Ilford is in the London Borough of Redbridge, in north-east Greater London and, like most of London, it is booming.
The effects of the 2012 Olympic Games can be still felt, with improved transport links; trains get you from Ilford to Liverpool Street station in 18 minutes. In the next five years Crossrail will arrive, promising even more regeneration. Ilford town centre has a shopping centre which acts as a hub for the wider area and the schools are strong academically. For many people, it is a popular place to live. Being east London, property prices are cheaper than other parts of London.
Spiritual poverty
While Ilford has lots going for it economically, it is spiritually very poor. In the mid-20th century it was a white suburb at the end of the train line, with large church buildings that were near to full. But since then, the ethnic make-up of the area has changed dramatically and churches have struggled to adjust.
