MP given assurances over rail service

12.42pm - 31st January 2012

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has received assurance from rail operator Abellio - which is to take over the West Anglia mainline service - that there will be no cuts to services.
Mr Halfon, who raised a number of concerns and issues when he met Abellio management, urged the company to explore increasing services in the area in the future. They agreed to do this. 
Mr Halfon said: "This is great news for the many commuters who use the local train services, using the stations at Harlow Town, Harlow Mill and Roydon, to get into and out of London every day.
"I was delighted to receive assurances from Abellio regarding the level of services and they told me that after 2014 - if they successfully win the next contract - they will actually look at increasing train services to Harlow, to ease congestion at rush-hour. 
"If this goes ahead in the future there could be four fast Stansted Express trains to Harlow an hour, as opposed to the current level of two."
Mr Halfon also raised the issue of the current state of Harlow Town, Harlow Mill and Roydon stations. Abeillo agreed to look at undertaking some redecoration work at the stations - including repainting, and improvements such as a rain-shelter at Roydon.
Mr Halfon added: "The firm has also pledged to keep Roydon and Harlow Mill stations open. In fact it agreed to hire 100 additional security staff - many of whom will patrol the trains passing through Harlow and the villages.
"Finally, I urged the company to do more to help the small businesses that depend on our railways - such as the shop in Harlow Town Station. 
"They have agreed to visit the stations with me and to see if anything can be done to help boost trade."

Taxi driver attacked and robbed

12.28pm - 31st January 2012

DETECTIVES have appealed for information after a taxi driver was attacked and robbed in Chigwell. 
The incident happened at about 1.50am on Saturday (January 28) near the Maypole pub, Lambourne Road. 
The taxi driver had picked up two men in Debden but they attacked him when they arrived at the Maypole. 
A police spokesman said one of the men started an argument with the driver while the other suspect went to the driver's side of the car and pulled him out of the vehicle. He was punched and kicked and robbed of about £50. 
The driver, who is from Ilford, was checked by paramedics and treated for slight injuries.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Katherine Clarke said: "This was an extremely nasty attack by two men who punched the driver in the face and head several times then kicked him in the head when he fell to the ground. 
"We want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the attack which happened near the pub car park entrance." 
The attackers were both black or of mixed race and aged between 16 and 20. 
One was about 5ft 5in tall and had distinctive tightly curled and was wearing a dark coloured jumper over a dark coloured T-shirt and dark coloured jeans. 
He was also wearing a long beaded chain. 
The second man was wearing a dark coloured zip up jacket, grey T-shirt and a dark beanie hat. He had silver and diamond crystal studs in both ears. 
Anyone with information should contact DC Clarke at Loughton CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Website reaches new landmark

9.57am - 31st January 2012

EVERYTHING Epping Forest has now registered more than eight million hits since it was launched in November 2008. 
The 'sister site' Everything Harlow was launched in February 2010. 
Everything Epping Forest also provides a media service with its clients including St Clare Hospice, Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, Harlow MP Robert Halfon, West Hatch High School, Roding Valley High School and Theydon Bois Primary School.

Robin - @robinmingay on Twitter - wrote: Well done. I really like the site and its concept.

Development options to be investigated

9.48pm - 30th January 2012

A RANGE of potential development projects are set to be investigated by Epping Forest District Council. 
The council cabinet is seeking approval from full council to spend £205,000 on consultants to carry out feasibility work on a variety of sites across the district. 
These include North Weald Airfield - where the council is looking at the possibility of a refuse contractor service depot - the Winston Churchill pub site in The Broadway, Debden, and the Town Mead depot in Waltham Abbey.

Council to build new homes at Roundhills

9.45pm - 30th January 2012

LAND behind and next to the Roundhills shops in Waltham Abbey is to be developed by Epping Forest District Council for council housing. 
The council had previously agreed that 'affordable housing' should be built on the land in partnership with a housing association however the council has now decided to develop the land itself as part of its new housebuilding programme. 
The council has already been awarded a £90,000 grant towards the scheme. 
Early indications show that four three-bedroom houses and three one-bedroom flats could be built on the site.

Housebuilding programme planned

9.44pm - 30th January 2012

A PROGRAMME of housebuilding is being planned by Epping Forest District Council.
The council's draft key objectives for 2012-13 including working with housing association partners to complete at least 34 new affordable homes and start work on at least 69 such properties for both rent and shared ownership by the end of March next year. 
The council hopes to start work on four 'straw bale' houses in Millfield, High Ongar, by June 30 this year and have built five shared ownership homes in Church Hill, Loughton (with Moat Housing) and 29 houses for rent and shared ownership at Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey (with Hastoe Housing Association and Genesis Housing Association) both by March 31 next year. 
The council also intends to have started work on affordable homes for rent and shared ownership at Jennikings Nursery, Chigwell (52 properties with Moat Housing) and at Manor Road, Chigwell (17 properties with East Thames Housing) also by March 31 next year.

All-weather pitch for Town Mead

9.43pm - 30th January 2012

AN all-weather pitch is to be installed at Town Mead, Waltham Abbey. 
Work on the full-size, 'third generation' pitch is due to begin this month. 
Epping Forest District Council says the pitch will be the first of its kind in the district offering a full-size, high quality surface suitable for league matches as well as social games. 
The pitch will be used by clubs, a five-a-side league and community coaching for young people in Waltham Abbey.

District council 'banks' Down Under

9.41pm - 30th January 2012

SOME £5m of Epping Forest District Council's £55m investment portfolio is invested in Australia, the council has said. 
A report to this evening's cabinet meeting detailed where the council's money is invested. 
The bulk - £34.6m - is in the UK with £11.4m in Ireland (in Money Market Funds), £5m in Australia and £4m in France.

Two men jailed over street shooting

3.16pm - 30th January 2012

TWO men from north London have been given prison sentences for firearms-related offences following a shooting in Waltham Abbey. 
The incident happened when shots were fired at a house on Hayden Road shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, February 2 last year. Nobody was injured. 
On Friday, February 18, unemployed Jordan Epee-Homb, 27, of no fixed address, was arrested in London and subsequently charged with one count of being in possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. 
On Monday, February 21, unemployed Nimbo Ngoma, 25, of Griffin Road, Tottenham, was arrested in Harlow and subsequently charged with one count of being in possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. 
Both men first appeared at Harlow Magistrates Court on Monday, February 21, when they were remanded in court custody. 
Last December at Chelmsford Crown Court, Jordan Epee-Homb pleaded guilty to his charge while Nimbo Ngoma pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. 
Both were remanded in custody prior their sentencing at the same crown court today (Monday). 
Jordan Epee-Homb was given a four-and-a-half-year jail sentence while Nimbo Ngoma was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment. 
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Robinson, said: "A real firearm was used in this incident and discharged at a residential property while a young child was inside. 
"These two men were involved in a reckless act because of an ongoing dispute.
"Essex Police will not tolerate the use of firearms in the county and we, as a force, will prosecute anyone who comes to the county armed with the intention of causing harm or fear."

Drivers targeted in day-long campaign

2.03pm - 30th January 2012

A POLICE crackdown on motorists in the Epping and Harlow area resulted in more than 250 drivers being spoken to driving. 
Operation 'Surround a Town' was aimed at raising road safety awareness. 
The operation, carried out between 8am and 4pm on Thursday (January 26), involved more than 40 police officers carrying out roadside checks and mobile patrols around Harlow and at junction 7 at Hastingwood. 
They were supported by special constables, Essex County Council Road Safety Officers, Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs and British Transport Police.
The operation was part of the 'No Excuse' campaign led by the Essex Casualty Reduction Board which aims to tackle motoring offences and raise awareness that there is no excuse for offences such as speeding, driving while using a mobile phone and not wearing seat belts. 
Seatbelt offenders were given the option to attend a half-hour education session at the Latton Bush Centre and after successful completion, had their fixed penalty notice nullified. 
Fifty-three drivers took the offer of education plus six member of the public who had not offended. 
The stop checks were held at seven sites - Epping High Street, the A414-M11 junction at Hastingwood, Edinburgh Way, Allende Avenue and Southern Way, Harlow, and Water Lane, Roydon. 
Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology was also used to identify vehicles whose drivers were committing motoring offences or had been involved in crime.
Seven vehicles were seized because the drivers were not insured, a further ten insurance infringements were also dealt with. 
A total of 89 drivers were stopped for not wearing seat belts and 51 drivers were seen driving while using a mobile phone. 
Fifteen vehicles were found to have no MoT certificate.
Twenty other motoring offences were detected. 
Police, fire and road safety officers were at locations around Harlow all day to talk to people, share road safety advice and explain how the campaign will work towards reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county's roads.
County council highways and transportation cabinet member Tracey Chapman, who is chairman of the Essex Casualty Reduction Board, said: "Our second 'Surround A Town' event as part of the 'no excuse' campaign was just as successful as the launch in Chelmsford. In fact more people were stopped for using their mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts. 
"We are reminding people that partners in the Essex Casualty Reduction Board can be anywhere and at any time and we will continue to target driving offences such as the use of mobile phones, seatbelts and speeding. 
"Remember, there's no excuse for poor driving."

Police check more than 2,000 vehicles

1.50pm - 30th January 2012

MORE than 2,000 vehicles were checked by police during a road safety operation in Waltham Abbey.
Members of the Essex Police casualty reduction unit used automatic number plate technology to check vehicles in the Sewardstone Road area between 7pm on Saturday (January 28) and 3am on Sunday. 
The operation was organised in response to local residents' concerns about speeding and other motoring offences in the area.
Essex officers also worked closely with the Metropolitan Police who were carrying out a similar operation in the Chingford area. 
During the Essex operation five vehicles were seized for no insurance, nine vehicles were found to have no MoT certificate, two drivers were not wearing seatbelts and one driver was stopped for driving while using a mobile phone. 
Two drivers were given fixed penalty notices for speeding and another for having defective tyres. 
A large number of verbal warnings were given for speeding offences and defective lights. 
A 34-year-old woman from Buckhurst Hill was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and was later charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis. She was bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on February 10. 
A 36-year-old man from Wanstead was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified but he was later released without charge. 
Essex officers also assisted Met colleagues in the arrest of a driver who failed to stop for police and a suspect who was wanted for immigration offences.

Cardiac monitor given to hospital

1.11pm - 30th January 2012

THE League of Friends of St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, has presented a new mobile cardiac monitor worth nearly £3,000 to the community hospital.
The equipment enables continuous cardiac monitoring and will support efforts to help avoid unnecessary admissions to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. 
Phil Wing, inpatient services manager and lead nurse, said: "We are really grateful to the Friends for their continuing support.
"This new state-of-the-art monitor means we can provide continuous cardiac monitoring of patients and this will help to avoid unnecessary transfers to Princess Alexandra Hospital. 
"We are really delighted by the Friends' donation and thank them for their dedication and fund raising efforts which are appreciated by everyone at St Margaret's, patients and staff alike."

Youth charity receives festival cash

8.57am - 30th January 2012

THE charity Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 has received £625 as a beneficiary of last year's Great British Cucumber Festival in the Abbey Gardens, Waltham Abbey. 
The cheque was presented by members of the organising committee when they visited the charity's youth centre in Brooker Road. 
The Cucumber Festival is one of several supporters of the charity. 
Glenny LLP, which regularly supports the charity, recently donated £750 in lieu of sending Christmas cards to business clients. 
Tesco Waltham Abbey makes regular contributions in kind whether refreshments for events such as the fun run, Christmas goodies for a raffle - which raised over £550 for the charity - or cleaning materials for the youth centre. 
WAY 2000 has, with the help of Epping Forest District Council, is organising an open day on Wednesday, February 15 (1pm-5pm) to give local businesses and young people the opportunity to visit the youth centre at 154 Brooker Road to find out more about the charity's services, meet the trustees and sample some of the activities on offer. 
WAY 2000 operates two youth clubs - New Images Youth Centre is open to 13 to 19-year-olds on Wednesdays from 7.15pm-9.45pm with Yip Yop Youth Club open to nine to 12-year-olds on Mondays and Thursdays (4.30pm-6pm).

Straw bale houses set for approval

8.04am - 30th January 2012

FOUR houses made out of straw bales are set to be built in High Ongar. 
District council planning officers are recommending the development for approval despite objections from the parish council and local residents. 
Hastoe Housing Association is proposing the homes for rent on overgrown land behind 25 Millfield, 
The properties would be built using straw bales within a load-bearing timber frame and other sustainable construction methods / materials would be used, including the use of sedum roofs to the front porches. 
The plans indicate that renewable technologies including photovoltaic panels, air-source heat-pumps and water butts will also be installed. 
Access will be via the existing access onto Millfield which will be widened and improved. 
High Ongar Parish Council has objected saying development is on disused back land with no proper road frontage. 
It adds that there is inadequate access to the development, both in terms of where the access road, and the parish council says the houses are not well integrated with or complementary to the surrounding properties. 
The council also cites sewerage issues and fears disturbance to local residents due to increased vehicle traffic during the expected seven-month construction period, together with the loss of parking spaces that will result on completion of the build in order to access the new properties.
Letters of objection have also been sent to the district council from five residents of Millfield along with a 45-name petition. 
A planning officer's report states: "The proposed development would provide much needed affordable housing within the district, whilst utilising sustainable construction methods and renewable technologies. 
"The development is broadly in keeping with the style and character of the surrounding residential development and would not cause any material harm to the character and appearance of the area. 
"Whilst the amenities presently enjoyed by the occupiers of some nearby neighbouring dwellings would be affected, this would not be to the degree that there would be significant harm caused."
A decision on the planning application will be taken by the area plans committee on Wednesday, February 8.

What do you think? 
Email your views to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com or comment via Twitter @eefnews

Sue Taylor - @allaboutyoulife on Twitter - wrote: "saw similar construction with straw on a TV programme and they worked extremely well and were of course eco-friendly!"

Dogs raise money for St Clare Hospice

11.58am - 29th January 2012

ABOUT 270 people and dozens of dogs took part in the St Clare Hospice 'Winter Walkies'. 
The walkers braved the cold weather as they followed a 5km route from the hospice in Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood. 
Many of the dogs were dressed warm for the occasion, with a prize going to the best dressed canine, while their owners were judged for the best wellies competition. 
The walkers returned to the hospice for tea and coffee while there were dog treats and a special medal for each of the canine finishers. 
There was also a homemade cake stall, and a raffle with many canine-related prizes up for grabs. 
The final amount raised is not yet known. 

For a slideshow of pictures click here

Royal visit confirmed for March

9.31am - 29th January 2012

THE Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be visiting Redbridge and Waltham Forest in March, it has been announced. 
The Royal visit to the area on Thursday, March 29 will see the Royal party visit Valentines Park and Mansions, Redbridge, and attend a lunch at Waltham Forest Town Hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

MP launches second phase of fuel campaign

7.19am - 27th January 2012

AFTER winning the backing of more than 100,000 people with his e-petition calling for a cut in fuel tax, Harlow MP Robert Halfon is taking on the Government again pressing for a freeze on fuel duty in the next Budget. 
He has also written to the Office of Fair Trading highlighting the high cost of fuel in Harlow, stating that petrol prices in Harlow seem to be about 5p a litre more expensive than in nearby towns such as Epping, Chelmsford and Stevenage. 
Mr Halfon has been contacted by a number of constituents regarding the high fuel prices in the town.
In his letter, which calls for “urgent action” to be taken against the high prices being charged in Harlow, Mr Halfon wrote: “A constituent has pointed out that some parts of Scotland have cheaper prices despite the fuel being refined and distributed from sites in Essex! 
“There is also little or no competition within Harlow itself. As Harlow petrol stations are charging the same price, residents have no option but to pay this. 
"Is the lack of competition keeping prices in the town artificially high? 
“Harlow residents find it difficult enough to meet the cost of fuel without feeling that their town is having to endure higher than average pump prices.” 
Mr Halfon received praise in the House of Commons and national media for his campaign victory which saw a proposed fuel tax increase postponed. 
Addressing the Leader of the House of Commons, George Young, in the House yesterday, Mr Halfon said he was calling on the Chancellor to freeze fuel duty - and to also look at the possibility of reducing it when he delivers his Budget speech. 
Mr Halfon asked: “May we have a debate on lower taxes for lower earners, given that poor motorists will be hit twice as hard as richer motorists if petrol and diesel duties rise? 
"Can my right hon. Friend urge the Chancellor to cut petrol and diesel tax in the next Budget?"
Sir George Young said he would raise the matter with the Chancellor.
Sir George added: “I commend (Mr Halfon) on what he did with the e-petition on the issue last year, which resulted in the postponement of an increase that was due earlier this month.”

Exam success for Haslers quartet

5.42pm - 26th January 2012

TRAINEES at Loughton-based chartered accountants Haslers are celebrating after passing esteemed industry exams. 
Emma Robinson and Desiree Miller from the tax team are now Chartered Tax Advisors after passing the final exam for the Chartered Institute of Taxation.
Imy Underwood and Joel Kara are also celebrating after passing their Association of Tax Technicians exams. 
Imy passed her exams with distinction and received the President's Medal which is awarded at the discretion of the President of the ATT to an outstanding candidate.
Clare Munro, tax partner at Haslers, said: "I would like to join everybody at Haslers in congratulating Emma, Desiree, Imy and Joel for passing these exams. 
"They have worked tremendously hard during their studies, while also showing great dedication to their work at Haslers. 
"A particular mention should go to Imy for her outstanding exam results and for winning the prestigious President's Medal. 
"All our trainees have added real value to the firm, strengthening our position as an award-winning accountancy practice in Essex and Greater London."

Blue plaque honours neurosurgeon

5.40pm - 26th January 2012

THE latest notable person to be honoured by Loughton Town Council's blue plaque scheme is neurosurgeon and advocate of the crash helmet Sir Hugh Cairns. 
A blue heritage plaque has been unveiled at Woodcroft School, Whitakers Way, Loughton, where Sir Hugh lived after his marriage in the 1920s. 
Born in South Australia he attended university in Adelaide joining the Australian Imperial Force as a private in the Australian Army Medical Corps in 1915. 
He saw active service during the First World War including a period in France during 1918. After the war, Sir Hugh entered Balliol College, Oxford, to study medicine. 
A keen oarsman, he rowed as bow in the University Boat Race. 
After six months in the Radcliffe Infirmary as house surgeon and as a Rhodes Scholar he began his long connection with the London Hospital, first in the pathology institute then in the surgical unit, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1921.
He spent a time studying in America on a Rockefeller Fellowship, returning to the London Hospital to specialise in neurosurgery.
He persuaded Lord Nuffield to set up a special neurosurgery unit in Oxford, in which he later became the first Nuffield Professor of Surgery in 1937. In 1935 Sir Hugh was part of the team who attended T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) for head injuries following his fatal motorcycle accident.
As a consequence of treating Lawrence and his observations about the unnecessary loss of live through motorcycling head injuries, Sir Hugh Cairns' pioneering work saw the introduction of crash helmets, made compulsory for army motorcyclists in 1941 but not until 1973 for civilians. 
His work ultimately saved the lives of many. 
He died in the Radcliffe Infirmary on 18 July 1952, leaving a widow, two sons, and two daughters. 
The Loughton Blue Plaque Scheme now commemorates 32 of the famous former residents of the town or the building itself. 
For more information, visit http://www.loughton-tc.gov.uk/2bhpl.htm

MP signs Holocaust Memorial Day book

8.47am - 26th January 2012

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, in doing so pledging her commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who died during the Holocaust. 
Friday, January 27 will mark the 67th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history - and in the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to actively speak out against prejudice and bigotry today. 
In signing the Book of Commitment, Mrs Laing paid tribute to the extraordinary men and women who having survived the Holocaust, work to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Education Trust's Outreach programme.
Mrs Laing said: "Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau - and is an important opportunity to remember the victims of genocide.
"I encourage everyone to mark the day and to commit to 'speaking up and speaking out' against prejudice today."

Investigation into blaze at industrial units

9.14am - 25th January 2012

THREE fire crews have dealt with a blaze at industrial units in Chigwell. 
Firefighters from Loughton and Hainault were called to Gravel Lane at 12.40am today.
The blaze involved four vehicles and two LPG cylinders. 
Crews wore breathing apparatus and used two main jets and two hose reels to extinguish the fire by 2am. The two cylinders were cooled down by crews.
A fire service spokesman said: "The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the police will carry out an investigation."

Police investigate arson attack

9.06am - 25th January 2012

OCCUPANTS of a property in Queensway, Ongar, had a lucky escape after an arson attack on their home. 
Police said that in the early minutes of Wednesday morning (January 19) the occupants were alerted when their smoke alarm went off and they noticed smoke coming through their letterbox. 
On opening the front door they found an item alight on the doorstep. 
The occupant poured water over it and the item smashed setting light to a bag of rubbish nearby. 
The emergency services were called but the occupant managed to put the fire out.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Louise Sheridan-Brown said: "This was a very frightening experience for the occupants which included two children at the time of the fire. 
"We are treating this as arson and appeal for anyone with any information to contact us." 
Anyone who was in the Queensway area in the early hours of January 19 and saw any suspicious activity or who has any other information should ring DC Louise Sheridan-Brown on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Busy time for Epping Forest Pipe Band

9.04am - 25th January 2012

THE Epping Forest Pipe Band are preparing for a busy Burns Night period with members performing at ten functions. 
The Pipe Band provides a full ceilidh style service, running an entire evening. 
The band not only provides the traditional showcase pipe band display but also Scottish sing-a-longs, traditional highland dancing displays, audience-led country dancing, fun poems and quizzes and the 'massed bands' for the evening which consists of volunteers from the audience joining the band with instruments in a one-off rendition of Scotland the Brave (whilst marching). 
The Pipe Band is still to perform at The Vine in Waltham Cross and Enterprise House in Chingford tonight (Wednesday), the Queen Victoria pub, Theydon Bois, on Thursday, their home town of Chingford on Friday at the Royal British Legion and are honoured to be performing again at the high profile 'Help a London Child' Burns Night at Grovesnor Square, London.

Motorcyclist treated after A414 crash

5.00pm - 24th January 2012

A MOTORCYCLIST has been taken to hospital after coming off his bike on the A414 at North Weald. 
The East of England Ambulance Service was alerted at about 2.45pm.
An ambulance from Harlow attended the scene. 
Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: "The man, who we believe to be in his 50s, was treated at the scene by the ambulance crew before he was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow." 
The patient was suffering with breathing problems.

Sailors hold 24-hour event for hospice

1.53pm - 24th January 2012

SAILORS at Broxbourne Sailing Club took to the water to raise money for St Clare Hospice. 
About 70 members, aged from six to 81, took part in a 24-hour sponsored sail, with the club's youth fleet, windsurfers and disabled sailors all involved. 
Their efforts raised £1,751 which has been shared between St Clare Hospice and the CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) charity. 
The sailing club, based in Meadgate Road, Nazeing, presented the cheque to the hospice's community fundraiser Dave Bishop on Saturday morning. 
The club's Commodore, Nick Hayes, said: "The 24-hour sail was the first we have held for about five years. It was a great success and raised money for two worthy causes. 
"We supported St Clare Hospice because of the link we have with the charity (social secretary Paula Smith is cashier at the hospice's shop in Harlow)." 
The total raised is set to be boosted with match-funding of up to £650 from DHL Enfield. 
The hospice's community fundraiser, Dave Bishop, said: "A very big thank you to Commodore Nick Hayes and all the team at Broxbourne Sailing Club for their wonderful donation. 
"It must have been very demanding to sail non-stop for 24hours but we've been assured by the team that much fun was had completing this wonderful challenge.
"We very much look forward to working alongside the club in the future."

Oxbridge offers to Bancroftians

1.27pm - 24th January 2012

TWELVE members of Bancroft's School's Upper Sixth have been successful in their quest to obtain places to study at the country's most prestigious universities next year.
Subject to A level grades five of them will be heading to Oxford and seven to Cambridge. 
The Oxford-bound students include Anna Hubbard (Modern Languages, Keble), Geraint Kiff (Modern Languages, Pembroke), Linnet Kaymer (History, Merton), Calum Lomas (Economics and Management, St Hughs) and Georgia Watson (Classics, Trinity).
Cambridge-bound are Harriet Bartlett (Veterinary Science, Gonville & Caius), Eleanor Flaherty (Geography, Selwyn), Deanna Green (Theology, Queens), Alison Harvey (Modern Languages, St John's), Lorcan Murphy (Engineering, Christ's), Stephanie Posner (Classics, Jesus) and Ben Yelverton (Natural Sciences-Physics, St Catherine's). 
Headteacher Mary Ireland said: "We are delighted that the hard work and dedication that our students have shown over a number of years has been so richly rewarded and we wish them the very best in the pursuit of their studies."

Club given Chigwell School talk

5.37pm - 23rd January 2012

A TALK on Chigwell School was given to 46 members and guests of Epping Probus Club by headmaster Michael Punt. 
Mr Punt, the 35th headmaster of the school, spoke about its history and present day activities. 
The school was founded in 1629 by Samuel Harsnett, then Archbishop of York and Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University. 
He wrote the indentures of foundation of the school and these are read in school annually. When founded, the school had 16 "poor, clever" scholars. Today it educates 750 young people of both sexes aged seven to 18, including boarders. 
Former pupils include William Penn (1650s) who later became a Quaker and founded Pennsylvania. In 1714 the Quaker Society sent a Red Indian, Prince George son of the Chief of the Yemesee Indians, to attend Chigwell. 
A former headmaster, William Collon (1795), became Governor of the Bank of England. Club member and Old Chigwellian Dick Leng gave the vote of thanks.
The next meeting is at Lindsey Street Community Association, Frampton Road, Epping, on February 8. 
Retired or semi-retired men who would like to join should ring secretary Peter Francis on 01992 573188.

Crews deal with bedroom fire

1.01pm - 23rd January 2012

FIREFIGHTERS have dealt with a small fire at a house in Loughton. 
Two Loughton crews were called to Church Lane at 11.20am and took about 15 minutes to deal with the incident. 
A spokesman said there was a small fire in a bedroom. 
The room was heavily smokelogged and crews used a dry powder extinguisher to deal with the fire and used a high pressure fan to ventilate the room.

Toilet blaze at restaurant

8.10am - 23rd January 2012

ABOUT 100 diners and staff had to be evacuated from the Vojan restaurant, Ongar, after a small fire broke out in the toilets. 
Two Brentwood fire crews were called to the Indian restaurant in Epping Road shortly after midnight on Saturday and took about 40 minutes to deal with the incident. 
A fire service spokesman said: "The staff had evacuated everyone before the arrival of the fire service and they had also used fire extinguishers to put the fire out. 
"The fire is believed to have started accidentally."

School's Sports Ball really has the X-Factor

3.29pm - 22nd January 2012

WEST Hatch High School's Sports Ball really did have the X-Factor. 
There were exceptional performances by past and present students who performed gymnastics, dance and music and two times X-Factor contestant John Wilding who together combined to make it a truly excellent night for the Chigwell school. 
The evening featured stunning a gymnastics display, a dance duet from Isobel Gamble and Edward Chitticks, and musical performances from Jonathan Antoine, Charlotte Jaconelli, Joanna Yahama and Joanne-Marie Skillet. 
The evening was jointly compered by the school's marketing and development officer Caroline Haines and Capital Radio and Smooth Radio DJ David 'the Kid' Jensen.
Among the guests were former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley, Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing - who donated tea for two at the House of Commons as one of the auction items, which fetched £400 - former West Ham footballer George Parris and ex-Rugby Union international David Cook. 
Money raised from the glittering London ball will go towards the school's new sports development project. 
The proposals would see a new sports ball next to the swimming pool which would be made available to the local community outside school hours.
The scheme would include some residential development on part of the High Road school site. 
Headteacher Frances Howarth said: "It has been a really fantastic evening and I'm so grateful that so many people have come along to support us. 
"Our sports development plans will be a dream come true. It will allow us to move to a different level and open up our facilities to the community.
"We are very committed that our facilities should be for all - for the community as well as the school."

For a slideshow of pictures from the West Hatch High School Sports Ball click here
For details on how to order prints of the pictures featured, email everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com or ring David Jackman on 07710 447868.

Motorcyclist seriously injured in hit-and-run

11.22am - 21st January 2012

A MOTORCYCLIST suffered serious leg injuries when he was in collision with a car which failed to stop following the incident in Abridge Road, Chigwell. 
Police say the collision, involving a silver car and a motorcyclist, happened on the A113 Abridge Road, near the Pudding Lane junction, shortly before 9pm last night (Friday). 
The motorcyclist, a 51-year-old man from Hackney, was taken by paramedics to Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, where he is in a stable condition. 
The car driver failed to stop at the scene. 
A police spokesman said: "At this stage we only know that the vehicle is silver in colour. 
"It will have newly-sustained damage to the driver's door and the front headlight so we're appealing for anyone who knows where this car is to get in touch with us."
Anyone with any information should ring Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

MP backs bid to move clocks forward

8.54pm - 20th January 2012

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon is backing a bill to objectively look at the benefits of moving the clocks forward by one hour, a move which he says could save lives and create jobs.
Mr Halfon is backing the Daylight Saving Bill which received its Third Reading in the House of Commons today (Friday). 
The bill calls on the Government to conduct a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of putting clocks forward an hour throughout the UK, resulting in lighter evenings every day of the year. 
Mr Halfon said: "I am in favour of what I call 'Churchill time'. During the Second World War, Churchill moved the clocks forward by an hour to maximise production at munitions factories, and to ensure people were able to get home safely before the blackout in winter. 
"This emergency measure was removed after the war but it worked brilliantly at the time. Lighter evenings would be good for Harlow, and good for Britain." 
Mr Halfon added: "The arguments in favour of clock change are compelling. 
"This one simple low-cost policy could bring wide ranging benefits to the whole of the UK including saving lives on our roads, creating much needed jobs in the tourism sector and reducing the fear of crime on dark evenings." 
Supporters argue that lighter evenings would save lives on the roads by making more of the busiest evening rush hours occur in daylight, create jobs by boosting the tourism sector, and make many people especially older people feel safer going out in the evenings for longer. 
Lighter Later, the group coordinating the campaign for change, says support for the cause has never been stronger. 
The Daylight Saving Bill is supported by more than 90 national organisations from The AA to SAGA and The FA. 
For more about the idea visit www.lighterlater.org

Winning hospice lottery numbers

1.29pm - 20th January 2012

THE winner of this week's £1,000 prize in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow.
The winning number is 732416. 
The winner of the £100 prize also lives in Harlow. The winning number is 743448. 
For information about how to join the lottery, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).

Date set for youth meeting

11.29am - 20th January 2012

FACILITIES for young people in Ongar will be discussed at an Ongar Town Council youth forum meeting next month. 
The council is keen to ensure that young people are able to make their views heard and are not excluded from the process of shaping their environment. 
A youth forum is being developed for young people living in Ongar and the surrounding villages. 
The forum is not as formal as a youth council which has elected members. Membership of the forum will be young people aged between 14 and 21 (or 25 years in the case of youngsters with special educational needs). 
The group will discuss ways to improve the lives of the younger residents of Ongar.
The next meeting in at the town council offices, Bansons Way, Ongar, at 2.30pm on Tuesday, February 14. 
Councillors and council staff will also be present. 
Anyone wanting to get involved with the youth forum project should contact clerk Aimi Middlehurst or deputy clerk Judith Cook on 01277 365348 or email clerk@ongartowncouncil.gov.uk

Railway awaits two new arrivals

7.05pm - 19th January 2012

TWO mainline steam trains are on their way to the Epping-Ongar railway as it prepares to run steam-hauled passenger trains later this year.
The locomotives are ex-GWR 'Hall' class "Pitchford Hall" Number 4953 and GWR large Prairie Number 4141. 
Built in August 1929 at a cost of £4,375, Pitchford Hall was a regular sight on the mainline before being condemned for scrap as part of the railway modernisation scheme by BR in October 1963. 
Languishing in the Woodham Brothers scrap yard in Barry South Wales for just over 20 years it was the 150th locomotive to leave the yard for preservation in February 1984. 
Since its restoration to working order was completed in 2004, Pitchford Hall has once again performed on the mainline in recent years as well as touring a number of heritage railways, where it has proved a popular and capable performer. 
Indeed when paired with sister 4965 Rood Ashton Hall, the pair broke the preservation era Lickey Incline steam ascent record by 36 seconds! 
The locomotive currently carries GWR 'Transitional' (1945-48) livery. GWR Large Prairie number 4141 was built in August 1946 to a long-established George Churchward & Charles Collet design and following being used on the mainline around Gloucester and latterly hauling expresses between London and Cheltenham 4141 was withdrawn in February 1963. 
Like 4953, 4141 went to Barry and was the 28th locomotive to leave the site for preservation in January 1973. 4141 is currently completing an extensive overhaul at the Llangollen Railway. 
The tank locomotive has already proved itself a useful sized engine for heritage railways and will be ideal for the typical loads and gradients that the Epping-Ongar line presents. 
Epping Ongar Railway says the arrival of the two locomotives underlines its commitment to provide a variety of motive power and to preserve transport heritage. 
A spokesman said: "The opportunity rarely arises to purchase steam locomotives, especially ones in such good condition, and we are pleased to have secured these. 
"In the future we would look forward to hosting the Holden F5 'new build' locomotive when this is completed."

Crash victim remains 'critical'

4.55pm - 19th January 2012

POLICE are renewing their appeal for witnesses after an 86-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries when he was in collision with a car in Theydon Bois. 
The collision - involving a male pedestrian and a red Fiat car - happened in Coppice Row, at about 2.55pm on Tuesday. 
The injured man was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, where he is still in a critical condition. 
The driver of the Fiat, a man also in his 80s and from the Abridge area, was arrested and later released on bail until February 18. He has voluntarily surrendered his driving license. 
Boards have been put out at the scene appealing for any witnesses.
Anyone with information about the collision should contact the Serious Crash Investigation unit via 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk

Chance to raise issues with council

4.40pm - 19th January 2012

ISSUES such as parking, street lighting and highways could be discussed at the next Ongar Town Council community liaison meeting. 
The meeting will be held at the town council offices, Bansons Way, Ongar, at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 31). 
The council has invited county and district councillors and members of Essex Police, Essex Fire Brigade and Neighbourhood Watch to attend. 
An update will be given on proposed celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee in Ongar. 
Anyone with issues they would like raised at the meeting should contact clerk Aimi Middlehurst on 01277 365348 or email clerk@ongartowncouncil.gov.uk

Hospice 10k run - register now

10.11am - 19th January 2012

A MOTHER-of-two is preparing to take part in the annual St Clare Hospice 10km run in memory of her father who was cared for at the hospice. 
Joyce Taft will be taking part in the 10k run on Sunday, April 1. 
She has never taken part in a 10k run before so this challenge will be a first for her!
Before then she is following a training schedule and building up her distances ahead of the big day. 
Joyce, whose father died at the Hastingwood hospice having suffered from liver cancer, said: "I want to raise money for St Clare because my Dad was there and they did such a lot for him. It would have made him so proud."
Her father, Phillip, attended the hospice's 'Brighter Living Group' and its Day Therapy sessions. 
Tracy Stratford, the hospice's events fundraiser, said: "This run is always a great event which sees serious club runners and new runners looking for a challenge join together to run and raise funds for their local hospice.
"If you have never run before and are looking for a New Year's challenge like Joyce, then this event is for you! 
"We have a fantastic ten-week training schedule for beginners which starts on Monday (January 23) so there's plenty of time to train and prepare for the event. Just visit our website this weekend, register and download a training plan, which starts on Monday." 
Joyce, 28, said her father was always full of praise for the staff and the care that they gave him. 
She added: "He said that it was a bit of heaven before you get there." 
Joyce, who has two young children, hopes to raise £1,000 through sponsorship to boost the hospice's funds. 
She said: "Taking part in the run has given me something to focus on." 
As part of her preparations she is increasing her walking, by taking her child to school on foot instead of taking the car.
The hospice hopes to attract some 600 runners to this year's race and raise £15,500 towards the £2.7m needed to run the hospice every year so it can continue to provide care free of charge to patients and their families. 
The run is open to all runners aged 15 years and over. 
All runners will receive a goody bag, medal and t-shirt. 
Family and friends are welcome to go along on the day to cheer on the runners. Refreshments, including a barbeque, and entertainment will be available. 
Registration costs £12 (or £10 for affiliated runners). 
For more information, ring 01279 773750 or email fund@stclarehospice.org.uk. 
You can also find out more online at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/10krun.html

Man, 86, seriously injured in crash

8.10am - 18th January 2012

AN 86-year-old man suffered life threatening injuries when he was in collision with a red Fiat car in Coppice Row, Theydon Bois. 
The collision happened at about 2.55pm yesterday (Tuesday). The injured man was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow. 
The driver of the Fiat, a man also aged in his 80s and from the Abridge area, was arrested and later released on bail until February 18 while investigations continue.
The road was closed until 7pm. 
Anyone with any information about the collision should ring the Chigwell road policing unit on 101.

MP praises work of St Clare Hospice

2.34pm - 17th January 2012

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon has highlighted St Clare Hospice during a parliamentary debate on palliative care, and spoken about the funding issues being faced by the charity. 
Mr Halfon, who is a long-time supporter of the hospice and its work, described St Clare Hospice as "one of the most wonderful community organisations I have ever had the privilege of being involved in". 
Regarding the charity's funding, Mr Halfon said St Clare receives only 24 per cent of its funding from the local Primary Care Trust while other nearby hospices - Farleigh in Chelmsford and St Francis at Havering-atte-Bower - each receive about 40 per cent of their funding from their PCT. 
Mr Halfon said: "I welcome that, but it's important that there is much more equality of funding." 
He said that 70 per cent of hospices have only one-year agreements regarding funding contributions. 
"We need to give them much more longer-term agreements so they are able to plan ahead."
Mr Halfon, who has seen the good work of St Clare Hospice - which has more than 500 volunteers - by spending time as a volunteer receptionist at the hospice during his Social Action Week last year, said: "We often talk about the Big Society but the hospice movement was around long before we talked about the Big Society.
"Hospices deserve much more recognition for their role as part of the Big Society. They are models of how charitable institutions can raise extra funds, invest in services and train the community without it simply coming from higher taxes."
In addition to speaking in the debate, Mr Halfon has written to the Health Minister asking for greater support for charitable hospices, like St Clare, especially in their pioneering work on bereavement care.

Seminar to focus on care homes

12.16pm - 17th January 2012

LOUGHTON-based chartered accountants Haslers is holding a business seminar dedicated to covering the issues facing care homes. 
Experts from the firm, solicitors and banking experts will be on hand at Barclays Bank's Head Office in Canary Wharf on Thursday, January 26, to discuss future opportunities in the sector, despite the current challenging economic times. 
Keith Vincent, a Partner at Prettys Solicitors will provide a review of what is happening in terms of legislation, while Paul Birley, Head of Healthcare for Barclays Corporate, will consider the banker's view of the market. 
Paul Reynolds, partner in Haslers' Tax Consultancy team, will cover Capital Allowances and the March 31 deadline. 
Paul said: "While care homes are currently facing challenging times, the future may hold further possibilities in the sector. 
"Consequently care homes managers need their businesses to be in the best health now to take advantage of these new openings. 
"Our seminar covers the issues that care homes of all sizes cannot afford to ignore as they plan for the long-term success of their businesses." 
Registration for the seminar is at 5.15pm at Barclays Bank PLC, Head Office, 1 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14, 5HP. 
To secure a place, ring Turinder Toor on 020 8418 3448 or email turinder.toor@haslers.com

Meeting will discuss mental health services

12.14pm - 17th January 2012

A MEETING to discuss mental health issues and services is being held at Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois between 1.30pm and 3.45pm on Monday (January 23). 
Discussion sessions run by North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust staff will cover older adult mental health services, the Alcohol Liaison Nurse Service and community services for adults. 
The meeting is open to everyone and is also an opportunity for people to become a member of North Essex Partnership which means people can be more involved with how mental health services are developed and help reduce stigma. 
Places at the meeting need to be pre-booked by emailing foundationtrust@nepft.nhs.uk or leaving a message at 0800 169 1625. 

Craft and culture centre plan unveiled

11.51am - 17th January 2012

THE former Centrepoint building in Epping would be "perfect" for a community craft and culture centre, it has been claimed. 
Local businessman Trevor Krueger, partner proprietor of haberdashery and knitting shop Little Sew n' Sews, is behind a move to secure the new use for the currently boarded up building in St John's Road. 
He says the site offers the "perfect accommodation" for a social centre dedicated to the community and the promotion of local learning and cultural activities. 
Mr Krueger says a "great many" of his customers strongly believe the town needs such a centre to act as the heart of the town - a place to meet, socialise and celebrate community spirit.
As well as providing classes for a wide range of creative activities such as needlecrafts, cookery, candle making, literacy classes and much more, Mr Krueger also hopes to establish a new town choir, band, commemorative tapestry team and even Morris Dancing. 
"Something for everyone," he said. 
His plan also includes a crèche for children of all parents attending the centre facilities and a walk to school and collection service for working mums. 
The future of the site has yet to be decided but Mr Krueger believes current options involve selling it as a single retail outlet or for housing. 
He said: "Neither option is publicly regarded as what is most needed by the town, or best accessed by currently available roads and services." 
Mr Krueger says his proposal has been presented to local councillor Jon Whitehouse and a campaign is now underway to rally local support for the community facility. Anyone wanting to support the campaign can contact Mr Krueger at Little Sew n' Sews, 307 High Street, Epping, or by emailing trevor@global-ambassador.org

What do you think of the idea? Email your comments to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com or comment via Twitter - @eefnews

Simon Hughes - @SPH1984 - wrote: Having worked in very multi-cultural areas in London, Epping doesn't strike me as a place that needs a cultural centre. Just my opinion.

Debbie Howson wrote: I would like to put forward my support for such a place. For myself having just retired a place where I could join with other people to learn new crafts would be absolutely amazing and one which I and I know several of my friends would be very interested in. I think such places are much needed in towns to bring people together for mutual interests and a learning point no matter what your age. Epping already has an exceedingly good Monday market which draws people together. A cultural centre would add to what is already an exciting town.

Meg prepares for Inca Trail

8.34am - 17th January 2012

TWO years ago Meg Martin supported St Clare Hospice raising £6,500 by spending five days walking The Great Wall of China - now she has her sights set on the Inca Trail in Peru. 
Meg, 56, who lives in Coopersale, will be setting out on her adventure in May - but before then has set herself the target of raising £3,250 for the local hospice. 
She said: "The Great Wall of China was an inspirational trip and helped raise a considerable amount of money for the hospice. It was well worth every one of the thousands and thousands of steps!" 
She added: "This time the challenge will be a much harder experience as it will involve coping with much higher altitude and spending several nights under canvas with very limited facilities. Not good for the aching joints or the hair!" 
Meg, a former teacher who now works as a freelance education adviser, is supporting the Hastingwood charity after both her parents died in a hospice, in south east London. 
She said: "Supporting any hospice is dear to my heart. Most people are helped at some point in their lives by the care that hospices give, so I hope people think it is a very worthy charity to raise funds for." 
She added: "It seems that everyone, including myself, is being affected by the current financial position. But if it is bad for individuals like me, it must be even worse for charities. 
"It costs St Clare Hospice £5,500 a day to provide its vital support to hundred sof local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. That's why I'm going ahead with the challenge." 
As part of her fundraising efforts Meg is holding a quiz night at Coopersale and Theydon Garnon Primary School, Brickfield Road, Coopersale, on Friday, February 3 (arrival from 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start). 
Participants must be aged 12 and over. 
Tickets, priced £6 each, are available from the school office on 01992 574890. 
To sponsor Meg's Inca Trail trek visit her JustGiving webpage - www.justgiving.com/meg-treks-peru 
Meg said: "Please dig deep and donate now and every penny you give will be very gratefully received."

Chance to bid for Sports Ball auction items

5.30pm - 16th January 2012

A HOST of celebrities will be supporting West Hatch High School, Chigwell, when it holds a glittering Sports Ball on Saturday (January 21). 
Money raised from the star-studded evening at the St Paul's Grange Hotel in the City of London will go towards improved student and community sports facilities at the High Road school. 
The evening will be jointly compered by Capital Radio and Smooth Radio DJ Dave 'the Kid' Jensen and ex-model and West Hatch High School Marketing and Development Director Caroline Haines. 
Special guest will be former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley. 
Among the entertainment will be performances by past and present West Hatch students - including X-Factor singer John Wilding. Music will also be provided by classical saxophonist Tyler Rix. 
Among the guests will be a number of former West Hatch High School students - former Crystal Palace footballer Tommy Black, paralympian swimmer Lauren Smith, dancer Isabel Gamble and actor Edward Chittick. 
John Wilding will auction his trademark bowler hat which he wore on this year's X-Factor show when he reached the Judges Houses stage for the second successive year. 
Other guests expected at the black tie event are former West Ham United footballer George Parris, former Great Britain hockey goalkeeper Roger Dakin, rally car driver Richard Hayward, former Grand Slam and British Lions rugby player David Cook, Billy King Harman - who sailed around the world with Robin Knox-Johnson - Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing, City of London Alderman Gordon Haines, Harp Matharu - owner of the Grange Hotel chain -Sri Lankan and Indian cricketers, Gill Smith, widow of Mike Smith of the Dave Clark Five; supporters of the Bobby Moore Fund (Bobby and Tina Moore's children attended West Hatch High School); West Hatch head teacher Frances Howarth, Chairman of Governors John Haley and other governors from the school; and members of The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). 
The evening will feature an auction and silent auction. Anyone who is not attending the Sports Ball can still take part in the main auction and silent auction. 
Bids for the following items can be placed in an envelope and sent to reception at West Hatch High School, High Road, Chigwell, marked for the attention of Caroline Haines, or emailed to sheilj53@hotmail.co.uk by no later than Friday, January 20.
Anyone making a sealed bid must include the Lot Number and the title of the lot item (ie Lot 2 - Hamper from First Aid for Beauty). 
For the auction items click here

Hospice chief executive meets MP

4.25pm - 16th January 2012

THE importance of continued fundraising by the community was one of the key issues discussed when new St Clare Hospice chief executive Tanya Curry met Harlow MP Robert Halfon. 
During their meeting today (Monday) Tanya highlighted the hospice's strategy for developing its services in west Essex and emphasised the need for volunteers and fundraisers to continue to support the charity. 
St Clare Hospice currently only receives 24 per cent of its £2.7m annual running costs from the NHS. The rest it has to raise itself.
The importance of increasing its fundraising efforts have been heightened because of the real challenges in the economic climate and the increase in services provided by the hospice for local people. 
Tanya also confirmed there is also a continued increase in demand for services which as a local hospice they really wish to meet. 
Tanya said: "There is often a different perception nationally and locally about the work of hospices. 
"There is a challenge for hospices to educate the public and make them aware of the services available and how we support people much earlier in their journey than people think. 
"We support people in living their lives to the full in what we know will be a limited time for our patients. 
"There is also a lack of awareness or knowledge of the costs of the service and how vital fundraising is for us to continue to provide our much-needed and much-valued services on a daily basis." 
Robert Halfon MP said: "It was really good to go to St Clare Hospice and meet Tanya Curry, officially welcoming her as chief executive. 
"I'm delighted she accepted the role after being acting CEO for some time. 
"For a hospice to go from strength to strength things need to work together to ensure quality and sufficient funding from the Primary Care Trust. 
"I want to see hospices recognised as part of the Big Society given that St Clare has over 500 volunteers and raises money locally to provide services to our community free of charge. 
"I shall be lobbying the government regarding funding, especially as I've heard about a large percentage of families at St Clare receiving much needed bereavement support, of which the hospice receives no extra money."

Alpha course at Lea Valley Church

4.00pm - 16th January 2012

THE famous Alpha course, which provides an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, returns to Lea Valley Church, Waltham Abbey. 
There will be a daytime course starting at 9.30am on Friday (January 20) with coffee and an evening course starting on Monday (January 23) at 7.30pm with a meal. The course is free and open to everyone. 
The Alpha course is a practical and contemporary introduction to the Christian faith and provides a relaxed and informal opportunity for participants to make up their own mind about Christianity.
It is constructed around one meeting a week for ten weeks. 
For more details, email alpha@lvc.org.uk or ring the church office on 01992 712127.

Rabbits and guinea pigs stolen

8.00am - 16th January 2012

TWENTY-three rabbits and some baby guinea pigs have been stolen from a garden in Waltham Abbey. 
They were taken between midnight and 8.30am on Saturday. 
Some of the rabbits were later rounded up at the green by the Hillhouse shops on the Ninefields estate. 
There is also a reported sighting of a man having earlier been seen tipping the rabbits out of a bag outside Caneland Court at about 11.15am. 
Ten of the rabbits were caught, some are injured and three were found dead. 
The owner has said she was told that one of the rabbits was seen hanging in a tree where two of the dead ones were found. 
One of the guinea pigs was recovered alive, another was found dead. 
Two of the rabbits stolen clearly had nests with babies - the babies all died due to mum being taken, the owner said. 
Two of the rabbits were family pets while the others were pedigree exhibition rabbits. Some were wearing ID bands on their ankles that register them to their owner. 
They are not likely to cope well in the wild. 
Anyone with any information about the incident should ring police on the non-emergency number 101.

Couple treated after chip pan blaze

9.46pm - 13th January 2012

A MAN and a woman believed to be in their early 60s have been treated for the effects of smoke inhalation following a chip pan fire in the kitchen of their Loughton home.
Fire crews from Loughton and Woodford were called to the property in Alderton Close at 6.45pm today and took about 25 minutes to deal with the fire. 
The man and woman were left in the care of the ambulance service.

Magistrate retires after 22 years

9.26pm - 13th January 2012

MAGISTRATE Richard Morgan has retired after 22 years serving the judiciary in west Essex. 
Mr Morgan was appointed in 1989 and became a chairman and member of the Chairmanship Committee and Licensing Committee in 1997. 
He has also spent six years as chairman of the licensing committee and also spent time as a Bench Appraiser. 
Speaking at his farewell reception, Glynne Davies, chairman of the North Essex bench, paid tribute to Mr Morgan's many years of service and the support given by his wife, Jean. 
She said: "Two words spring to mind when describing Richard - generosity and kindness. 
"Everyone here knows how kind Richard is to everyone he meets. I have never known him to refuse to help people out with court sittings if he possibly could." 
At the start of court on Tuesday other tributes were paid - by the probation service, prosecution lawyers and defence solicitors and HMCS. 
Glynne Davies added: "It is no secret that Richard loved being chairman of the bench and would ideally have wanted to stay on for his final year but the rules didn't permit it and so he stood for deputy instead. 
"Over the year he has been a constant source of advice and support. It is going to be very difficult to imagine the bench without Richard." 
Mr Morgan said: "Although I am very sad at having to retire, I have enjoyed the past 22 years. It has been a wonderful experience and I have met many people from all walks of life, and have made many new friends. 
"I look forward to working as a Witness Service Volunteer at the courts.

Richard Morgan (centre) with magistrate colleagues at his retirement gathering click here

Winning hospice lottery numbers

2.52pm - 13th January 2012

THE winner of this week's £1,000 prize in the St Clare Hospice lottery lives in Harlow. The winning number is 133300. 
The winner of the £100 prize also lives in Harlow. The winning number is 743863. 
For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).

Vandals target train carriages

2.30pm - 13th January 2012

EPPING-Ongar Railway is warning of the dangers trespassers face going onto the railway after vandals damaged trains at North Weald Station.
Police say considerable damage was caused between Wednesday evening and yesterday morning (Thursday).
Inspector Paul Maleary said: "I believe that those responsible are children. The majority of the children who reside in the area are outstanding members of the community. It is a great shame that a minority feel the need to cause mindless damage.
"This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work with our partners to identify and deal with those responsible, and they should be warned that such serious offences could result in criminal charges being brought." 
He added: "The issues of graffiti in the area has also posed problems and I am sure that if the parents of those responsible had to pay for any repairs they would pay greater attention to their child's nocturnal activity. 
"We all have a responsibility to deal with this type of behaviour. 
"My appeal is that the details of those responsible be handed to police and for parents to keep a careful eye on their children. 
"I am almost certain that the people responsible live in the local community. Trespassing on a railway is an offence in its self and is extremely dangerous. 
"I would not want one of my officers to have to deliver a message to a parent that their child has been killed or injured whilst engaged in criminal activity."
Epping Ongar Railway is working with the police and upgrading its security.
General manager Simon Hanney has highlighted the serious dangers that exist should people trespass on the railway, an offence which also has a £1,000 penalty.

Oakview is accountants' chosen charity

2.28pm - 13th January 2012

OAKVIEW School in Loughton has been chosen by chartered accountants Haslers as its charity for the year. 
Money will be raised for the school through the Haslers Foundation. 
Michael Watts, partner in the Corporate Finance team at Haslers, said: "Oakview School is a fantastic local education centre for children aged between three and 19 with learning difficulties. 
"It has been recognised nationally as an Autism Accredited School for their excellent teaching practice supporting the learning of children who are within the Autistic Spectrum.
"We chose the school because of their passionate and dedicated work with children in the community who cannot be taught in mainstream education for a variety of reasons.
"They are constantly seeking to raise much needed funds for a number of projects including buying iPads for each class group and other communication systems to empower their children to have a voice. 
"They are also looking to develop their Upper School playground in order to enrich the lives of their pupils. 
"Throughout the year all our staff members will be getting actively involved in many fundraising events to raise as much cash as possible." 
The Haslers Foundation was launched in 2008 to raise money for and provide sponsorship to charities and local fund-raisers in the areas of sports, welfare, education and other good causes. 
In the three years that the Haslers Foundation has been active, it has already helped to support a local under-11s football team, a children's charity, an event to raise money for a children's hospice and an anti-bullying campaign amongst many other good causes. 
The Foundation's chosen charity in both 2010 and 2011 was The Dream Factory - a local cause which raises money to help make dreams comes true for children and young people with terminal or life-limiting conditions. 
In two years of fundraising, which including events such as a golf day, casino night, and Wimbledon strawberry cream tea, Haslers raised a significant sum for The Dream Factory.

School celebrates record LAMDA results

1.49pm - 13th January 2012

STUDENTS at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, are celebrating record results in their recent London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) examinations. 
The exams are part of the school's extra-curricular programme which enabled pupils to gain level 1 and 2 qualifications. 
LAMDA exams are graded distinction, merit or pass. 
The group of Roding Valley students achieved 15 distinctions and 21 merits. 
LAMDA drama exams give the students an accredited qualification from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. 
Students were assessed on knowledge, technique and interpretation of their performance and received a written review from the external examiner.
LAMDA exams not only provide a fun and structured way for pupils to enjoy drama, they also promote valuable speaking and listening skills which can be transferred across the school curriculum.
Laura Barritt, the highest achieving student, said: "I can't believe I performed so well. It was so much hard work - I came after school and at the weekend to work on my piece. It was all worthwhile, I gained a distinction.
"Mainly I have learnt how to analyse my drama work as I had to plan my discussion with the examiner."
Headteacher Paul Banks said: "All together these are a fabulous set of results. 
"The LAMDA examinations are an extremely challenging assessment of student ability and it is testament to the hard work and dedication of the students as well as the input and expertise of our superb staff that we have achieved these exceptional results."

MP backs Send My Sister to School campaign

5.00pm - 12th January 2012

EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing is supporting a campaign which is focusing attention on the 67 million children - a disproportionate number who are girls - in the developing world who are missing out on primary education.
An exhibition will be held shortly in Parliament showcasing the engagement of more than 6,000 UK schools in the Send my Sister to School campaign. 
Mrs Laing has been contacted by Davenant Foundation School and received more than 460 postcards about the campaign from local students who are also supporting the initiative. 
Mrs Laing also spoke about the campaign during a debate on UN Women in the House of Commons last March. 
Mrs Laing said: "If we take the empowerment of women seriously, then across the world, and especially in developing countries where it is so desperately needed, we must give women the chance of good health and good education, to develop skills and contribute to the workforce, and to give their children the health and education that will strengthen future generations. 
"If we empower women we will let them teach their children that co-operating, living together in peace and respecting other people is a more worthy ideal than the old-fashioned way of fighting for territory and proving oneself the stronger man.
"Women earn only ten per cent of the world's income, even though they work two thirds of the world's working hours- and I bet that does not include looking after the children. Evidence shows that when women earn and manage their own money, they are more likely than men to spend it on educating and feeding their children. 
"Wasting the potential skills and abilities of half the world's population because of discrimination is simply appalling. 
"If we really want to help developing nations, as well as continuing to help our nation, Europe and the western world, we must recognise the role of women."

Second debate over nightspot plans

4.10pm - 12th January 2012

A FURTHER debate will be held before a decision is taken over plans to demolish the Billie Jeans nightspot in Epping and build flats and a mixed use retail / restaurant development in the site. 
While a decision was taken to oppose the scheme when it was discussed at last night's area plans committee the matter - at the request of four councillors - will now go before the district development control committee. 
Liberal Democrat Hemnall town and district councillor Jon Whitehouse said: "The developers are trying to fit too much onto a small site. 
"Councillors were concerned about the height and sheer bulk of the proposed building.
"I recognise the problems that local residents are having with the current use. Hopefully the applicants will come back to the council with an improved proposal."

Council to present Citizenship Awards

11.20am - 11th January 2012

LOUGHTON Town Council is again celebrating the achievements of local people through its annual Citizenship Award scheme. 
Do you know a special person in the town who goes the extra mile for their fellow citizens? 
This may be through long service for a voluntary organisation or local charity, good neighbourliness, running a campaign to improve community facilities or cohesion, or by an act of courage or bravery. 
Any Loughton resident or a Loughton employer, educational institution, group or society may submit a nomination but should do not let the nominee know at this stage. The closing date for nominations is January 31. 
There are three categories: 
* acts of courage or bravery, in the year in question, that have resulted, for instance, in the prevention of a serious crime or the rescue of individuals from danger. 
* Voluntary Service (i) for people aged 25 or over (ii) for people under 25 years of age.
For each category, winners will be presented with an illuminated scroll and a cheque for £250 made payable to their favourite local charity. 
The awards will be presented at the Annual Civic Service, at Loughton Methodist Church, High Road, Loughton, on Sunday, March 4. 
For more information contact the town council or download a nomination at www.loughton-tc.gov.uk

Armed robbery: Police follow up new leads

11.20am - 11th January 2012

DETECTIVES investigating an armed robbery on a security van in Nazeing are following up "a number" of leads after speaking to more than 120 motorists. 
Police officers returned to the scene of the incident last night (Tuesday) to seek new witnesses. 
Drivers and passengers were asked whether they had any information about the robbery which happened at the same time a week earlier (Tuesday, January 3). 
The security van involved in the robbery was parked in the same spot where the incident happened, at a lay-by in Middle Street - between the mini-roundabout and Nazeing Golf Club - between 5pm and 7.30pm. 
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Parkes, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said the stop check operation had been fruitful and he thanked drivers for their co-operation. 
He added: "We located a number of witnesses who saw the van on the night of the incident and we have been given a number of leads which are now being followed up.
"We are getting great co-operation from people in the area. Everyone is being extremely helpful especially those who use Middle Street on a regular basis." 
DCI Parkes also renewed the appeal for information about two men who were caught on CCTV when they went to the driver's home in the early hours of January 3. 
Anyone with information should ring the incident room on 01277 266835 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The security van which was involved in last week's armed robbery in Middle Street, Nazeing, parked at the same spot last night as police appealed for information from passing motorists click here

Hospice appeals to dogs and their owners

9.20am - 11th January 2012

FUNDRAISERS at St Clare Hospice are appealing to dogs - and their owners - to sign up for the Winter Walkies event on Sunday, January 29. 
Last year's event attracted more than 230 walkers and raised £3,850 but so far numbers for this year's fundraiser are down. 
Tracy Stratford, events fundraiser at the hospice, said: "With only two weeks to go it's concerning that the numbers of people signed up are down compared with last year.
"It is crucial that we start 2012 with a successful fundraising event as the services we provide depend on voluntary income. 
"It costs over £5,000 a day for us to care for local people and 76 per cent of that sum has to be raised through events such as this and other fundraising activities."
Organisers hope to attract some 350 walkers for this year's 5km countryside walk.
Tracy added: "The walk is a great way to walk off the excesses of the festive season - and give dog owners too a chance to get out into the countryside!" 
Walkers, and their dogs, will be offered refreshments when they return to the hospice. 
There will be soup or a hot drink for walkers and special treats for the four-legged entrants. 
Tracy added: "This fun walk is for all the family, so come on, grab your wellies - it's time for walkies! 
"You will be helping to support our community; day therapy and inpatient services which are provided free of charge to neighbours, friends and family in our local towns, but cost the hospice £2.7m a year to provide." 
There will also be prizes for the best dog and for the owners' best wellies! 
You can sign up online - www.stclarehospice.org.uk/walks.html - or ring 01279 773750.

New non-emergency police number launched

8.57am - 11th January 2012

A SINGLE non-emergency 101 number has been rolled out to police forces across England and Wales. 
101 is the new number to contact Essex Police when your call is less urgent than a 999 call. 
The number is designed to give the public a memorable number for their local police force to report crimes and concerns that do not require an emergency response. 
It is expected to aid the police in dealing more efficiently with calls for help from the public. 
With about 25 per cent of 999 calls nationally requiring an emergency response from the police, ministers and chief constables are confident the 101 number will also ease pressure on 999 services. 
101 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls to 101 are fixed at 15p per call from both mobile phones and landlines, no matter how long the call lasts or what time of day. 
Police forces in England and Wales have gradually gone live with 101 on a phased basis. 
The last of the 43 forces have now adopted the number and it is already proving popular with more than two and a half million calls to local police forces. 
The new number was introduced at Essex Police in July 2011 and more than 40 per cent of callers are already using it. 
Claire Heath, head of Essex Police’s Communications Division, said: "One of the common themes in the feedback we received from our customer surveys told us that members of the public found it difficult to remember the old Essex Police non-emergency number despite various efforts to publicise it. 
"101, the new non-emergency number, should make it much easier for people to get in contact with their local police force wherever they live at a single flat rate of 15 pence per minute.”

Pupils receive awards from Prince Philip

8.50am - 11th January 2012

SIXTEEN former pupils from Bancroft's School, Woodford Green, were invited to St James' Palace to receive their gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. 
The Gold Award is the pinnacle of achievement in the scheme, usually taking a two year period to complete. 
Participants have to show sustained commitment in a variety of fields including community service and physical activity. 
The school's Duke of Edinburgh award co-ordinator, Dominic Argyle, said: "I am delighted so many of the participants were able to share this special event together. It was a day that will live long in the memory. 
"Seven of the boys did all six of their expeditions from their Bronze Awards right through to their Gold Awards as a group and were able to attend to presentation together as well, very unique!" 
Katy Ogundiya, 19, from Loughton, who is currently studying Law at the London School of Economics), said: "It was a great honour for us to meet the Duke of Edinburgh and also to catch up with old friends and Mr Argyle. 
"We have so many fantastic memories of our shared DofE experiences at school."
The school recently celebrated the achievements of younger pupils at both Bronze and Silver levels. 
At an awards evening attended by more than 250 proud pupils and parents, 56 pupils were awarded their Silver Awards and 73 their Bronze Awards.

Detectives quiz drivers over armed robbery

8.20pm - 10th January 2012

DETECTIVES investigating an armed robbery on a security van in Nazeing have been quizzing drivers a week on from the raid which has been described as "among the most significant cash in transit robberies in the UK in the past six years". 
A driver for security firm G4S was forced to hand over the money while making deliveries on Tuesday, January 3. 
About 14 hours earlier two men had forced their way into the driver's Harlow home and threatened to harm him if he failed to hand over the money at a pre-arranged location during that day's deliveries.
Speaking at the road checks this evening, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Parkes, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, told Everything Epping Forest that the stop check operation was "just one of many lines of enquiries we are conducting".
Police have said that the armed raid was "clearly the work of a team of organised criminals. Their planning is evident." 
Security company G4S is offering a £10,000 reward for any information leading to the conviction of those responsible." 
When asked about the progress of the investigation, DCI Parkes said: "It is too early to say. We are getting great co-operation from people in the area. Everyone is being extremely helpful especially those who drive past (here) on a regular basis." 
The actual security van involved in the robbery was parked in Middle Street this evening at the exact spot - just off the road between the mini-roundabout and Nazeing Golf Club - where it had been a week earlier. 
Anyone with information should ring the incident room on 01277 266835 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

The security van which was involved in last week's armed robbery in Middle Street, Nazeing, parked at the same spot this evening as police appealed for information from passing motorists click here

WIN TICKETS TO THE IDEAL HOME SHOW

2.25pm - 10th January 2012

THE nation's best loved consumer home show is back for its 104th year. 
The Ideal Home Show, sponsored by Everest, is returning to London's Earls Court for 17 days from March 16 to April 1, and Everything Epping Forest  has ten pairs of tickets for lucky readers to win to this year's show! 
The show, famous for making home-making a national passion, boasts a new celebrity Ambassador line-up for 2012, more than 600 exhibitors and eight inspirational show sections all under one roof. 
Flamboyant interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will be the new celebrity ambassador for the ideal Interiors section, whilst TV gardening royalty Alan Titchmarsh joins the Ideal Home Show family as ideal Gardens ambassador along with Lorraine Kelly, the new face of ideal Woman. 
These new celebrity faces will join existing show ambassadors and favourites, Gregg Wallace of ideal Food, Suzi Perry of ideal Gadgets and George Clarke of ideal Home Improvements at Earls Court this spring. 
This year's Ideal Home Show will take visitors through an exciting and spectacular showcase of inspirational living offering everything from full scale show homes to explore, expert advice, must have gadgets and gizmos, live cooking demonstrations, plus stunning interior room sets, creative show gardens, tasty treats to purchase, an indulgent pampering zone and more ideal Shopping than ever before! 
Offering an unrivalled range of products, home innovations and top tips and tricks for the home, the ideal Home Show is UK's biggest home show and a great day out for the whole family! 

TICKET OFFER 

To be in with a chance of winning one of ten pairs of tickets to this year's show, simply answer the question below. 

Question: Who is the new celebrity ambassador for the ideal Interiors section? 

Email your answer to everythingeppingforest@googlemail.com and include your name, full postal address and a daytime contact telephone number. 

The tickets will go to the first ten correct answers drawn after the closing date of Wednesday, March 14 (5pm). 

Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 8580 6763 or for further information about the show visit http://www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

Cannabis factory found in former nightclub 

2.11pm - 10th January 2012

TWO people were arrested after police found a cannabis factory in a former nightspot in Epping.
Officers were called to Cottis Lane at about 10.30am on Sunday (January 8) following reports of a burglary at the former Club Edge premises. 
Several hundred cannabis plants in various states of growth were seized by police. 
A man and a woman were arrested, both on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. 
A 48-year-old man, from Chingford, and a 37-year-old woman, from Chigwell, were later bailed pending further enquiries. 
The man was bailed until February 10 and the woman is due to return on February 17.

Hospice seeks skydivers 

11.34am - 10th January 2012

AN adventurous fundraiser is seeking sponsorship for a 13,000ft skydive - on the day before her 21st birthday - to raise money for St Clare Hospice. 
Fiona Lynch is one of a number of people the hospice hope will be taking to the skies in the coming months. 
Fiona will be taking part in a skydive in Beccles, Suffolk, on Friday, June 15 - the birthday of her aunt who was cared for at the Hastingwood hospice. 
Fiona's aunt, Stephanie Baldwin, lived in Harlow and battled cervical cancer and ovarian cancer before it spread to her liver. 
She sadly died at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, on February 1, 2009. 
Fiona, who lives in Braintree and works as a Personal Assistant, aims to raise over £500 for St Clare Hospice. 
She said: "My aunt, Stephanie Baldwin, was a patient at St Clare before she lost her five-year battle to cancer in February 2009. I've been thinking what I could do to raise money for St Clare's for quite a while and decided a skydive would be the most adventurous and exciting thing. 
"I'm not scared of heights so fingers crossed I should be ok! "I've chosen June 15 as it's a special date for my family. 
"I was surprised to find that the only training you need to skydive is a short brief prior to the jump. However I'll be taking part in a tandem jump with a fully-qualified instructor so I'm not too worried. I think as I'm going up in the plane, that's when the nerves will kick in!" 
As well as taking part in the skydive on the eve of her 21st birthday, Fiona's jump will be exactly a year to the day before her wedding! 
If you feel inspired and challenged by Fiona's story you can register for a group 10,000ft jump in Peterborough on Saturday, April 14. 
The hospice is looking for 15 brave adrenaline junkies to jump for the hospice. You can download an information pack - from the hospice website www.stclarehospice.org.uk which includes a reservation and sponsor form. 
If you raise £395 in sponsorship, you can jump for free! 
If the thought of taking to the skies isn't for you, you can sponsor Fiona by visiting her Just Giving webpage - www.justgiving.com/The-Angel-Charity-SkyDive 
For more about the group skydive, call Tracy on 01279 773750 or email fund@stclarehospice.org.uk. 
Anyone who would like to take part in the skydive but is not available on April 14 can arrange an alternative date. Jumps happen six days a week.

Volunteers needed for tree planting

10.02am - 10th January 2012

VOLUNTEERS are wanted to join Epping Forest Countrycare in planting a 10ft disease resistant elm tree at the Bobbingworth Nature Reserve in Moreton. 
The Countrycare Team from Epping Forest District Council with members of the volunteer group will be planting the tree on the viewing point at the nature reserve on Tuesday, January 24. 
They will also be making compost bins and cutting and raking in between some of the trees. 
Anyone who wants to join them should ring 01992 788203 for details and to book a place. 
Volunteers will be meeting at the car park on Moreton Bridge Road at 10am. 
Helpers need to take sturdy shoes and a packed lunch. Tea and biscuits will be provided.

New look for police officers

2.55pm - 9th January 2012

POLICE officers are sporting a new look as Essex Police rolls out its new money-saving shirts. 
The current uniform of white shirts and ties has been replaced by a new 'wicking' shirt for operational officers. 
The shirts have been introduced as part of a wider review of uniform to bring substantial savings to the force. 
In the two years from 2009-10 to 2010-11, Essex Police spent an average of £51,500 per year on replacement white shirts and ties, costing £103,000. 
During the current year the force has restricted the numbers that have been replaced.
The new wicking shirts will cost £84,800 to introduce to the force and are expected to last an average of two years. 
The combination of fewer shirts issued and lower prices will save the force about £18,200 over the next two years. 
Assistant Chief Constable Maurice Mason said: "The new shirts have been selected with officers' comfort, as well as cost-efficiency, in mind. 
"The role of a police officer is demanding and often dangerous so it's vital that officers have a uniform that is fit for purpose. The new shirts are durable, tough and comfortable. They will also offer better value for money. 
"The force has to save £41m by 2014-15 so we have had to make some extremely difficult financial decisions about which areas we streamline without compromising the safety of the public or our officers. 
"Reviewing our uniform budget is just one of the ways we have done this." 
The new shirts will also make sergeants more visible to the public and their colleagues by displaying the sergeant chevron on the arm. 
Mr Mason said: "Sergeants lead our teams on the ground and are a central part of the way we interact with our communities. 
"We want to improve the visibility of sergeants in force and out on the streets of Essex. "The new shirts will therefore allow sergeants to wear their epaulettes on their sleeve so that their rank is clearly visible." 
Officers at Chief Inspector rank and above will continue to wear the white shirt and tie, as will operational officers at ceremonial occasions. 
White shirts and ties no longer needed will be recycled. 
The new wicking shirts will be worn by operational police officers, Police Community Support Officers across the county and Traffic Wardens employed by Essex Police at Stansted Airport.

Nominations sought for Civic Awards

2.38pm - 9th January 2012

EPPING Town Council is seeking nominations for its annual Civic Awards scheme.
The awards are designed to encourage high standards of maintenance of existing buildings and excellence in the design of new buildings, both public and private. 
The award - a certificate of merit - will be presented at the annual town meeting on March 16. 
Anyone who would like to nominate a building should write to the town clerk, Epping Town Council, Epping Hall, St John's Road, Epping, CM16 5JU, by January 31. 
Work on the building must have been completed in the current council year.
Consideration will be taken of any landscaping associated with the site.

Rotarians thank festive supporters

2.36pm - 9th January 2012

EPPING Rotary Club has thanked everyone in Epping, Theydon Bois, Coopersale and North Weald who supported its Christmas collections. 
Club president Roy Newland said: "Thanks to these kind supporters we raised the magnificent sum of £5,700 which will be given to local charities over the course of the year, and so benefit many deserving local causes. 
"Thank you also to Tesco and to the shops in the High Street for allowing us to hold daytime collections outside their premises, as well as our usual evening collections taking Santa in his sleigh around the local area." 
Mr Newland added: "We were also delighted to see so many (about 3,000 people) local people come to our Carols on the Green on Christmas Eve - a truly memorable start to the festive weekend."

Pupils prepare for African-themed concert

2.22pm - 9th January 2012

PUPILS from Theydon Bois Primary School will be joining The Chigwell Choir for a fundraising concert. 
The 'Drumbeat Africa' concert is at Loughton Methodist Church, High Road, Loughton, at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 24. 
The concert, which is part of the Loughton Festival programme, will have an African theme and will be conducted by Alexander Campkin. 
The evening's programme will feature the following works - Zimbe (Alexander L'Estrange), Mass for Life (Alexander Campkin), Five Negro Spirituals (Michael Tippett), The Lion King (choral medley of songs). 
The concert will be supporting Haven House Children's Hospice. 
Head teacher Elspeth Bonds said: "We are very excited to be performing with The Chigwell Choir and our children are already enjoying the music. 
"We are very much looking forward to the concert." 
Tickets will be available on the door, in advance by ringing 020 8504 8443 or online at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/144425, priced £12 adults, £8 concessions, £5 under-16s.

Fewer people caught drink-driving

8.09am - 8th January 2012

A TOTAL of 115 drivers were found to be driving over the limit during Essex Police's 2011 Christmas anti-drink drive campaign - 30 fewer than last year. 
Officers were out in force between December 1 last year and New Year's Day taking a zero tolerance approach to those who put lives at risk by choosing to drink and drive.
Of the 3,893 drivers stopped and breathalysed 115 (2.95 per cent) were found to be driving over the legal alcohol limit or refused or failed to provide a sample. 
Of those over the limit, 97 (84 per cent) were men and 18 (16 per cent) were women.
During the 2010 campaign, of the 4,995 drivers tested, 145 (2.9 per cent) tested positive, refused or failed to provide a sample while during the 2009 campaign, of 4,881 drivers tested 198 (4 per cent) tested positive, refused or failed to provide a sample. 
Essex Police deals with drink-driving robustly 365 days a year but stepped up road checks in towns with bustling night time economies and rural areas during the campaign. 
Residents were also encouraged to tell Crimestoppers anonymously about people they know who regularly chose to drink and drive. 
Essex Police casualty reduction manager Adam Pipe said: "During the campaign we received lots of information from members of the public about motorists who put the lives of innocent people at risk by choosing to drink and drive.
"Although our Christmas anti-drink drive campaign has now come to an end, this does not signify an end to our efforts to bring irresponsible drivers to justice. 
"We will not tolerate drink or drug driving and deal with it robustly every day of the year. 
"Drink driving is not just about Christmas. It ruins lives all year round. Perpetual drink drivers will choose to drink and drive any day of the year so we need support from the public 365 days a year to help us take these people off the roads of Essex. 
"It is always disappointing to see that some drivers still consider themselves to be above the law by getting behind the wheel having knowingly consumed too much alcohol. 
"Please don't drink and drive. Think about the consequences. You could face lose your licence and your job, face imprisonment and, much worse, have to live with the guilt of taking a live for the rest of yours. Don't take the risk."

Public meeting to discuss vandalism

3.14pm - 7th January 2012

A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the problem of graffiti and vandalism in North Weald will be held in North Weald Village Hall, High Road, at 11.30am on Saturday, February 4.
The meeting is being organised by North Weald Bassett Parish Council which is concerned about the increasing amount of graffiti and vandalism in North Weald and the surrounding areas of the parish. 
The meeting is expected to highlight the large sum of money which the council is having to spend on removal and repairs.

Last year was "driest in Epping for six years"

3.06pm - 7th January 2012

LAST year was the driest in Epping for six years, according to figures recorded by amateur weather enthusiast Tony Harvey. 
Rainfall measured by Mr Harvey at his Rayfield home totalled just under 21 inches - and there was not a single day when the lowest maximum daytime temperature was below freezing. 
In December 2010 there were eight days when the daytime maximum failed to reach freezing point in the severe pre-Christmas weather of that month. 
There were, however, some notable features in 2011 -the extremely dry spring with little more than an inch of rain being recorded in total for the months of March, April and May. 
April was the third driest month for the third consecutive year having two very warm days - April 19 and 22 -- when the temperature nudged 80 degrees F. 
September, October and November were also relatively dry months and, ironically, June was the wettest month of the year with nearly half the year's rainfall falling in the holiday months of June, July and August.
Late September and early October saw some unseasonably warm weather and the temperature topped 80 degrees F on both September 30 and October 2. 
The warmest day of the year was probably June 27 when more than 89 degrees F was reached. 

Monthly rainfall totals: January 3.20ins; February 1.61; March 0.31ins; April 0.09ins; May 0.64ins; June 3.67ins; July 2.63ins; August 3.33ins; September 0.70ins, October 0.62ins; November 1.22ins; December 2.97. Total 20.99ins.

Winning hospice lottery numbers

3.04pm - 7th January 2012

THE winner of this week's £1,000 jackpot in the St Clare Hospice lives in Nazeing. 
The winning number is 539978. 
The winner of the £100 prize lives in Harlow. The winning number is 700907. 
For information about how to join the lottery visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk or ring 01279 773730 (Monday-Friday 9.30am-1.30pm).

Golf club supports hospice

9.25am - 7th January 2012

THE three captains at North Weald Golf Club are combining their fundraising efforts this year to support St Clare Hospice. 
Instead of choosing different causes, club captain John Tanner, senior captain Alan Picton and lady captain Maggie Stevenson have opted to focus all their efforts for the Hastingwood charity. 
John Tanner said events during the year will include competitions - including a night golf tournament - as well as themed days and raffles. 
He said: "We chose St Clare because it is somewhere that is close to peoples' hearts. All our members know of the hospice and its work and recognise it as being a very charitable place." 
Among the competitions planned is a Seniors' Captain's Drive-In on January 18. The club also runs, throughout the year, a charity sand bunkers forfeit of £1 for any player who hits a shot into a bunker on the 8th or 17th Par 3 holes. 
The hospice's community fundraiser, Dave Bishop, said: "We're extremely grateful to Maggie, John and Alan for nominating St Clare as their chosen charity. 
"We're very much looking forward to working alongside them and their members through 2012.
"May we also say a very big thank you to Alec Moore (senior captain in 2011) who also nominated St Clare as his chosen charity and has presented us with a cheque for £1,000."

Club captain John Tanner (centre) with senior captain Alan Picton and ladies captain Maggie Stevenson PICTURE 1  PICTURE 2

Police operation deals with 140 offences

9.23am - 7th January 2012

A DISQUALIFIED driver was arrested and more than 140 motor offences detected during yesterday's police 'Day of Action' which saw vehicles checked across the district. 
Police invited Everything Epping Forest to join officers during the day which resulted in some 160 vehicles being checked. 
Checks were carried out between Southern Way and London Road, Harlow, at the M11-A414 roundabout and through Epping to Loughton. 
Police arrested one driver who had been banned from the roads. 
Sixty mobile phone offences and 55 seat belt offences were dealt, five vehicles were seized after their drivers were found to have no insurance or driving licence, five mechanical offences were dealt with, five vehicles were found to be overweight - one by 38 per cent, a Turkish lorry driver was fined £180 for hours offences, and 12 speeding offences were dealt with by the Essex Police motorcycle unit.

Seized property - does it belong to you?

9.08pm - 6th January 2012

POLICE have recovered a number of items which they believe have been stolen from vehicles in Epping and which they are hoping to reunite with their rightful owners. 
The property was seized on November 17 last year when a man was arrested in Epping in the early hours. 
The items include a pair of Prada sunglasses, a multi-purpose knife and a Nexus blue-tooth car kit accessory. 
PC Claire Hicks said: "We're extremely keen to reunite these items with their owners so would like to hear from anyone who may own them. They should contact me via my email address or telephone."
Anyone who may think they own or know who owns the items should email claire.hicks@essex.pnn.police.uk or ring 101. 
A 33-year-old Romford man is on police bail until January 25. 

The items of property seized by police click here

Police name crash victim

9.06pm - 6th January 2012

A MAN who died following a collision involving a coach and a Ford Fiesta car on Epping New Road, Loughton, on Tuesday evening has been named by police. 
William Strack, 65, from Chingford, was the driver of the Fiesta car. 
The collision happened at about 11.30pm near the Robin Hood roundabout. 
The coach had been carrying around 20 passengers who were returning from a trip to a theatre. 
Two coach passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries and a number of other passengers were treated at the scene for shock and cuts and bruises.

EXCLUSIVE: Police operation targets drivers

4.27pm - 6th January 2012

VEHICLE checks have been carried out by police across parts of the district today as officers undertook their latest 'Day of Action'. 
Everything Epping Forest was invited to join Essex Police as officers carried out stop checks at the M11-A414 roundabout at Hastingwood.
In the first couple of hours more than 20 vehicles were escorted onto the weighbridge area by police motorbikes, and a range of offences were detected. 
Action was taken against drivers found to have been driving without wearing a seatbelt or driving while using their mobile phone. 
One van was found to be overweight - with an excessive number of tyres found in the vehicle. 
Checks were carried out elsewhere in the area - from Southern Way and London Road, Harlow, through to Epping and Loughton where vehicles were checked as they passed along Rectory Lane. 
Speaking at the M11 roundabout, PC Al Cuthbertson, from the force's commercial vehicle unit, told Everything Epping Forest: "A van delivering tyres was brought in because it looked over weight, and was found to be over weight after it went onto the weighbridge. 
"The driver off-loaded the excess, taken the others to his delivery point and will come back and take the others away." 
Police regularly carry out such checks but despite the high-profile initiatives law-breaking drivers are always identified. 
PC Cuthbertson said: "We don't live in a perfect world. We have to accept it. 
"We undertake enforcement in a reasonable and fair manner but we are about making the roads safe, reducing casualties and just improving the general quality of life for the law-abiding citizens of Essex." 

The tyres which had to be removed from a van which was found to be overweight PICTURE 1  

An officer checks inside a van PICTURE 2  

A driver gives his details to a police officer after being stopped during today's Day of Action PICTURE 3  

An officer speaks to a lorry driver who was escorted onto the M11 roundabout weighbridge PICTURE 4

Council opposes "ridiculous" fire plan

8.49am - 6th January 2012

PROPOSALS for a 7m high training facility at Ongar Fire Station have been branded "ridiculous" by Ongar Town Council.
A planning application has been submitted for the open steel-framed 'Working at Height' structure however residents and town councillors have objected to the plan.
Nicola Sharp, who lives closest to the fire station, told last night's Ongar Town Council planning committee: "This will not only be noisy and an eyesore it is likely to be in constant use and will affect all the residents adjacent to the fire station." 
She claimed that property values will be devalued if the facility goes ahead and she added that she feared it could become a "climbing frame" for youngsters. 
The meeting heard that residents were organising a petition against the application which will be decided by Epping Forest District Council. 
Ongar Town Council chairman Diana Roberts told the meeting: "I think they've given no consideration to the adjoining properties whatsoever. It's ridiculous where it is (proposed)." 
Planning committee chairman Brian Surtees said: "It's a very, very big structure. If it was clad in brick and called a building it wouldn't stand an earthly chance of being allowed in that area." 
He added: "It doesn't do anything for the street scene in Ongar. 
"There must be available space (elsewhere in Essex) that is less intrusive and less damaging. 
"I can't think of anything that makes this attractive for Ongar."

Messages of support for plane blaze victim

7.17am - 6th January 2012

FRIENDS of a pilot badly burned in a plane blaze on North Weald airfield have posted online messages of support to a "great guy". 
The 48-year-old victim was injured when fire broke out as the plane was parked on the runway on Monday evening. 
One message on a pilots' online message board states that the victim has undergone more than seven hours of surgery. 
One posting describes him as "a great guy who has done much to help others."
Another message reads: "He is a great guy, generous, diligent and kind and it is just too unfair that this should have happened to him." 
Other messages describe him as "an amazing guy", "a true gentleman" and "one of the good guys". 
Epping Forest District Council, which owns the airfield, has issued a statement saying that the Air Accident Investigation Branch has been notified of the incident but has indicated that it will not be investigating the matter as there was no intention to fly. 
The statement added that the matter is currently in the hands of Essex Police.

MP welcomes Royal link to Scout Association

4.53pm - 5th January 2012

THE announcement that HRH the Duchess of Cambridge is to become a Scout volunteer with the Scout Association is "marvellous news" for the organisation and the district, according to Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing. 
Mrs Laing said: "The world headquarters of scouting is here in the Epping Forest district (Gilwell Park) and I enthusiastically welcome the support of the Duchess of Cambridge for Scouting and hope that it encourages more adults to volunteer to be scout leaders. 
"I am well aware that there is a long waiting list of children who want to be Scouts and Cubs but for whom there is no place until we have more leaders." 
Mrs Laing added: "The involvement of the Duchess of Cambridge is marvellous news for the Scout Association which does so much wonderful work for our young people, and is a great boost to the district too." 
HRH the Duchess of Cambridge will become a volunteer with The Scout Association working with beaver scout colonies and cub scout packs. 
The Scout Association said the Duchess has chosen to volunteer with the organisation because she has been so impressed by the impact that it has on young people and their communities.

Police probe car damage incidents

2.28pm - 5th January 2012

POLICE are investigating six incidents in which vehicles parked in the Shooters Drive and Western Road area of Nazeing were damaged. 
Several cars were targeted overnight between January 1 and 4 with one incident dating back to December 6 last year. 
PC Amy Necchi said: "What appears to be happening is the victim's car is parked at the roadside on either Shooters Drive or on Western Road and during the early hours of the morning someone has thrown a stone through the rear windscreen, causing the glass to shatter." 
Police are stepping up patrols in the area. 
Anyone with any information about the incidents should ring Loughton Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Woman trapped in road crash

2.28pm - 5th January 2012

A WOMAN was trapped following a two-vehicle collision on Epping New Road this morning. 
Three fire crews - from Loughton and Epping - were called out shortly before 10.30am.
A fire service spokesman said three people were out of the vehicles before firefighters arrived. 
A 19-year-old woman was trapped and crews used specialist cutting equipment to release her after about 30 minutes.

Winds bring down trees

2.27pm - 5th January 2012

A FALLEN tree in Nazeing is among dozens of incidents attended by firefighters so far today. 
Crews from Harlow were called to Barnfield Close at about 7.20am today after a large tree fell between two houses. 
No-one was injured. 
Essex Fire and Rescue Service said crews had been called to about 30 incidents since 11pm last night caused by the strong winds across the county. 
Crews have mainly been called to electricity cables that have come down in roads, trees knocked down and TV aerials displaced by the high winds.

Security van robbery "among biggest in UK"

1.32pm - 5th January 2012

AN armed robbery on a security van in Nazeing is being described as "among the most significant cash in transit robberies in the UK in the past six years". 
Detectives have issued CCTV images of two men believed to have been involved in the raid in which a significant sum of cash was stolen.
A driver for security firm G4S was forced to hand over the money while making deliveries on Tuesday (January 3). 
About 14 hours earlier two men had forced their way into the driver's home at Harlow and threatened to harm him if he failed to hand over the money at a pre-arranged location during that day's deliveries. 
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have released pictures of two suspects and are appealing for any information about the incident at the driver's home and the robbery, which happened in the area of Middle Street at Nazeing at about 5.30pm. 
Senior Investigating Officer DCI Simon Parkes said: "This was clearly the work of a team of organised criminals and is among the most significant cash in transit robberies in the UK in the past six years. Their planning is evident. 
"Although I don't wish to comment on the amount stolen there is a considerable amount of cash unaccounted for.
"G4S have offered a £10,000 reward for any information leading to the conviction of those responsible. 
"I would appeal for anyone in the area of the driver's home at Edmunds Tower, off Hayden Road, Harlow between 12.30am and 3.50am on Tuesday, January 3. 
"I need to trace two men in the photographs who were seen to enter and leave the tower block around these times. 
"The G4S van continued its deliveries throughout the day until about 5.30pm when it stopped in the area of Middle Street, Nazeing. Again I would appeal for anyone in this area at the time to contact police." 
Anyone with information should ring the incident room on 01277 266835 or 01277 266835, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

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Firefighters tackle garage blaze

8.12am - 5th January 2012

TWO fire crews were called to deal a fire in a main fuse box in a private garage in Albion Park, Loughton. 
Crews wore breathing apparatus and used one hose reel to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters took about half-an-hour to deal with the incident and used a thermal image camera to check for any remaining hotspots.

Car driver dies in coach crash

7.54am - 4th January 2012

A MAN has died following a collision involving a coach and a Ford Fiesta car on Epping New Road, Loughton. 
The collision happened at about 11.30pm last night near the Robin Hood roundabout. The Fiesta driver, a man in his 60s and believed to be from north east London, died from his injuries. 
The coach had been carrying around 20 passengers who were returning from a trip to a theatre.
Two coach passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries and a number of other passengers were treated at the scene for shock and cuts and bruises. 
The road was closed until about 5.30am while police carried out initial investigations into the collision. 
Any witnesses who have not yet contacted police should call the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk
In a second but minor collision at the scene a 62-year-old man, from north London, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and later bailed until February 23.

Houses and cars damaged by winds

3.17pm - 3rd January 2012

MORE than a dozen houses on the Chigwell-Hainault border have been damaged by the high winds. 
London Fire Brigade says 19 terraced houses in Fawn Road and three cars were damaged, with the vehicles damaged by falling roof tiles. 
A spokesman said five fire engines and 25 firefighters from Hainault, Romford, Dagenham, Ilford and Leytonstone fire stations were at the scene.

Blaze hits removal firm

2.41pm - 3rd January 2012

AN Epping-based removal firm is counting the cost of a blaze at its premises near Saffron Walden. 
Five HGVs were on fire at the Pretlove premises in Great Chesterford when fire crews arrived at the scene shortly after 7.30pm last night (Monday). 
Trains between Great Chesterford and Audley End were stopped while crews tackled the fire which took about two hours to deal with. 
Firefighters used foam, hose reels and jets and a thermal image camera was used to check for any hotspots. 
A high pressure fan was used to clear the area free of smoke. 
An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and a joint investigation with the police will be carried out. 
The company was founded in 1904 and has progressed from its original base in Epping to having depots in Great Chesterford and Haverhill, the latter being completed in 2003. 
The company now covers all areas from London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, offering household furniture and commercial removals either locally, within the UK or worldwide.

Hospice receives golf day proceeds

1.28pm - 3rd January 2012

A CHEQUE for £40,000 has been presented to St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood - the proceeds of the 17th annual St Clare Hospice Golf Day organised and supported by home counties developer Weston Homes. 
A total of 61 teams from across the country took part in the event which was held on June 3 last year. 
The cheque was presented by Weston Homes chairman and chief executive Bob Weston to hospice chief executive Tanya Curry during the company's annual general meeting and conference at the Takeley Business Centre on December 23. 
World Snooker and Leyton Orient Football Club chairman Barry Hearn was among those who took part in the fundraising event. 
Weston Homes has been the event's main sponsor for more than a decade. 
Bob Weston said: "St Clare Hospice is a cause that is very close to our hearts. I would like to thank everyone who attended the golf day or contributed in some way to such a worthy cause. 
"I know the money raised will greatly help St Clare Hospice to continue the excellent work that they do." 
Hospice chief executive Tanya Curry said: "Our huge thanks to Bob and his team once again. They are amazing people!"

Location, Location - but where?

9.17am - 3rd January 2012

TELEVISION'S popular property programme Location, Location, Location looks as if it could soon be featuring properties in the district. 
Presenter Kirstie Allsopp, writing on social network site Twitter yesterday, said she was "on the Tube to Epping at the moment". 
In reply to a Tweet posted by Marie Donovan, from Ongar, asking what she was doing in Epping, Kirstie replied: "exciting! For a show? Probably very quiet on a bank holiday!"
She also posted: "heading to Ongar as it happens!"

Two men injured in plane crash

8.08am - 3rd January 2012

TWO men had a lucky escape when their plane crashed as it landed at Stapleford Airfield. 
The East of England Ambulance Service was alerted at 2.20pm yesterday (Monday).
Two ambulances, a rapid response car, a duty manager and the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance attended the scene. 
Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: "The initial call we received was to a plane that had crashed whilst landing. 
"Paramedics and the critical care team from the Herts Air Ambulance treated and stabilised both men at the scene before they were both taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow with minor injuries."

Man injured in aircraft blaze

7.23am - 3rd January 2012

A MAN suffered injuries during an incident involving a plane which caught fire at North Weald airfield. 
An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said crews from Epping, Ongar and Stansted were called to a twin-engined aircraft which was on fire on the runway shortly after 7.20pm last night (Monday). 
Crews using foam and dry powder took about 45 minutes to put out the fire 
A 48-year-old man suffered burns.

Epping-Ongar line to feature on television

6.50pm - 2nd January 2012

THE Epping-Ongar railway is set to feature in this week's episode of Michael Portillo's Great British Railway Journeys. 
Thursday's programme (6.30pm on BBC Two) is also set to feature the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey. 
For more about the programme click here

DEATH CRASH: Police name victim

10.45am - 2nd January 2012

POLICE have named the man who died after he was struck by a vehicle along The Plain, Epping, in the early hours of New Year's Day. 
The collision happened when a silver VW MPV struck Gary Turner, of Parklands, Coopersale, shortly before 3am. 
Mr Turner, 44, was certified dead at the scene. 
A section of the road was closed for approximately five hours while forensic collision investigators carried out their enquiries and the road was cleaned. 
Anyone with information in connection with the incident is urged to contact Essex Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101.

Man seriously injured in A414 crash

8.53am - 2nd January 2012

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a road crash on the A414 at North Weald which has left a man seriously injured. 
The collision happened when the driver of a white VW Caddy van appears to have lost control while travelling towards Harlow shortly after 7pm on New Year's Eve (Saturday). 
The vehicle left the road but rebounded back into the carriageway after striking a bank of mud at the side of the road.
The driver and only occupant, a 38-year-old man from Ongar, was taken by paramedics to Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, with serious pelvic and neck injuries. 
He is currently in a stable condition. 
A section of the road was closed for about four hours while the vehicle was recovered and mud and oil cleared away. 
Anyone with information about the incident should ring investigating officers at Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 101.

DEATH CRASH: Police renew appeal

8.52am - 2nd January 2012

POLICE are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal road crash on The Plain, Epping. 
The collision happened when a silver VW MPV struck a pedestrian on the stretch of road between the Coopersale turning and the ambulance station shortly before 3am on New Year's Day (Sunday). 
The male pedestrian, a local 44-year-old, was certified dead at the scene. 
A section of the road was closed for about five hours while forensic collision investigators carried out their enquiries and the road cleaned. 
Anyone with information in connection with the crash is urged to contact Essex Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101.

Elvis's daughter is party guest

8.50am - 2nd January 2012

THE Dream Factory charity which makes dreams come true for ill children welcomes Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie to its Christmas party. 
Some 40 children attended the event which was also attended by ex-boxing champion Colin McMillan and EastEnders star Patsy Paklmer, who are both patrons of the charity which was founded by Epping mother Avril Mills. 
The children were also entertained by two clowns, and there was face painting, performances by the Stage One Dance School and a visit from Father Christmas. 
For more about the charity, visit www.yourdreamfactory.org or ring 020 8501 1234.

Man dies in road collision

10.39am - 1st January 2012

A PEDESTRIAN has died after he was in collision with a car near Epping in the early hours of this morning. 
A police spokesman said the collision happened on The Plain - between the Coopersale turning and Epping Ambulance Station - shortly before 3am. The male pedestrian, a local man in his 40s, was certified dead at the scene. 
A section of the road is currently closed but is expected to reopen in the next hour after a forensic examination of the scene has been completed. In the meantime, diversions have been put in place. 
Anyone with information in connection with the incident is urged to contact Essex Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101.

Drop in number of road deaths

8.53am - 1st January 2012

A FALL in the number of people killed on the county's roads last year has not lessened the continuing concern police have with the number of drivers who continue to endanger the lives of others. 
The reduction in the overall number of road deaths is encouraging but, with 41 people killed, road policing officers know that they and others "should not relax for one moment". 
Road Policing Inspector Scott Egerton said: "2011 saw too many people needlessly die on our roads. The overall figures are encouraging and hopefully our road safety messages are hitting home." 
Figures show that six motorcyclists were killed in road crashes during 2011, with 17 drivers, seven passengers, ten pedestrians and one cyclist also dying on the county's roads. 
During 2010, 52 people were killed in 51 fatal crashes (12 were motorcyclists).
Throughout the year Essex Police, county, district and borough councils work together on a host of initiatives designed to reduce the number of casualties on the roads. 
The Essex Casualty Reduction Board, consisting of Essex Police, Essex County Council and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, fund a number of road safety operations designed to educate people with the aim of enhancing their road skills and general awareness. 
Essex Police's casualty reduction manager Adam Pipe said: "There were 41 people killed on our roads in 2011. Many of these deaths were avoidable. 
"If we can encourage road users to act in a more responsible manner then we may just see these figures fall in 2012. 
"There are still far too many people who think that driving or riding are a way of getting a thrill, but it's a sad fact that these motorists and motorcyclists are a danger to themselves and other road users, and we will continue to take positive action against them. 
"A large percentage of these crashes involving death and serious injury are attributable to three main reasons: Driving too fast for the conditions or signed limit, failure to wear seat belts and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
"We will continue to rigorously enforce these offences throughout the next twelve months."
In addition, a decrease was experienced in the number of fatal collisions with 38 accounting for the 41 people killed as opposed to the 51 which killed 52 in 2010. In 2011, 3,800 people were injured in collisions with 670 of those being classed as serious.
The comparative 2010 figure stood at 4,000 people injured of which 745 casualties were classed as serious.