INCREASED FINE FOR NOT WEARING A SEATBELT

Essex Police have today implemented a new Home Office initiative to double the fine drivers caught without wearing a seatbelt. The charge was a £30 on the spot fine, which has been increased to £60. The plans were announced following a government consultation which found that 14% of all drivers still don't bother to wear seatbelts, even though they have been proved to reduce the risk of dying in a 30mph crash by 60 percent.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "We need to go further to make it clear to those who do not obey the rules that they are not only risking their lives but others too.” For more information on seatbelt requirements in Essex, please click here.

EPPING TOWN GUIDE 2009-2010 AVAILABLE HERE

The Epping Town Guide for 2009-2010 has recently been launched by Epping Town Council and provides information about Epping and the surrounding area, including a list of buildings of special architectural or historical interest. It also lists the Council's responsibilities with regard to the town and there is information about Churches and Education in Epping plus details of restaurants, shopping, local businesses and things to see and do. You may download a copy here or alternatively contact the Town Council on 01992 57944 or by emailing info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

WHY NOT COME & JOIN OUR LOCAL RUGBY CLUB

Please click on the image above for a larger version of this recruitment advert, or alternatively, please contact Dave Miller at dwofclapton@aol.com

SPEEDING FINES & POINTS COULD BE REFUNDED!

Essex Police have found themselves in a worrying position this week as the lawyer employed by England and Tottenham Hotspur football player, Jermain Defoe to fight against two separate speeding fines for travelling at 81mph and 65mph in a 50mph zone on the M11 near Chigwell and two counts of not telling police who was behind the wheel at the time (for which the charges carry 18 penalty points) has uncovered a loophole which could cost them millions of pounds.

Mr. Defoe’s lawyer has suggested that a worker at the safety camera unit of Essex Police did not have the authorisation from the Chief Constable to sign section 20 certificates which are produced when drivers plead not guilty to speeding allegations. This claim is currently being investigated by Essex Police and the Crime Prosecution Service, but in the meantime, Mr. Defoe has been granted a stay of execution.

It has been suggested that the alleged blunder could cost Essex Police many millions of pounds as drivers who pleaded not guilty reclaim money from fines, legal costs and also compensation for increased insurance premiums, losing their jobs, homes and perhaps even their marriages. It is said that drivers who pleaded guilty to speeding offences may also have a case to appeal as the evidence presented to them may have been 'false'. A spokesman for Essex Police has stated that this issue would only affect a proportion of cases heard in the magistrates court since March 2007. The court is due to reconvene in two weeks to consider this matter. We will keep you 'up to speed'...!!

NEW BUS & TRAIN MAPS FOR ESSEX AVAILABLE

Essex County Council has just released their new travel information guide - ‘Bus and Train Maps for Essex: Summer 2009’.

The publications is available free of charge and can be obtained from the Civic Offices in Epping High Street or from Essex County Council on 0845 603 7631 or by emailing publictransport@essex.gov.uk Alternatively, you can visit their website by clicking here.

SHOULD BENCHES BE ROTATED IN CHURCH HILL?

On Tuesday 30th June, Epping Town Council are being asked to consider a proposal to rotate a number of benches located on the green in Church Hill, by Epping’s War Memorial, by 180 degrees, so that they no longer face the road and instead face towards the Catholic Church. As residents will know, several events take place on the Green throughout the calendar year, including Proms on the Green and the Christmas Carol Service. However, each of the benches cost £600 to replace (plus a large amount of grounds staff resources) and it is highly possible that the benches may be significantly damaged by attempted to move them. An alternative proposal is to simply replace each of the benches over time as and when they require replacement and when they do, to reinstall them the other way around.

What do you think of this proposal? Do you agree that there is no benefit to the benches facing the road? Do you think this should be a priority for the Town Council. Please leave your comments below or email me at allaboutepping@googlemail.com

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Friday 3rd July 2009

Epping High Street will be hosting it’s monthly Farmers Market on Friday 3rd July 2009 from 9am to 1pm. The market boats a range of local traders who are on hand to serve up some of the finest produce in Essex. If you are planning a BBQ why not try some locally produced cuts of organic meat, fresh fish or speciality sausages served with some deliciously fresh crisp summer salad? Round off the perfect summer meal with a selection of delicious cheeses, mouth-watering desserts and fresh home-made bread.

The market takes place on the first Friday of every month, so upcoming dates will be 7th August, 4th September, 2nd October, 6th November and 4th December (Epping’s Christmas Market). For more information about Essex Farmers Market, please click here. Alternatively, you can call them on 01277 362 414 or email info@essexfarmersmarkets.co.uk

YOUNG PEOPLE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Epping Forest Youth Council is an elected group of non-arty political young people between the ages of 13 to 19 who live in the Epping Forest District. The Youth Council was formed in 2007 primarily to involve young people in the decisions made by Epping Forest District Council. The Council wanted to know what young people thought about its services and about the issues that affect them.

The Youth Councillors are now planning the 2nd Youth Election and schools, youth groups and Epping Forest College will hold Youth Elections at the end of September. Any one aged 13 to 17 who lives in Epping Forest can nominate themselves to stand as a Youth Councillor and, if elected, they will sit for 2 years and be required to attend 2 evening meetings a month. There are 5 independent seats for young people who either attend school or College outside of the district, are excluded from school, home educated or are working.

For more information, you can download an information pack by clicking here. Alternatively, you can contact Dian Butler, Young Persons’ Officer on 01992 564365 or by emailing her at dbutler@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Sunday 5th July 2009

Epping-based charity, the Rhys Daniel's Trust is once again hosting their Family Fun Run on Sunday 5th July 2009 to raise funds for their 'Home from Home' appeal. This year will celebrate the 14th year of the 5 mile race taking place, which starts at Epping Sport Centre in Hemnall Street and progresses through Bell Common and into Epping Forest in a loop ending back in Hemnall Street. I had the honour of starting last year's race which was won by Snooker World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and also saw an entry from 101 year old Buster Martin.

If you would like to enter this year's race or could help the charity on the day by acting as a mashall, please call 01992 570550 or email info@rhysdanielstrust.org or for further information on last year's race, please click here.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Essex Business Link is hosting a Business Open Day on Friday 3rd July 2009 from 11am to 4pm at Loughton Cricket Club. This free of charge event open to local businesses of all sizes and from all sectors based in Epping Forest.

Attendees will be able to find out more about Essex County Council’s recently launched ‘Banking on Essex’ initiative, network with fellow businesses and relax and watch some live cricket. Epping Forest District Council will be on hand to discuss any queries you might have about business rate relief, planning or local business support. Other partners in attendance will include the Federation of Small Businesses, Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce, HM Revenue & Customs, the Institute of Directors and Jobcentre Plus.

To register to attend the event, please contact Tony Barritt on 07824 463 932 or at t.barrit@businesslinkeast.org.uk or you can download a copy of the flyer for this event by clicking here.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

The following planning applications will be considered by Epping Town Council's Planning and General Purposes Committee on Tuesday 30th June 2009. If you wish to express your view to the committee on any of the application below, you can either email info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or attend the meeting in person at Epping Hall, St. John's Road, Epping, CM16 5JU.

EPF/0971/09 - 2 Bell Farm Cottages, High Road, Epping - Two storey rear extension with canopy, alteration to windows and detached garage.
EPF/0978/09 - 16 Lynceley Grange, Epping - Single storey rear extension (together with conversion of rear part of garage to utility room).
EPF/0991/09 - 9 Park Side, Epping - Single storey rear extension.
EPF/1020/09 - Caffe Nero, 271 High Street, Epping - Retention of ground floor A1 (retail shop) / A3 (food & drink) use.
EPF/0865/09 - 25 Crows Road, Epping - Single Storey rear extension.
* Parking Review Consultation - further details available here.

ANIMAL WELFARE COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN

Epping Forest’s Animal Welfare Service and Countrycare would like your assistance in promoting the welfare of native reptiles and amphibians and to encourage residents to make them welcome in their gardens. 1st prize in both age groups are light weight binoculars and 2nd prize are a Pond Dipping Kit.

5 to 9 year olds are being asked to colour in the illustration of a garden pond which can be downloaded here. There are 4 animals for you to find and identify.

10 to 16 year olds are being asked to draw or design a leaflet on one of the Four Species Groups: Newts (Urodeles), Frogs and Toads (Anurans), Snakes (Serpentes) or Lizards (Sauria). Artwork should be no larger than A4 and be as informative as possible, describing the animals, their habitats and their role in our environment, giving advice on how to encourage them to live in safety within our gardens.

Send your entries to: The Animal Welfare Service, Epping Forest District Council, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ together with your name address telephone number and age. Mark your envelope “Wildlife Competition.” The closing date for entries is 1st October 2009. Competition guidelines and rules can be found by clicking here.

PREFERENTIAL MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR GYPSIES

Recently released Government plans could see the introduction of new requirements for the West Essex Primary Care Trust to provide preferential medical treatment to Gypsies and Travellers in the Epping Forest district.

Epping Forest MP, Eleanor Laing has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Rt. Hon. Andy Burnham MP, following the publication of guidelines to NHS practitioners, stating: "There is already considerable pressure on GPs and my local hospital as well as a severe shortage of dentists in the Epping Forest district. In addition the Government is ordering Epping Forest district to provide 39 new pitches for gypsies and travellers between now and 2011. Indeed, the district is required to provide more sites (44.7 per 1,000 new dwellings) in relation to new dwellings than any other local authority in the East of England. This disproportionate requirement would have put impossible pressure on the infrastructure of the area even before the publication of today’s guidelines. On average there are two caravans per pitch, which could amount to up to 500 gypsies and travellers moving into Epping Forest district, all of whom would have preferential access to local health services under these new guidelines. This would create an unbearable strain on local amenities which are already struggling to cope with the everyday needs of my constituents."

Mrs Laing has also asked Mr Burnham to confirm what additional resources will be made available to the district's health services to enable them to carry out the extra statutory responsibilities being imposed on them and stated: "We all agree that gypsies and travellers must be treated equally in accessing NHS services, but attempts to create a balanced and integrated society, including within it gypsies and travellers, will be damaged if local people see their own families suffer as a result of the Government giving priority to gypsies and travellers." A full copy of the letter is available here.

If you would like to join the campaign to oppose the Governments plans to introduce new Gypsy and Traveller sites in Epping, please click here. Alternatively, you can keep up-to-date with developments by clicking here.

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Saturday 4th July 2009

Once again, Epping’s social event of the year is almost upon us and the rolling, hallowed fields of Essex will once again thunder with the hooves of polo horses at The Duke of Essex Polo Cup on Saturday 4th July 2009 at the renowned Gaynes Park Estate in Coopersale. The event provides an opportunity for anyone to attend, whatever your budget. This year's event will see Katie Price acting as Patron and, as such, she will be starting the match, presenting the prizes and taking part in a fashion show.

The Family Picnic area offers a huge funfair, face painting, clowns, balloon artists, quad bikes, 4 x 4 trips, clay pigeon shooting, skydivers, helicopter trips, aircraft dogfights, marching bands, Pony Club championships, motorbike displays, BBQ and much more. There will be a fully licensed bar selling all alcoholic and soft drinks. There is literally all-day-fun for all ages in the very informal Family Area. Tickets for access to the Family Area are sold at £10 for adults and £5 for children. For more information, click here.

Guests in the VIP Players Marquee will start with a champagne and canapés reception which will lead into a gourmet four-course luncheon. Following lunch, there will be celebrity charity auction after which the polo match ball will then be delivered by skydivers, descending onto the pitch from a military aircraft, plunging 3,000 feet in seconds! Flags and smoke will alert the crowds as to the match ball carrier. Once on the ground the skydivers will salute the crowds before presenting the ball for the throw-in and the tournament will commence. After the polo prize-giving ceremony, there will be two after-parties hosted in separate marquees, with live music, celebrity DJ’s and a dance floor needing to be filled! This year we see the launch of The Duke's Marquee that will feature live acts, singers and entertainment, lounge style seating and VIP areas for the more discerning clubber; ultimately aimed at guests over 30 years of age. The Players Marquee as in previous years will be hosted by Poshfunk and will be transformed into another decadent nightclub with top, celebrity DJs. All day tickets to access the VIP Players Marquee are sold at £150 per person. For more information, click here.

UPDATE: TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN EPPING HIGH STREET

It is with great sadness I report that the 71-year-old gentleman who was involved in a collision with a white Mercedes Sprinter this morning outside of Tesco in Epping High Street has died in the Royal London Hospital. He has been named as James Pritchard from Mott Street in Waltham Abbey.

A 70-year-old man from Sawbridgeworth has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has been questioned at Loughton Police Station and since released on police bail until 21st September.

Any witnesses are urged to contact investigating officers at Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444.

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN EPPING HIGH STREET

Many residents have been asking why some of Epping’s High Street has been cordoned off by police today. Unfortunately a serious road traffic incident occurred at 11am today where a pensioner was hit by a car whilst crossing the road by Tesco’s.

I happened to be in the location at the time and I, like many other residents was deeply upset at what I saw. Traffic was diverted whilst an air ambulance landed in the High Street and airlifted the gentleman off to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, which is a specialist centre for significant head injuries.

As much as this sort of event is a shock to the system and deeply upsetting, I never cease to be amazed at the way ordinary members of our community leap to help when tragedy strikes. Within seconds of the accident people had rushed to help both the driver and the injured gentleman. Others had begun to divert the traffic to ensure the safety of the general public and motorists. It really is heartening to know that good Samaritans remain in their numbers in Epping. I hope you will all join me in praying for all of those who have been affected by this awful incident. I will update the site as and when new information is received.

COUNCIL MARKS ARMED FORCES DAY IN EPPING

Cllr. Mrs. Penny Smith, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag next to the Union Jack at the Civic Offices in Epping High Street where it shall fly all week. Cllr. Mrs. Smith was accompanied by a piper from the Epping Forest Pipe Band and supported by the Rev'd Bryony Morrison. For more information about Armed Forces Day, please click here.
The event was also celebrated by British troops in Iraq, such as the Kuqait Support Facility. Pictured above are AB1 Amy Cooperthwaite of the Royal Navy, aged 25, Private Kayleigh Dring who is an Army Medic, aged 21 and Cpl Lisa Dowling of the Royal Air Force, aged 28 in front of a Heavy Equipment Transporter. Cpl Lisa Dowling said "I feel that the Armed Forces Day has been a long time coming”, whilst AB1 Amy Cooperthwaite said "I feel proud to be celebrating Armed Forces Day."

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Monday 22nd June 2009

The UK’s first Armed Forces Day is due to take place on Saturday 27th June 2009, and is an opportunity for the nation to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, and from veterans to recruits.

Across the county people are getting involved: communities are holding local events, businesses are showing their support through promotional offers, and to kick off the proceedings, local authorities are holding flag-raising ceremonies on 22nd June. Both Epping Town Council and Epping Forest District Council will be marking this occasion by raising the Union Jack. A short public service will be held outside of the Civic Offices in Epping High Street 10.30am on Monday 22nd June, lead by the Rev’d Bryony Morrison and attended by the Royal British Legion who will present standards from across the district whilst a piper will play. The Chairman of Council, Cllr. Mrs. Penny Smith will raise the flag.

Other events over the weekend of the 27th June will take place at Hylands House in Chelmsford. More information is available if you click here.

IVY CHIMNEYS - Tree Preservation Prosecution

At Harlow Magistrates’ Court on 2nd June 2009, Mr Philip Knowles of Bridge Hill, Epping pleaded guilty to 13 offences of wilfully destroying trees on land adjacent to Eppingdene, Ivy Chimneys Road, Epping which is the subject of a Tree Preservation Order made in 1990, without authorisation of Epping Forest District Council. The Magistrates fined Mr Knowles £400 in respect of each tree destroyed, totalling £5,200. He was ordered to pay prosecution costs to the Council of £297.46.

The unauthorised works carried out involved the cutting down of 13 mature trees being a mixture of Sycamore, Ash, Oak and Field Maple. On 23 January 2009 a member of the public reported the cutting down of trees to the Council. Officers visited the site immediately and stopped Mr Knowles, who was on site, from carrying out any further work. Philip Knowles admitted that he had carried out the work to the trees. During two interviews under caution, Mr Knowles denied that he was aware that a Tree Preservation Order affected the land and indicated that checks had been carried out on his behalf before he purchased the land. He was fully aware of the law relating to preserved trees. At the court hearing on 2 June, it was admitted that Mr Knowles had bought the land ‘blind’ by auction and that no checks had been carried out prior to his purchase.

In mitigation, the Court was told that Mr Knowles has now replanted part of the land with approximately 100 saplings (whips) of native species with the aid of the local school that are now using the area as an educational wildlife area. He has supplied relevant educational booklets to the school and spent £3,000 to put up a fence separating this area from another field where he plans to graze horses. The Council’s estimate of the value of the trees cut down is £80,350.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON PARKING CHANGES IN EPPING

As residents will know, a review of parking took place in Epping during 2007, from which various new parking regulations were implemented, especially in the roads around Epping Underground Station, which were suffering from commuter parking.

The plans which were implemented focused on the following:
* Regulate commuter and long term non-residents parking from the area.
* Improve road safety by removing obstructive parking from junctions.
* To reduce the level of traffic in the area by regulating parking on street.
* To attract more customers to the businesses – by allowing a greater turn over of parking spaces.

Many residents have complained about the changes and some have made proposals on how further changes can be made to ensure the aims above can be achieved. Essex County Council are asking local residents for the last time what they think of the proposed amendments. Plans for each of the areas can be found by clicking here.

You only have until Friday 4th July 2009 to have your say on the proposals. You can do so by email at highways.westarea@essex.gov.uk or by writing to: Epping Parking Review Team, Sustainability, Environment and Highways, West Area Office, Warwick House, Roydon Road, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5DX. The results of this review will be considered firstly by the Epping Forest District Council’s Civil Engineering Portfolio Holder and then by the Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation. It is proposed that any changes will be implemented from November 2009 onwards.

HELPING TO MAKE EPPING A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE

Are you fed up with anti-social behaviour, speeding cars, noise or youth nuisance? Do you want to see litter, fly tipping, graffiti, abandoned vehicles and rubbish cleared? Are you worried about issues relating to violence, criminal damage, drug and alcohol misuse? Do you think there are problems in Epping that just don’t seem to get resolved? Now is your chance to get involved and help make Epping a safer place to live.

I am currently working in conjunction with Essex Police and the Epping Forest Safer Communities Partnership to create a Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAP) for Epping. These NAPs are currently working right across Essex and indeed elsewhere in Epping Forest with great success. The panel will be charged with helping to identify criminal activity and setting policing priorities by creating action plans and strategies to help combat crime locally which will be carried out by our Police Officers. The panel must be formed and managed by local residents with support from local Councillors, Police and the Partnership.

If you have been effected by crime or have concerns about anti-social behaviour locally and are willing to work with us to tackle these issues, or if you have any questions, please contact me by email at allaboutepping@googlemail.com I wholeheartedly support this move to empower our local community to lead the way in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and hope to hear from you soon!

SPEEDING IN BOWER HILL & STATION ROAD

I have received a large number of communications from local residents this week regarding the amount of cars which speed carelessly, especially during rush-hour, down Station Road to Epping Station or through the Road into Bower Hill. This is an issue which Epping Town Council has drawn to the attention of Essex County Council’s Highways Department previously. The Council stated that it did not believe that the vehicle activated speed signs have reduced speeding in Bower or indeed in Ivy Chimneys Road.

On Friday 12th June a pretty bad accident took place, as you will see from the attached picture and it’s not the first! You can see from the location of the car on the pavement how bad this could have been. There is only pavement on one side of the highway in this area so it has to be used and the pretty dangerous crossing from Coniston Court into Bower Hill is of significant concern.

I have raised this issue with the neighbourhood policing team, the police traffic department and with the police Inspector for Epping and have requested for traffic to be closely monitored between 7am and 9am and again from 3pm to 5pm during the week to ascertain quite how bad this issue is and to also issue speeding fines where appropriate.

I have also organised to raise this matter with the County Councillor for Epping, Janet Whitehouse, at Epping Town Council’s meeting on Tuesday 28th July 2009 at 8.15pm. This meeting will take place at Epping Hall in St. John’s Road and is open for members of the public to attend.

It is clear that speeding has become an issue more recently since the new parking regulations were implemented last year and have freed these roads of parked cars, allowing motorists to pass at much greater speeds. I believe this is a matter of local safety and will be working with these agencies to ensure that we are acting to remind those who are breaking the speed limit in residential areas that they are putting lives at risk. I will keep you updated with any further action on this matter.

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Saturday 20th June 2009

The Friends of Epping Primary School are hosting their annual Summer Fete on Saturday 20th June from 12pm to 3pm at their St. John’s Road site.

The event is set to see lots of fun stalls for all the family to enjoy, including craft stalls where children will be able to create a Fathers Day present, a BBQ & beer tent, a raffle with some amazing prizes, including a flight for 4 over London and a family ticket to Willows Farm. The whole event will be opened by Scooby Doo and attended by the Mayor of Epping, Cllr. Mrs. Janet Hedges.

For more information, you can contact the school on 01992 572408 or email admin@eppingprimary.essex.sch.uk Alternatively, a map of the school is available here.

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Sunday 21st June 2009

Epping Town Council are once again hosting a Town Show this year at Stonards Hill Recreation Ground from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 21st June 2009 which will be opened by local actress of 'Allo 'Allo fame, Vicki Michelle.

The event has grown significantly since our last attempt and this year visitors can enjoy a Fun Fair, Circus Performers, Sideshows and Games, Beer Tent & Refreshments, Hog Roast & BBQ, Tennis Tournament, Donkey Rides, Epping Forest Band, Dog Training Display, a climbing wall and visits from Epping's Fire Engine and Essex Air Ambulance, plus so much more! This really is the perfect way to celebrate Father's Day with your family and friends.

Admission is totally free, as is parking which can be accessed via the recreation ground's entrance in Tidy's Lane. A map for the site can be found here.

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Sunday 21st June 2009

The magnificent Copper Hall Estate located on the edge of Epping is hosting monthly guided tours on the third Sunday of every month. Each tour lasts around 2 and a half hours and covers the whole of the gardens, part of the mansion, the cellars and the stables.

The next tour will begin at 10.15am on Sunday 21st June and costs £7.00 per person. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes are available in the Racquets Court where there is also a shop selling books about Copped Hall and a variety of gift items. At certain times of the year, seasonal fruit and vegetables from our Walled Garden are available for sale. There are permanent exhibitions onsite.

Tickets are available from Francis Dennett who can be contacted on 01992 610713 or by email at f.dennett3@ntlworld.com - please note, Group Tours are available upon request. For more information on Copped Hall or direction to the mansion, please click here.

ARE YOU WILLING TO HELP DRIVE DOWN CRIME?

Over the past year or so, I have been working with Essex Police and local residents to extend the Neighbourhood Watch service in Epping. Ask any policeman of any rank and he will tell you that nothing beats local knowledge and by residents working together to share information with their neighbours, we all benefit from living in a safer, more caring community.

The beauty of neighbourhood watch is you can be as involved as you wish. You can agree to take responsibility for as little as 6 homes in your road, or you can go all-out and take-on a whole estate. It is just an information sharing service and an undertaking to keep an eye on your neighbours properties.

If you would like more information on how you could play an important role in driving down crime in Epping, please contact Colin Freeman on 01279 621862 or visit Essex Police’s website here, or the national website here.

THINKING ABOUT GETTING BACK TO THE GYM…?

If you are considering getting back into the gym before the summer really kick's in, today is your lucky day! North Weald Health and Leisure Club are having an Open Day today (Friday 12th June) and tomorrow, where those interested can visit the club and have full use of the gym, studio and sauna for free!

Drinks and snacks are also being provided by staff who will be more than happy to discuss the facilities and the fitness training package you require.

For more information, you can call the club on 01992 522799 or visit the website here. Directions are available if you click here.

CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS

Epping Bookshop will be celebrating Independent Booksellers Week next week (15th to 22nd June) and to mark the occasion, they have arranged two author signings. They are also offering a 20% discount to all customers who visit the shop on Saturday 20th June 2009.

Jojo Moyes will be signing copies of her latest novel 'The Horse Dancer' on Wednesday 17th June at 7.30 pm. Tickets must be bought in advance and cost £2.50 which includes wine and refreshments. Click here to read more about Jojo Moyes and her novel.

Jack Trelawny's children's novels are hugely popular locally, so we are delighted that he will be returning to the Bookshop on Saturday 20th June between 1 and 2 pm with the fifth title in the Kernowland series 'Slaveland'. Click here for full details.

For more information about Epping's wonderful, independent local bookshop, you can contact them on 01992 575849 or by emailing them at epping-bookshop@btconnect.com Alternatively, you can visit their website here.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

The following planning application relating to a tree preservation order will be considered by Epping Town Council's Planning and General Purposes Committee on Tuesday 16th June 2009. If you wish to express your view to the committee on the application below, you can either email info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or attend the meeting in person at Epping Hall, St. John's Road, Epping, CM16 5JU.

TPO/EPF/0908/09 - 40 Allnuts Road, Epping - G1, 2 x Sycamore, 2 x Oak, 1 x Ash - Crown reduction of 30%, deadwood and raise to 2.5m on path side of property. Pine x 1 - Non preserved.

COUNCIL GRANT OF £500 FOR LANTERN WALK

Epping Town Council has approved a £500.00 grant application from the Friends of Swaines Green to help meet the cost of the lighting their annual Lantern Walk, which takes place each September. The registered charity is being faced with a £1,500.00 bill for the lighting of woodland where art work of local school students and artists is displayed.

The Town Council’s Recreation Grounds and Outside Services Key Member, Cllr. Rob Macrae said: "It's a fabulous community event which a lot of people enjoy."

If you are part of a non-for-profit organisation or charity which provides a service to the people of Epping and require financial assistance, please contact the Town Clerk, Bob Whittome on 01992 579444 or email him at info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk for a grant application form.

FEEDBACK: Bakers Lane Disabled Toilets

Further to my earlier article regarding the state of the disabled toilets at Bakers Lane car park in Epping, I have now had the opportunity to draw this matter to the attention of Epping Town Council. Ironically, I am unable to attend Council meetings at the moment having recently had an operation myself, which has temporarily left me reliant on a wheelchair / crutches, but Members discussed this matter in my absence!

To give you some background on this matter, the Town Council took over the toilet block 4 years ago when Epping Forest District Council installed a new automatic toilet (which is accessible for those with disabilities and located right next to the block of toilets). The original toilets were going to be demolished but the Town Council believed that Monday Market users may have suffered from the limited capacity of the one automatic toilet, which many people are wary of using, so decided to obtain a lease and take over the management of the toilet block to allow the public a free traditional facility.

When I received Penny Pepper’s complaint, I called for an immediate review of the facilities which showed that the toilets were far from new, however, they are being cleaned on a daily basis and are opened early in the morning and closed at night and that the units are maintained in serviceable order (pictures displayed) in spite of considerable vandal problems.

From Ms. Pepper’s YouTube video, I notice that a previous user neglected to flush the toilet. I also noted there was aged signage reading ‘INVALID’, which has since been removed at my request. The video does, however, reveal a toilet role in the holder, a correctly positioned and adequate toilet seat and a lack of rubbish on the ground. Soap is provided, lighting levels are adequate and a hand dryer is in good working order.

Undoubtedly the toilets are in need of refurbishment, but given Council‘s belief that the facilities meet an acceptable standard and that there is a more modern alternative just next door (as well as facilities available in Café Unico where Ms. Pepper had been) it was Council’s belief that there should be no further action in this matter. Of course, if funding were freely available, it would be very desirable to do a complete refurbishment and to replace the stained stainless steel equipment, the worn floor tiles and old fashioned wall tiles, but given the strained economic climate and the long ‘wish list’ of the people of Epping, there are no immediate plans in place to carry out this work.

For information, the total amount spent on the toilet block during the 2008 financial year was £6,199.00, which included some repair work for the roof work which was vandalised.

TRAVEL INFORMATION - London Tube Strike

The RMT Union have called a strike on all London Underground lines from 7pm on Tuesday 9th until Thursday 11th June 2009. If the strike goes ahead, Tube services will not return to normal until Friday morning. Oyster pay as you go will be accepted on National Rail journeys in Greater London.

A wide range of alternative transport is available and passengers should consider using the Bus, Overground, DLR and River services. Cycling or Walking will also be practical options for many. For the latest information, and help planning your journeys, click here.

POLICE CRACKDOWN ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Essex Police have launched a new operation to clamp down on drunken behaviour and violence at weekends.

‘Operation Teutonic’ will see a significant increase in police officer patrols on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer to reduce alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and violence in the Epping Forest District.

The operation has already had some success with confiscations of a large quantities of alcohol from under-18s at Stonards Hill in Epping. This operation will clearly demonstrate a “no-nonsense” approach to individuals who disrupt the lives of others through nuisance behaviour in our community. For more information, click here.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION RESULTS

The East of England elects 7 seats to the European Parliament and the following are our region's new representatives:

Conservative Party - 3 SEATS:
* Geoffrey Van Orden MEP
* Robert Sturdy MEP
* Vicky Ford MEP
UK Independence Party - 2 SEATS
* David Campbell Bannerman MEP
* John Agnew MEP
Liberal Democrats - 1 SEAT
* Andrew Duff MEP
Labour Party - 1 SEAT
* Richard Howitt MEP

Total Eletcorate: 4,252,669
Total Turnout: 1,603,340 (37.7%)

The full breakdown of voting is as below:

PARTY - VOTES (%)
Conservative - 500,331 (31.2%)
UK Independence Party - 313,921 (19.6%)
Liberal Democrats - 221,235 (13.8%)
Labour - 167,833 (10.5%)
Green Party - 141,016 (8.8%)
British National Party - 97,013 (6.1%)
United Kingdom First - 38,185 (2.4%)
English Democrat - 32,211 (2.0%)
Christian Party - 24,646 (1.5%)
No2EU - 13,939 (0.9%)
Socialist Labour Party - 13,599 (0.8%)
Animals Count - 13,201 (0.8%)
Libertas - 9,940 (0.6%)
Independent - Peter Rigby - 9,916 (0.6%)
Jury Team - 6,354 (0.4%)

For the full breakdown of results for the UK and across Europe, please click here.

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

Epping, Thornwood, Coopersale and Theydon Bois elects 1 seat to Essex County Council.

Candidate - Political Party - Votes - (%)
Whitehouse, Janet Hilda - Liberal Democrat - 2,481 - (42.35%)
Surguy, James Edward - Conservative - 2,080 - (35.5%)
Smith, Andrew George - UKIP - 581 - (9.92%)
Frankland, Tony - BNP - 306 - (5.22%)
Kieve, Daniel Joseph - Green Party - 219 - (3.74%)
Bullough, Simon David - Labour - 192 - (3.28%)

Total number of votes cast: 5,859
Total number of eligible voters: 12,903
Division Turnout: 45.41%
* Janet Hilda Whitehouse is hereby elected to Essex County Council until 2013.

For more election results from across Essex county, please click here.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY...!!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that there are two elections taking place today: European Parliamentary elections (list of candidates can be found here) to elect your MEPs for the Eastern Region and Essex County Council elections to elect your new Councillor for Epping and Theydon Bois.

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATES:
Surguy, James: The Conservative Party
Smith, Andrew: UK Independence
Bullough, Simon: The Labour Party
Frankland, Tony: British National Party
Whitehouse, Janet: Liberal Democrat
Kieve, Daniel: The Green Party

Polling Stations in Epping Town open at 7am & close at 10pm:
* Allnuts Institute Hall, Allnuts Road, Epping
* Coopersale Social Institute Hall, Institute Road, Coopersale
* Pelly Court Hall, Hemnall Street, Epping
* United Reform Church Hall, Lindsey Street, Epping
* Epping Hall, St. John’s Road, Epping

More information on these elections can be found here.

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Saturday 13th June 2009

Epping Residents Group are hosting a Quiz Night to help raise funds for their ongoing campaign to fight against the Government’s proposals to introduce three new Gypsy and Traveller sites in Epping.

The Quiz Night will take place on Saturday 13th June at the Catholic Church Hall, Church Hill, Epping. Tickets cost £7.50 per person and include a Ploughman’s supper. For tickets, please call 07862 960780 or email info@eppingresidentsgroup.com Alternatively, you can visit their website and follow the campaign here.

EPPING FOOTBALL CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP

Epping Football Club are always looking for new players of all abilities and ages. They are looking to improve the standard of all three teams, so if you feel you would like a new challenge and have an interest in the sport, please contact the club by email or phone Lee Ward on 07534 249049.

Additional support is also required on match days to help out off of the pitch. If you have a spare hour or so on a Saturday or Sunday, please email or phone Steve Allen on 07932 532694.

DAVID CAMERON SUPPORTS MP ELEANOR LAING

The Leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron MP, has offered his support to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing following the Daily Telegraph’s report on her expense claims (found here) last week and he said that she had "done the right thing" by paying back £25,000.
His spokesman said: “Eleanor has done the right thing by paying back this considerable amount of money. Her circumstances were complicated by her divorce and she has the support of the Conservative Party over this issue."
Epping Forest Conservative Association Chairman, Matt Colling has also given Mrs Laing his "total support", stating, "Mrs Laing has been in constant contact with me since this issue arose, and immediately requested a meeting with the officers of the association in order to refute the allegation. We have accepted her explanation and endorse her action in writing at length to all our members. The officers are totally supportive of Mrs Laing and are pleased that she also has the support of David Cameron and the Conservative Party at this difficult time.”

LETTER FROM EPPING FOREST MP, ELEANOR LAING

Dear Residents of Epping Forest,
I am very sorry that many people here in Epping Forest will have been concerned and upset about the allegation in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph that I have acted wrongly by not paying Capital Gains Tax when I sold my Westminster flat in August 2008.
I have always been scrupulous about the way in which I have carried out my responsibilities as a public servant in spending taxpayers’ money and I am deeply hurt by this attack on my integrity.
I would have paid the tax if it had been due, but it was not due. By last summer, the Westminster flat had, in practical terms, become my main home and therefore, as HMRC rules designate, Capital Gains Tax was not payable when I sold it. My house in Theydon Bois, for which I have never claimed a penny of taxpayers’ money, will be liable for Capital Gains Tax when it is eventually sold.
The criticism occurs because, when I first became an MP, I designated the flat as my “second home” and I did not think of changing that designation when my circumstances changed following the birth of my son and then my divorce.
I had, however, continued to claim the Parliamentary Additional Costs Allowance to help pay the mortgage on the flat. I now realise that this is inconsistent.
I had not planned to sell the flat but financial circumstances following my divorce made this necessary and I used the proceeds of the sale to buy a smaller flat in the same block. Since I moved to the smaller flat in August 2008 I have obviously not claimed any mortgage interest from the Additional Costs Allowance.
I respect the fact that many people who live in Epping Forest travel daily to London while I am fortunate to have a London base as well as a constituency base. From now on I will pay all the costs of my flat, with no help from the taxpayer.
I could explain in detail the legal position and why I have broken no rules, but I fully appreciate that people are fed up with that approach. I care far more about my integrity than about money.
I am uncomfortable with the thought that I may have used taxpayers’ money in a way that is questionable. I have, therefore, decided voluntarily to send £25,000 of taxpayers’ money back to the House of Commons authorities. This is a considerable amount of money so I am talking to my bank about obtaining a loan to enable me to pay it immediately.
I wholeheartedly support David Cameron’s decisive actions to make the system open and clear. I submitted all my expenses claims to the Conservative Party Scrutiny Committee when it was first set up some weeks ago and I will do whatever they might require of me when they have considered the matter.
I understand why there is public anger over the whole issue of MPs’ expenses. The system is dreadful. I have spent my whole working life trying to bring our democratic system into the modern age and to reform Parliament so that it broadly reflects the people it represents. I continue that work daily as Shadow Minister for Justice.
All politicians have a hard task ahead to win back the confidence and to earn the respect of the country. My work on behalf of the people of Epping Forest will continue to be my first priority.
I am very sorry that all of this has happened but I hope that I have been able to set the record straight.
Yours sincerely,

Eleanor Laing.

HELP OTHERS TO REMEMBER HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Have you booked your summer holidays yet? If so, you may be able to assist the Epping Forest Alzheimer’s Society with their latest campaign.

The society is asking local people to send them a postcard when you next enjoy a day trip or holiday in the hope that the destination will spark some happy memories for those suffering from the disease. They will also be receiving sponsorship for each postcard received.

Postcards can be sent to:
Alzheimer's Society, Epping Forest Branch, 42 Howard Close, Howard Business Park, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1XE.

For more information, please contact Lisa Hayday on 01992 717676 or by email here.

DISABLED TOILETS IN BAKERS LANE MUST BE IMPROVED

Local resident, Penny Pepper has today drawn to my attention, via the Epping Forest Guardian, the disgraceful state of the disabled toilets at Bakers Lane car park and has created an excellent video to show what she experienced recently, which can be viewed here.

The toilet is operated by Epping Town Council and as such I have agreed to raise the item at our Council meeting tomorrow night to see what immediate action can be taken to make the required ‘basic standards’ improvements.

As Miss Pepper has said, "It’s not just people in wheelchairs that use these toilets, Epping has a lot of elderly people, they need bars to hold onto and a hygienic place to leave walking sticks."

There is also a sign above the toilet door which reads "Invalid", a term previously used for disabled people, means useless, which simply must be removed!

I will report back with progress on this issue.