House and Thorndon Country Park South, ensuring ongoing protection for this beloved local landmark.
