PLEASE DON’T LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!!

As someone who has spent many years on local doorsteps discussing forthcoming elections, I know only too well the frustration people have when you tell them they are unable to vote because they are not registered. The usual responses are: “But I pay my Council Tax” or “I send that form back last year”, neither of which make any difference unfortunately.

Registering to vote is really simple. If you haven’t ready received a form through the post you can download and fill in a form online from the About My Vote website.

Alternatively you can telephone the elections team on 01992 564411 and they can post or email you a copy. All you need to do is complete the form and return to it: Elections Team, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4BZ. The deadline for all registrations is Tuesday 20th April 2010.

If you want to have a say in the Parliamentary and District Council elections this year, all you have to do is complete the simple form!

CHURCHES TOGETHER TO HOST HUSTINGS EVENT

The Churches Together in Epping Forest have finally announced the date they shall host a General Elections Hustings to a theme of “morality”, which I wrote about previously here. This event will be open to all Epping Forest residents.


The debate will take place on Wednesday 28th April from 8pm in St. John’s Church, Epping.

Pastor Lee Carmichael, Pastor of the Elim Pentecostal Church will act as the meeting’s Chairman.

MEMBERS WANTED FOR EPPING GOSPEL CHOIR

Members of the Epping Elim Pentecostal Church has established a Gospel Choir, which meets every Thursday evening at 7.30pm at Epping Hall in St. John’s Road.

If you’re interested in popping along to see what it’s all about or would like to register you interest, please click here.

NEW EPPING PRIMARY SCHOOL SET TO OPEN

As many of you will know, the brand-new, state-of-the-art Epping Primary School building is due to open its doors bright and early on Monday 19th April.

Monday will mark an end to many years of hard work and dedication from staff, parents, governors, students and the wider community to ensure that our children receive the best possible education, in the best possible surroundings.

The building is designed for 420 pupils and includes a dividable hall, a kitchen to cook meals on-site, ecologically sound insulation and a woodchip boiler. There will also be a netball court and football field on site as part of the design.

HELP FOR HEROES CONCERT - Saturday 17 April

Epping’s Rotary Club will be hosting a concert to help raise funds for the Help for Heroes charity with the support of the 40-strong Thames Valley Chorus.

Tickets for the event, which will take place on Saturday 17th April at St. John’s Church in Epping are available from Rev. Duncan Whitehouse at 3 Lynceley Grange, Epping, CM16 6RA or on 01992 577173 and are being charged at £10 and £15, dependant upon seating. Cheques should be made payable to the Rotary Club of Epping and tickets will be posted by return.

LORRIES DAMAGING EPPING WAR MEMORIAL AREA

Once again this week, the area surrounding our town’s War Memorial in Church Hill has been damaged by lorries who use the small road around the memorial as a place to turn.

In the last two months there has been six vehicles to get stuck on the green, often damaging the stone path leading to the memorial.

Epping Town Council are committed to improving the rather sorry state of Epping’s War Memorial and its immediate surroundings. As such, it is reaching out to District and County Council colleagues, as well as the Corporation of the City of London (who own the green on which the memorial sits) in an attempt to draw-up a plan for improvement. Further updates on this important area of our town will follow in due course…

ELEANOR LAING: ELECTION CAMPAIGN POLICIES

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Eleanor Laing has been the first to lay-out the core policies she will be campaigning on in the run-up to our May election in a leaflet being distributed. The literature gives residents a choice: "Five more years of Gordon Brown - or a brighter Conservative future" and continues to say “I have had the privilege of being MP for Epping Forest for the last thirteen years. I listen to you and I speak up for the issues you tell me you care about. You say we need to change things – and I agree!”

Mrs. Laing continues to explain that a Conservative Government will:
Change the Economy – Take quick action to get the economy moving. Rescue our country from Labour’s debt, waste and taxes. Boost enterprise. Help small businesses. Aspiration and opportunity are better than government red tape.
Change Society – Support families. Help people who do the right thing and deal with people who do the wrong thing. Raise the basic state pension and make benefits fair. Control our country’s borders. Restore discipline in schools. Back the NHS. Save the green belt. Responsibility is better than the nanny state.
Change Politics – Cut Whitehall and quangos. Cut the number of MPs. Take powers back from Europe. Let local people take local planning decisions. Freedom and transparency are better than state control.

EPPING FOREST PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION 2010

So, our sitting Prime Minister, Gordon Brown finally met with Her Majesty The Queen at 10am this morning and requested that she dissolve Parliament and call a General Election on Thursday 6th May 2010. The work for political parties began immediately with troops being scattered right across the UK to win what is believed to be one of the closest fought contests in recent times. In Epping Forest, the following candidates have announced their intentions to stand for election:

Katie Curtis, Labour
I currently work in the trade union movement and lives in Canvey Island.

Ann Haigh, Liberal Democrat
Sitting District Councillor for Buckhurst Hill West. Professional ‘Children's Guardian’, social work consultant and trainer.

Eleanor Laing, Conservative
Sitting MP having represented Epping Forest for the past 13 years. Currently Shadow Minister for Justice having previously served as a Shadow Spokesman for Education and Skills, Constitutional Affairs, been an Opposition Whip, Shadow Minister for Children, Shadow Minister for Women & Equality and Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.

Simon Pepper, Green Party
Head of Government and Politics at Chigwell School, born in Enfield in 1983 and now lives in Grange Hill.

Pat Richardson, British National Party
Sitting District Councillor for Loughton Broadway, renowned for recently saying to a newspaper: "Firebombing is not a British method. A brick through the window is a British method."

Andrew Smith, UK Independence Party
A Epping resident, born in Cambridge and currently working as a Finance Director at various Lloyds insurance brokers.

Kim Sawyer, English Democrats
The situation with this candidate is confusing. The National Chairman, Robin Tilbrook has states in an email that Kim in standing in Epping Forest, yet the national party’s website suggests Claire Breed is. Not a good start!

For some of the statistical information about the Epping Forest constituency and past election results, please click here. To see a full list of Parliamentary Candidates standing in Essex constituencies, please click here.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

The following planning applications will be considered by Epping Town Council's Planning and General Purposes Committee on Tuesday 6th April 2010. 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/0479/10 - Mr. L. Cole, 7 Crossing Road, Epping - Two storey side extension and rear extension.
EPF/0129/10 - Mr. A. Poulton, Land adjacent to Broadbents, Buttercross Lane, Epping - Erection of double garage with walls and gates.
LB/EPF/0367/10 - Mr. N. Clarke Hatrell, Forest Lodge, Woodmeads, Epping - Grade II Listed Building application for replacement roof on existing single storey rear extension, demolish existing rendered wall with glazed French doors and two windows, rebuild wall as glazed opening with glazing panels and French doors and various internal works.
EPF/0448/10 - Mr. R. Gough Stace LLP, Stace House, Buttercross Lane, Epping - Conversion of office building to four self-contained flats.
EPF/0451/10 - Mr. F. Galley, 37a Tower Road, Epping - Single storey rear extension / rear conservatory.
EPF/1210/10 - Mr. R. Sliffell, 2 Lower Busy Lane, Epping - Erection of detached workshop, first-floor extension over existing garage & boundary wall and gates.

DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION DATE ANNOUNCED

Epping Forest District Council has issued public notification of their intention to host an election of twenty District Councillors on Thursday 6th May 2010. This is widely believed to be the planned date of the General Election where residents will be asked to vote to elect a Member of Parliament.

Nominations are now open for those wanting to stand in the poll can obtain the relevant documentation from the Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ or by calling Electoral Services on 01992 564000. All nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer at the Civic Offices by 12pm on Thursday 8th April 2010.

Epping has two District Council seats up for election this year Epping Hemnall and Epping Lindsey & Thornwood Common. For more information on elections, please click here.

EPPING’S EASTER EGG HUNT - THIS SATURDAY

An exciting Easter Egg Hunt is to take place on Saturday 27th March from 10am to 3pm in Epping High Street.

The event, organised by the 1st Theydon Garnon Scout Group are asking children to join the hunt for eggs which will be hidden in shop windows right the way along the High Street.

Entry forms call be collected on Saturday from the stand outside Greggs Bakery at a cost of £1 per child. All proceeds will go towards the fundraising campaign to build a new scout hut in Flux’s Lane.

LISTED STATUS FOR EPPING'S WAR MEMORIAL

Epping Town Council has, today, received official notification that the town’s War Memorial in Church Hill has been granted Grade II listed building status.

Listed buildings are managed by English Heritage, but requests to obtain graded statuses have to be formally approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The status itself is designed to preserve our memorial as an item of significant importance and should ensure it is protected and maintained to a high standard for generations to come.

ST CLARE HOSPICE'S CELEBRATES 20th BIRTHDAY

Founders, trustees, staff and long-standing supporters of St. Clare Hospice have attended a special reception at the House of Commons to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the charity, hosted by Harlow MP, Bill Rammell and Epping Forest MP, Eleanor Laing.

The Hospice, which provides care for people with life-limiting diseases, such as cancer, end-stage neurological, cardiac, renal or lung disease, was first established by a group of local Councillors, healthcare professionals and business owners. Essex Radio presented the first cheque for £5,000 and a trustee, John Carr, raised £100 by placing a pint glass in a local pub, which raised enough money to register the charity formally. Since then, the hospice has gone on to help over 280,000 people in the local area.

During the reception, Richard Cowie, the current Chief Executive spoke about the plans for expansion and service development after which tours of the Parliamentary Estate were provided.

At a recent visit to the Hospice in Hastingwood, Mrs. Laing explained: “I am delighted to celebrate the Hospice's twentieth anniversary. So much good work has been done here over these twenty years and so many, many people have been helped. St Clare is one of our most popular local charities. It deserves lots of support and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength."

NO PLANS TO EXTEND CENTRAL LINE PAST EPPING

Transport for London have confirmed that they have no plans to extend Central Line beyond Epping, despite rumours that a feasibility study has been commissioned to consider extending the track north of Epping Forest to Harlow.

A spokesman for the company said: "There is a well established rail link from Harlow into London, which stops at Tottenham Hale to link in with the Tube. Extending the Tube well outside of London to Harlow would not bring any journey time benefit to passengers, but would involve huge costs”.

Every since the Epping to Ongar section of the Central Line closed back in September 1994, residents who now have to travel into Epping from their own towns and villages have asked why Transport for London don’t extend the line further into Essex. I have put this question to TfL many times and the answer is simple - there just isn’t the money or the desire to do so.

CHURCHES TOGETHER TO HOST HUSTINGS EVENT

The Churches Together in the Epping Forest district have announced their intention to host a hustings in the run-up to the general election and that invitations have now been extended to representatives from each of the 7 political parties who have announced their intentions to stand for election.

The event, which will take place inside St. John’s Church in Epping will focus on issues such as morality, the sanctity of human life, the education of children in such matters and the support to be expected from the government in protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly the old and infirm.

Those interested in obtaining further details of this event can contact the Epping District team office on 01992 575570 or 01992 579935. Alternatively you can email them here.

EPPING TOWNSPERSON OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

The Mayor of Epping, Cllr. Mrs. Janet Hedges has officially presented the award for Epping’s ‘Townsperson of the Year 2010’ to Mary Morgan, a truly inspirational member of our community who has held a vast range of voluntary and charity positions in and around the town for a number of years.

I first met Mary and her very supportive husband at the ‘Christmas Alone Lunch’, which she hosts in the Catholic Church Hall at 12pm each Christmas Day. The event is open to anyone who would usually spend the day alone and not only is a four-course lunch provided, but a raft of entertainment is laid on and presents distributed. It really is one of the most magically generous events I have had the pleasure in attending. I have no questioning my mind when I describe Mary Morgan as an unsung hero and an exemplary member of our town. Truly selfless lady with a fantastic personally and a heart of pure gold.

Mrs. Morgan was presented with her award by the Mayor along with Lord Petre, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and Michael Chapman, Deputy Lord Lieutenant.

MP LAING TO ATTEND BUSINESS THEMED DEBATE

The Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is to host a political debate on Wednesday 21st April at Woolston Manor Golf and Country Club from 7.30am to discuss the big issues effecting local business, covering everything from the significant increase seen in business rates to the impact of the global financial crisis.

Representatives from all of the national political parties have been invited to attend, including Conservative MP for Epping Forest, Eleanor Laing, who has agreed to ensure there is a lively debate on both local and national issues and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the key issues effecting business within her constituency.

Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profitable organisation run by business people for the benefit of commerce in the local community. The Chamber brings together over 100 diverse companies in the Epping Forest district.

To obtain your ticket for this event, which are being charges at £12 to members and £15 to non-members, please telephone on 0843 289 8184 or email here Alternatively you can book online here. Tickets include a full English breakfast.

BURGLARY NUMBERS DECREASE IN EPPING FOREST

This weekend, I have had a discussion with the District Commander of Policing, Chief Inspector Alan Ray, specifically around dwelling burglaries in Epping Forest, which has been an issue effecting a large number of local residents for many years.

On this issue there is generally good news. Our district has seen a 9% reduction in dwelling burglaries in the past year, which bucks the nation and local trend; Harlow is up 38%, Brentwood is up 30% and Havering is up 25%. During the same period, we have seen an increase of 23% in attempted burglaries, meaning that residents have been a great deal more on the ball in reporting concerns before a crime is actually committed.

That said, the western policing division, which incorporates Epping Forest, Harlow and Brentwood remains the worst in Essex for dwelling burglaries, so the important cross-border work must continue.

One way residents can help drive down these figures is by ensuring their doors are actually locked! It sounds simple, but an enormous amount of burglaries in this area are committed when people think their UPVC doors are locked when it is merely shut. Let’s remain alert and continue to report questionable circumstances or people in our communities.

To discuss any specific concerns you have relating to criminal activity in Epping, please contact PC Gary Harrington at Epping Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or on 07779 317211. Alternatively you can email him here.

YOUNG PEOPLE VOTE TO LOWER VOTING AGE

Epping Forest District Youth Council have hosted a debate and vote which brought forward a motion that the voting age in the UK should be lowered from 18 to 16 years of age. 54% voted in favour of the motion at an event held at the Civic Offices in Epping designed to encourage an interest in democracy among the district's younger residents.

The Youth Council had an opportunity to meet with and question District Council Chairman, Cllr. Mrs. Penny Smith, Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing and Harlow MP Bill Rammell.

The full debate was webcast and can be viewed by clicking on this link.

SPRING EDITION OF "THE FORESTER" RELEASED

Epping Forest District Council have launched their latest edition of “The Forester” magazine this week, which provides local residents with a mix of council and community news, features and has an A to Z of the most frequently used council phone numbers. It is sent to all residents in the district.

This addition includes actiles on: CCTV success, emergency planning, waste and recycling, Waltham Abbey bible, parrot appeal, Essex on tour and much more.

To download your copy now, please click here. For past editions of The Forester, please click here.

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.

TORY MEPs STAND-UP FOR ESSEX BUSINESSES

Conservative Eastern Region MEP’s , Geoffrey Van Orden and Vicky Ford are extending invitations to local businesses of all sizes to an important conference to be held at Clare College in Cambridge on 15th March.

The event will be attended by leading members of the Shadow Cabinet and experts in EU
funding programmes. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear about possible developments in business policy and to get a clear, down-to-earth explanation of how you could get EU funds for your business.

Geoffrey explained: “2010 is going to be an important year in British politics and of particular significance for local businesses. If you run a business or have any interest in these issues, you would be warmly welcome to attend”.

Fore more information please email Geoffrey here or call his office on +32 (0)2 284 7332. Alternatively, you can visit his website here.

CLUB ONE9FIVE TO REOPEN WITHIN A WEEK!

Epping’s renowned Club One9Five will reopen on Friday 26th February after Epping Forest District Council’s licensing sub-committee issued the nightclub a new license today.

The club’s license was revoked and subsequently closed following a serious incident outside of the venue on Sunday 26th September 2009 in which 8 people were stabbed and a number of others injured. The committee announced at 12.45pm that a decision had been made to issue a new license following Club One9Five’s change in management and promises to make changes to safety and security procedures.

For those of you who don’t understand the depths of the Licensing Act 2003, if a new management team apply for a new license, any of the historic criminal activity or generic trouble associated with the old licensees has to be disregarded by the committee whilst considering the new application.

To view Club One9Five’s application form and the letters received from local business and residents, please click here.

CAFE BELGIQUE ISSUED WITH FOOD WARNING

Epping’s Belgique Café located in High Street has received an official food safety management warning from Epping Forest District Council’s environmental health officers this week, after an inspection found that shrimps, cheese and ham were all out of date, in one case, by more than a month.

At a hearing at Harlow Magistrates’ Court, the food was ordered to be condemned and destroyed, with the café chain told to pay costs.

A Council spokesman said: "Two hygiene and improvement notices have been issued to Belgique on ‘food management safety’ and ‘staff training’. They have 14 days to comply with the notices and failure to do so could lead to prosecution."

DRUG DEALERS GET COMBINED 65 YEAR SENTENCE

Three gentlemen from Epping Forest, Frankie Stedman, 26, of Cunningham Rise, North Weald, John Esqulant, 52, of Blackacre Road, Theydon Bois and Columbian national Fernando Hurtado, 41, of Waltham Abbey have been sentenced to a combined 65 years in prison after the Serious Organised Crime Agency uncovered a drug operation involving £80m worth of cocaine (299 kilos).

Hurtado and Esqulant have now been found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine at Leicester Crown Court where they were sentenced to 28 years' imprisonment. Stedman, who was arrested on June 18, 2009 as he stepped off a plane at Heathrow Airport, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and was jailed for 9 years.

A spokesman for SOCA said: "These men thought they could make a lot of money through drug trafficking but they were wrong. Our officers were one step ahead of them and made sure their plan failed. SOCA is investigating the gang's finances. A confiscation hearing will take place later this year.”