TEENAGE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AT STONARDS HILL

A 17-year-old boy from Epping was arrested and charged today for possession of an offensive weapon (an 18-in metal weight-lifting bar), which was discovered at Stonards Hill Recreation Ground following an incident which saw a 15-year-old boy, also from Epping suffer a broken right elbow.

The 17-year-old has been bailed and is set to appear before Harlow Youth Court on Friday 19th March. Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who has any information about the incident is urged to call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.

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.

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.

NEWLY REFURBISHED PLAY AREA OPENS

After almost a year of discussion, consultation and planning the newly refurbished Stonards Hill Play Area is now open, as planned, in time for the hot summer months to allow the children and young people from Epping and the surrounding areas to make good use of the facilities.

This project, led by Epping Town Council, cost a total of £74,000 and Essex County Council kindly provided a grant of £20,000 from its Community Initiatives Fund.

The play area incorporates several new design features, like sloping levels, which help to give increased challenge and play value.

Town Councillors have also expressed a wish to really focus on refurbishing the disgraceful play area at Lower Swaines Recreation Ground as soon as is possible, but are mindful of the cost attached to such a large capital expenditure project, especially in difficult economic climate and given the Council’s commitment to keep their share of your Council Tax as low as possible.