The chance to make a mark on the history of Barkingside is on offer with the launch of a new competition.

Residents are being invited to suggest names for the new Barkingside town square.

Redbridge Council has announced the Name That Square competition as part of the Better Barkingside project to improve the High Street.

Cllr Helen Coomb, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We understand that good local community facilities are extremely important, both to local residents and to people visiting Redbridge.

“We want residents to take pride in their local community and feel that their views are taken seriously.

“That is why we have asked people to put forward their suggestions for the square’s new name.”

The deadline for entries is Wednesday September 3, after which three final nominees will be announced on Tuesday September 9.

The overall winner will then be announced by Cllr Coomb at a special Light Night event on Saturday September 27 to celebrate the launch of the improvements.

Running between 10am and 9pm, there will be music, theatre, food and drink on offer, with the High Street lit up with handmade lanterns designed by schoolchildren, residents and businesses in the community.

The event follows two years of work to regenerate the town square after £1.9 million of funding was awarded by the Greater London Authority in 2012 as part of the Mayor’s Regeneration Fund.

The project has included the creation of a new town square and Virginia Gardens parkland area as well as business support projects, with around 40 companies receiving shop-front improvements or development support.

A heritage trail has also been created, mapping the history of Barkingside’s buildings, monuments and spaces.

To take part, explain what you think the square should be called and why.

Entries can be submitted via the balloting box, which will be placed in the Fullwell Library, or by visiting redbridge.gov.uk/haveyoursay.