EPPING FOREST DISTRICT LICENSING REVIEW

Epping Forest District Council have launched a public consultation, asking local residents for their thoughts on their existing licensing policies, which they are required by law to review every three years. The Council’s current policy can be found here.

The Licensing Act 2003 became law on 24th November 2005 and introduced a single license scheme for all licensed premises which supply alcohol, provide regulated entertainment and provide late-night refreshments. The objectives are to prevent crime, disorder and nuisance and to protect public safety and children from harm.

Given that many local residents have spoken to me recently about licensing issues, especially those who asked how Club One9Five was able to regain its license after it had been closed simply by a new body applying for the license, this may be a good opportunity for people to express their views. The deadline for comments is 31 July 2010. You can send your comments by post to The Licensing Section, Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ or by email here.

COLLEGE CLASSED: “SATISFACTORY & IMPROVING”

Epping Forest College in Loughton has been reclassified in a recently published OFSTED report, which grades the college as “satisfactory” from its former “inadequate” classification.

In the report, OFTSED Inspector, Lindsay Hebditch states: “The college has recovered well since its previous inspection when overall effectiveness was judged inadequate. The majority of its provision is now satisfactory, and improving. Staff morale is high and the majority of learners work hard and are happy.”

The report singles out Jeannie Wright, the college’s interim principal, and the new senior management at the college for special praise in turning round poor results. Ms. Wright explained: “Staff have a great deal to be proud of. They have worked extremely hard since the last inspection to drive through significant improvements. We are already working on the inspectors’ recommendations of what we need to do to secure further improvement. Our staff are committed to further progress.”

The college has an Open Event on Saturday, June 26, from 10am to 2pm and is taking applications until September 2010 for courses where places are still available. For further information call 020 8502 8778.

OLIVE DUNSEATH SELECTED EPPING TOWN MAYOR

Sitting Town Councillor, Miss Olive Dunseath has been elected as the new Mayor of Epping with Councillor Mrs. Mari-Louise Whitbread, the wife of District Councillor and Cabinet Portfolio Holder Chris Whitbread being elected Deputy Town Mayor.

Miss. Dunseith (pictured with Janet Hedges and I) has sat on the Town Council for 11 years and has fought hard to ensure Epping retains it’s traditional character and appearance. She described herself as “a back room worker” who finds the “thrust to the forefront as a figurehead somewhat daunting”, but explained: “I want to help improve the look of the High Street and focus on the things which the local populace are concerned with.” Cllr. Miss Dunseath will serve in this role for a period of 12 months.

DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS 2010

The Returning Officer for Epping Forest has declared the following results of Epping’s District Council elections held on Thursday 6th May 2010:

EPPING LINDSEY &
THORNWOOD COMMON WARD
Will Breare-Hall - Conservative - 1,692 (49%)
Lorraine Collier - Lib Dem - 1,264 (37%)
Simon David Bullough - Labour - 341 (10)
Barry George Johns - Green - 133 (4%)
Total Turnout - 71%

EPPING HEMNALL WARD
Janet Hilda Whitehouse - Lib Dem - 1,632 (47%)
Kenneth Avey - Conservative - 1,348 (38%)
Michael Finan - Labour - 234 (7%)
Andrew George Smith - UKIP - 232 (7%)
Jam Berecutt - Green - 62 (2%)
Total Turnout - 71%

You may also be interested to note that Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Epping Forest, Ann Haigh, who was also standing for re-election for the Buckhurst Hill West ward on Epping Forest District Council lost her seat to Conservative candidate Sylvia Watson, pushing the Lib Dems out of the role of ‘Official Opposition’ being replaced by the LRA. The BNP also lost all of the seats they were contesting in Loughton, leaving them with just one Councillor in Pat Richardson who spoke about the party’s losses suggested this was “down to poor schooling.”

The new make-up of the Council’s 58 seats are as follows: Conservatives: 36, Loughton Residents Association: 11, Liberal Democrats: 7, Independents: 2, Labour: 1.

EPPING FOREST ELECTION RESULTS 2010

The results for the UK Parliamentary election for the Epping Forest Constituency have been declared by the Returning Officer, Ian Willet, at 3.35am on Friday 7th May 2010 and are as follows:

Katie Elizabeth CURTIS - The Labour Party - 6,641 votes.
Ann Mary HAIGH - Liberal Democrat - 10,017 votes.
Eleanor Fulton LAING - The Conservative Party Candidate - 25,148 votes.
Simon Benjamin PEPPER - The Green Party - 659 votes.
Pat RICHARDSON - British National Party - 1,982 votes.
Kim SAWYER - English Democrats “Putting England First!” - 285 votes.
Andrew George SMITH - UK Independence Party (UKIP) - 1,852 votes.

The turnout was 66.95% compared to the 2005 turnout of 62.88%. Therefore, Eleanor Fulton Laing is re-elected Member of Parliament for Epping Forest with a significantly increased majority.

WHAT WILL THE CONSERVATIVES DO ABOUT GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS IN EPPING FOREST?

Eleanor Laing has issued a statement outlining what David Cameron’s Conservative Government would do about Gypsies in Epping Forest, in which she highlights her commitment to giving power back to local people. As the Conservative Party policy paper states: "Conservatives believe in social responsibility. Different people from different communities should be free to lead their lives in different ways. But this freedom must come with a responsibility to the wider community. The vast majority of traveller accept this, but a very small minority do not." Conservatives will act to ensure that this becomes a reality:

Against unauthorised sites: "Where councils have made appropriate provision for authorised sites in their area, which reflect local need and historic demand, we will provide them with stronger enforcement powers to tackle unauthorised development and illegal trespass. In addition, we will introduce a new criminal offence of intentional trespass."

Gypsies to contribute: "At the same time, it is important that settled council tax payers do not foot the bill for the construction of new authorised sites. The Conservatives will reform the system so traveller site funding to councils so that they are properly compensated for new sites and will require travellers to make a contribution to to the cost of services on authorised sites."

A British Bill of Rights: "The Human Rights Act has made it more difficult and expensive to evict trespassers from private and public land and has overridden planning law by allowing travellers to proceed with unauthorised developments. Conservatives will replace Labour's Human Rights Act with a new British Bill of Rights which will help to address these problems."

Scrap the Direction: "The Labour Government has used the regional planning system and top-down targets to force local authorities to build new camps for the travellers, often on Green Belt land. Conservatives disagree with these top-down building targets, for traveller camps and for new houses. As part of the abolition of regional planning and the Regional Spatial Strategies, targets for the provision of traveller camps will be scrapped. In addition we will also scrap John Prescott's controversial guidance on travellers."

"Only a vote for the Conservatives will deliver the change we need and bring power back to the local people. Labour have neglected local needs and allowed the traveller problem to grow over the last 13 years. Please don't let them do it again", Mrs. Laing explained.

EPPING PREPARES TO ELECT ITS NEW MAYOR

Epping Town Council are due to hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday 4th May at 8.15pm at Epping Hall, St. John’s Road, Epping, CM16 5JU, to which all members of the public are invited to attend.

At this meeting, the first item of the agenda is for sitting elected Councillors in Epping to nominate and vote to elect a new Town Mayor for a period of 12 months. The current Mayor of Epping, Councillors Mrs. Janet Hedges will hand over her the town’s gold Chains of Office, her seat as Chairman of Council proceedings and relinquish all duties associated with being the ‘First Citizen’ of Epping before joining the ranks of Former Mayors.

At one of my own final events as Mayor of Epping, I met with 11 Former Mayor’s, the photograph from which I have attached showing, from left-to-right: Dennis Favre, Ken Avey, Susan Perry, Richard Brady, myself, Letitia Berry, Daphne Jenkins, Hugh Pegrum, Ralph Dulwich, Alan Smith and Peter Burns.

COOPERSALE SOCIAL INSTITUTE HALL REFURB

Epping Town Council have approved a grant of £300 to Coopersale Social Institute which is hoping to see a major refurbishment of its hall, which will cost tens of thousands of pounds.

The registered charity has runs its operations at a impressive year-on-year profit and the Town Council believed the hall was a well used facility in the heart of Coopersale which served a broad range of local residents.

The Council have also agreed to provide further advise and information to the charity wherever possible. Previously, Epping Town Council provided a grant of £600 in 2003 towards the cost of replacement front doors of the hall and a £250 grant in 1999 to help with the cost of replacement tables.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

The following planning applications will be considered by Epping Town Council's Planning and General Purposes Committee on Tuesday 4th May 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/0485/10 - Mr. R. Stokes, Forest Gate Inn, Bell Common, Epping - First floor extension.
EPF/0665/10 - Mr. & Mrs. P. Micallef, Mason Bridge Farm, Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping - Conversion of existing outbuilding into a separate dwelling with associated parking and amenity space.
LB/EPF/0666/10 - Mr. & Mrs. P. Micallef, Mason Bridge Farm, Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping - Grade II listed building application for the conversion of existing outbuilding into a separate dwelling with associated parking and amenity space.
EPF/0493/10 - Mr. B. Daniels, Coaching House, R/o Batchelors, Buttercross Lane, Epping - Conversion and alterations of the single storey coaching house into a two bedroom house.
LB/EPF/0493/10 - Mr. B. Daniels, Coaching House, R/o Batchelors, Buttercross Lane, Epping - Grade II listed building application for the conversion and alterations of the single storey coaching house into a two bedroom house.
EPF/0679/10 - Mr. P. Jolley, 22 The Orchards, Epping - Single storey rear extension.

WHY VOTE FOR ELEANOR LAING ON 6th MAY 2010?

Aside from all of the reasons local people are hearing from David Cameron as to why you should vote Conservative on Thursday 6th May, there are many reasons, I believe, you should support our local Conservative candidate, Eleanor Laing.

Eleanor has served as the Member of Parliament in Epping Forest for the past 13 years helping literally thousands of local residents as and when they face issues. More than that though, Eleanor has acted as an ambassador for Epping Forest nationally fighting hard against Government proposals which will negatively effect our day-to-day lives. She has also served in a variety of roles within the Shadow Front Bench team, creating Conservative Party policies and holding the Government to account in key areas.

One of Eleanor’s greatest battles as our MP, has been to protect the Green Belt which is constantly under threat from development. Very recently, Eleanor has worked hard to ensure that Green Belt land locally does not become the home of large groups of Gypsy and Traveller families. In a recent Residents Survey, Eleanor has explained: “David Cameron has promised a total change of direction on planning policy for gypsies and travellers if we win the election. There will be no more regional or national planning control. Decisions will be taken at local level - where people know what is best for their own community. So, get rid of Gordon Brown and we also get rid of the plans for more gypsy and traveller sites in Epping Forest.”

For those of you wishing to read more information about Eleanor and her work as an MP, you will find her voting record in the House of Commons here. The Early Day Motions she has supported here. The speeches she has made at debates here. The written questions she has submitted to Ministers here and a list of her Parliamentary expenses here.

For campaign related information, you can logon to Eleanor’s website here or download a copy of her Election Address here. Alternatively, you can become friends with Eleanor on Facebook here.

EPPING TOWN SHOW - Sunday 20th June 2010

Once again this year, Epping Town Council will be hosting a Town Show at Stonards Hill Recreation Grounds on Sunday 20th June from 11am to 4pm. Entrance is free and it is with pleasure I can report that this year’s event has doubled in size. Mark the date in your calendar now as this is a fantastic event for all of the family - to give you a taster of what we have planned, please see below:

Arena Events - Epping Forest Band, Shaolin Warriors, Brownie Races, 2 x Falcon displays, Darren Hunt Wheelbarrow race, Ferret Racing, performances by Epping Primary, Ivy Chimneys Primary, Coopersale and Theydon Garnon Primary and St. John‘s School.

Field Activities - Climbing Wall, Fire Brigade, Coconut shy, Face Painter, Caricaturist, Roger Arnay Circus Company, Large Fun Fair, Donkey Rides, Ferrets, Big trucks including an American Mack Truck & Vintage double decker bus.

Food & Drink - Hog Roast & Burgers by Churches Butchers, Beer Tent hosted by the Merry Fiddlers, Brian Print Burger Van, Little Dutch Pancake Company, Darren Hunt’s Tea, cake, & strawberries and an Ice Cream van.

Stalls - Royal British Legion, Usborne Books for Kids, Lets Play Fair, Citizens Advice Bureau, Humbug Sweet Shop, Cancer Research UK, Fox Welfare, Epping Portrait Studio, Epping Forest Cats Protection, Epping Horticultural Society, Garks Comfectionary, Royal Gunpowder Mills, SSAFA, Friends of St Margarets Hospital, Multi Faith Forum, St Clare’s Hospice, Epping Tennis Club, Higham Woodturners, Rotary Club of Epping, Epping Society, St Johns Church, A Gift A, Essex Farmers Market, Girl Guiding UK, Airbrush Temporary Tatoos, Epping Forest Field Centre, Sahara Gifts and Epping Upland Church.

For more information, please contact Epping Town Council on 01992 579444.

EPPING PROUDLY CELEBRATES St. GEORGE’S DAY

This evening I have had the pleasure of joining Epping Forest’s MP, Eleanor Laing and the Rev’d Geoffrey Connor at a St. George’s Day Concert at St. John’s Church in Epping. As Mayor, I actually introduced the concert as a way of marking England’s national day last year, as I didn’t believe nearly enough was being done to remind people of what it is to be English, as opposed to British or European. I also introduced a shop window decoration competition, which it has been great to see many businesses take part in again this year.

Next year I hope to grow these events further by reintroducing the St. George’s Day parade through Epping High Street. It is absolutely right that we celebrate England’s rich heritage and have as many people as possible join us in doing so.

One point so many residents have made recently is that they believe St. George’s Day should be a Bank Holiday, as I wholeheartedly agree. It was great to hear Mrs. Laing agree to and better still, to hear that David Cameron is examining plans to do so, should he be elected on May 6th. He has said today: “Let us say, loudly and proudly, from this point on, we should always properly celebrate St George’s Day”.

LETTER FROM ESSEX MEP GEOFFREY VAN ORDEN

The Labour Party's enthusiasm for mass immigration has little to do with EU.

SIR – When the Labour Party came to power, it was determined to destroy "the forces of conservatism". Observing this, I used to half jokingly say that it didn't really like the British people and wanted to change them. From papers made public earlier this year this suspicion has been confirmed. The Government's deliberate encouragement of mass immigration was part of a plan to change the fabric of our country. The way the statistics are presented makes it difficult to understand the reality. The following, however, stands out from the years 1998-2008: net migration from EU countries, 547,000; net migration from other countries, 2,264,000 (predominantly South Asia, Africa and the Middle East). The net foreign inflow into Britain in 2008 was 250,000. Of this, 64,000 came from EU countries, 186,000 from other countries. The UKIP argument of blaming everything on the EU is therefore a nonsense. Even more nauseating is to hear ministers now saying that they want to control immigration and that the figures are moving in the right direction. The priority must be to integrate our resident immigrant population and to bring a rapid end to mass uncontrolled immigration. The first cannot happen without the second. We then need to have the truth about what has really been going on over these past 10 years.
Geoffrey Van Orden MEP
Chelmsford, Essex

PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

The following planning applications will be considered by Epping Town Council's Planning and General Purposes Committee on Tuesday 20th 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/0560/10 - Mr. N. Wold, 61 Theydon Grove, Epping - Rear Conservatory.
EPF/0561/10 - Mr. & Mrs. J. Wallis, 13 Stewards Green Road, Epping - Replacement garage to rear.
LB/EPF/0605/10 - Mr. A. Mushtaq, 20 Coopersale Street, Coopersale - Grade II listed building application for the insertion of flu for wood burning stove
EPF/0614/10 - Mr. & Mrs. K. Campbell, 16 Stewards Close, Epping - Replacement rear single storey extension.
EPF/0620/10 - Mr. R. Hill, 99 Theydon Grove, Epping - Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear addition, formation of utility room within existing garage space.
TPO/EPF/0677/10 - Ms. J. Maidman, Glen House, Kendall Avenue, Epping - T1 (T30) Pine - Lift off roof to clear 2m.

OLYMPICS TORCH MAY TRAVEL THROUGH EPPING

Epping Forest District Council and Essex County Council have submitted a request to the Olympic Delivery Authority to have the Olympic Torch travel through the district on its way to the London 2010 Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

Prior to each Olympic Games, a torch is lit in Olympia, Greece, and is then carried in a relay style procession from Greece to the host nation. The Prime Minister of the UK will accept the torch in London and HRH The Princess Royal will present the torch at the Grand Finales in Peninsula Square in the Olympic Park. Other carriers of the torch include Olympian Kelly Holmes, 5-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Steve Redgrave, British Pro Tennis Player Tim Henman, Girl band the Sugababes, actress Denise van Outen, news presenter Sir Trevor McDonald, violinist Vanessa Mae, sailor Ellen MacArthur and Arsenal footballer Theo Walcott.

ABANDONED CAR REMOVED - THORNWOOD ROAD

Many residents in Thornwood Road have informed me about an abandoned car which has been left blocking the pavement, sticking out into the busy road causing larger vehicles to cross into the path of oncoming traffic and obstructing the view of residents trying to get out of Wintry Wood.

It is with pleasure I can report that this car has been removed today thanks to the efforts of Essex County Council’s Highways office, Epping Forest District Council’s parking office and Essex Police. A great example of what working together can achieve!

LRA DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOINS CONSERVATIVES

Rodney Barrett, District Councillor for the Loughton St. Mary’s ward elected to the Loughton Residents Association has, today, decided to ‘walk the floor’, leaving the LRA behind him and joining the Conservative Group.

Cllr. Barrett, who has been a Councillor since 2008, explained: “I'm sorry I have to, but unfortunately with the LRA I do feel we are such a small party and there's a difference in feel to a party that makes the decisions. I've left on good terms but when I got elected two years ago I said I'd do my very best for Loughton and unfortunately I don't think I can do that under the banner of the residents association. I love Loughton, I was born here, and I think the Conservatives will give me a better opportunity to help the people of Loughton.”

David Linnell, the Chairman of the LRA responded saying: “Cllr. Barrett says that the LRA has not achieved enough locally about pot-holes in the roads, litter and rubbish left on our streets, and a parking review for the roads around the High Road. We think that he is wrong. LRA has achieved a lot in getting roads repaired and resurfaced, and in improving the refuse and cleaning services, and we will continue to press the council on these issues.”

The Conservatives Group now have 35 out of 58 seats on Epping Forest District Council. The Lib Dems hold 9, the LRA hold 5, the BNP hold 4, Independents hold 3 and Labour hold 1.

BE ALERT – HOME BURGLARIES ON THE INCREASE

In the past week alone, I have been made aware of two local burglaries at houses in Lincolnsfield and Coopersale Common. Both incidents took place during busy daylight hours and involved the burglars smashing a window and reaching around to open a locked door with the key still in it.

In Lincolnsfield, two laptops, cash, and jewellery were stolen, whilst in Coopersale a Canon digital camera, gent's Cartier watch and lady's Rolex watch described as oyster silver and white gold were all stolen. Anyone with information on these incidents can contact Epping Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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.