A small community has put itself back on the map by rediscovering its past identity.

Until recently, not many people realised there was a historic name for an area on the outskirts of Hutton, just the Brentwood side of the boundary with Billericay, which houses just over 100 families.

But now, thanks to the efforts of a residents’ association, which was formed five years ago, the area is now known by its traditional name – Haverings Grove.

Before that the area, which residents described as always having its own distinct identity, was considered another part of Hutton.

Last weekend, Brentwood mayor Tony Sleep recognised the reestablishment of the hamlet of Haverings Grove at the unveiling of its new village sign.

The sign, designed and made by local residents, was put up in the recently restored green, which residents had fenced off and tidied up thanks to an £8,000 grant from Essex County Council.

Claire Cornell, of Haverings Grove Residents’ Association, explained the importance behind returning the area to its traditional name. She said: “We were a small community which had lost its identity.

“We are separate from Hutton – there’s quite a lot of land between us and we’ve always had a distinct community, but we had become just part of Hutton. So we decided to form the residents’ association and get back our old name.”

Mrs Cornell said although the re-establishment was not official yet, the association was looking into getting the hamlet registered and people’s addresses changed.

Dean Cornell, chairman of Haverings Grove Residents’ Association, said: “We are very proud of our neighbourhood and glad to see it put on the map with our own village sign.”

Chris Hossack, Brentwood councillor for Hutton East, who has supported the association’s work, said: “This is a lovely little area of Brentwood with a great community spirit.”

Mayor Sleep added: “Despite hearing much about broken society, Haverings Grove is an excellent example of how a community can be.”