May 10 - Everything Epping Forest

Everything Epping ForestPage 8 of 18the availability of Benefits to those who may be unaware of what they could claim.However, some of the issues raised, such as criticism of the reception facilities at the CivicOffices in Epping and opening hours of the service, will have to be dealt with corporately.Last month Cabinet approved the refurbishment of the Limes Farm Hall and it is planned toimprove access to council services by locating Benefits and Housing staff on this site. MrWhitbread said: “We have taken on board the comments made by the Commission and Iam confident that by the time we receive our next inspection, we will have improved. Iwould like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to all benefits staff for theirdedication and hard work.”Hospice holding May Fayre20th May 2010ST Clare Hospice is holding a May Fayre on Sunday, May 23. The charity's first ever MayFayre will feature a host of activities throughout the day, including live music from jazzgroup Parisian Swing and street dancing and music from local troop Makin Steps as wellas bouncy castles, tombola and raffles.Community fundraiser Vicky Parker said: "Entry is free, with parking available, so comealong and enjoy the atmosphere. "We would love to see you here to make the day funfilled and help us raise as much as possible towards the work of St Clare. We’ve got plentyhappening all day so why not make it a day out for the family."For more information contact the fundraising team on 01279 773 750 (Monday to Friday)or visit www.stclarehospice.org.ukViews sought over bus services20th May 2010ESSEX County Council is undertaking a review of bus services operating in the district.The review will allow the council's Accessibility Planning Team to consider the bus networkas a whole and reassess how individual services interconnect with one another. It will alsolook at timetables and the quality and effectiveness of the information provided.The survey aims to increase levels of access to key services by public transport, increasecustomer satisfaction and increase passenger numbers travelling by sustainable transport.The council is carrying out the consultation online until June 28, via face-to-faceconsultation on mobile library buses during May and June while paper copies of the surveyhave been sent to libraries in Epping Forest.Meanwhile 'on bus' surveys will be carried out between September 13 and October 22(routes yet to be identified).To take part in the survey, visit www.engageessex.org.ukAlternatively, a paper copy of the survey can be obtained from your local parish council orthe Accessibility Planning Team by emailing TCC@essex.gov.uk or by writing to StrategyTeam, Passenger Transport, County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QH.Student nominated for award18th May 2010EPPING Forest College has nominated Jennifer Halil as a VQ Learner of the Year 2010.The national award celebrates vocational achievement and showcases the best invocational qualifications.Jennifer, 20, from Chingford, completed a City & Guilds Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diplomalast July gaining straight distinctions across all subjects.Her work was of such a high standard that she completed the course two months early. Inthe same month she received the college’s Learner Award for Exceptional Achievementpresented to her by district council leader Di Collins. Dermalogica, a professional skin carerange used by the college, gives the opportunity to give an award to students for ExceptionClient Care.This also includes free training at the International Dermal Institute.Jennifer was a worthy recipient of this award. She is now working at the prestigiousSanctuary Spa in Covent Garden.Caroline Madden, spa development manager at the Sanctuary, said: "Jennifer wasfantastic on her training and has shown great enthusiasm since being employed with us.”Angie Fernandes, head of hair and beauty at Epping Forest College, said: “I’m delightedfor Jennifer. She was such a committed student that the nomination is the least that shedeserves."She was a credit to the department and we’re all proud of the progress she has made inher career since she left the college.”Villagers learn about crime prevention18th May 2010CRIME prevention was discussed at a meeting arranged by Moreton, Bobbingworth andthe Lavers Parish Council and Fyfield Parish Council.The meeting at Fyfield Village Hall was opened by district councillor Tony Boyce who hadcalled the meeting because of concerns raised about the level of crime in the district.Traditionally the area has a low crime rate but recently there have been an increasingnumber of crimes reported.While many of them, in police terms are petty thefts, to the residents they are significantevents and it is a worry that they appear to be on the increase overall.Mr Boyce believes there are many ways in which the community, working together with thepolice and local authorities, can help themselves.The purpose of the meeting was to explore ways of protecting villagers from thieves.Neighbourhood Action Panel co-ordinator Paul Gardiner said he had been a ‘copper’ for 30years and was now helping to set up Neighbourhood Action Panels to bring together all ofthe bodies who can reduce crime - police, local authorities, primary care and residents.He said the local farming community had been experiencing a number of crimes and theset up of the local Farm Watch has been successful in reducing that, by regular meetings,good communications and intelligence gathering, which has led to several arrests andreduced crime.He recommended a local watch organisation for the parishes to bring them together tocombat crime.PC Mark Sheridan-Brown said he covers a very large area from Ongar out to Norton Heaththrough the local villages as far as Sheering.He admitted he had been more Ongar centric but is now reaching out to the villages.Despite local fears, crime in the district is very low compared to the rest of the country anda major problem the police have to contend is, that the fear of crime in people, out waysthe actual reality of the amount of crime.Nevertheless he will endeavour to work with the local community to help them andrecommended residents come forward to join the Neighbourhood Action Panels.Colin Freeman who had been village policeman for Moreton and district several years agosaid that in those days the communities were more cohesive with more people activelyworking around the villages.Now with people commuting out early and arriving home later, there were less people01/07/2010