South Woodford - Amenities

Amenities

South Woodford's retail and business area is centred around George Lane — the main high street for the district — and Woodford Green High Road. There are a number of well-known chain store shops, such as Boots and Marks & Spencer, and a good selection of smaller shops, restaurants, cafes, and two post offices, including a Royal Mail sorting office.

There is an Odeon cinema in the High Road, which is the only cinema in the area. Other amenities include a number of green areas, many of which form part of Epping Forest.

There are numerous churches and chapels representing many Christian denominations, as well as several synagogues and a mosque.

This area was also, until 2004, home to the student residences of Queen Mary, University of London, but the distinctive tower blocks were demolished in 2007 and replaced with lower-rise privately-owned apartments, as well as some council housing, known as Queen Mary's Gate.

There is also the Redbridge Drama Centre, situated next to Churchfields primary school. It provides workshops for young children aged 5 and above right up until 65, it provides education to local schools and brings culture to the surrounding area. It has an in-house theatre company under the name Vital Stages. There are shows at least once a week from touring companies.

South Woodford lies within the London Borough of Redbridge, covering the wards of Church End and Roding. Since 1994 both wards have returned Liberal Democrat councillors. Each ward has a team of Neighbourhood Police, both managed by one sergeant.