Watch Out - Thieves About

Last week, at about 1.00am, a resident in York Road, North Weald heard their car alarm sound and when inspecting their car, found that the front car registration plate was hanging off.  It was clear that there had been an attempt to remove the number plate and the car alarm disturbed the thief. 

Please note this, so if you hear your car alarm sound unexpectedly, check your car.  Number plates can be useful to thieves to use on stolen vehicles or for covering an indentitiy of a car when used in illegal acts such as ram raiding or driving off without paying for fuel.

Parade Ground Planning Permission Approved

As many people will be aware, planning applications have in the past been submitted for the development of the former Parade Ground, Merlin Way. Originally the application was for 141 housing units, but this was refused following a Public Inquiry as a result of feedback from residents.

At a recent Planning Meeting, Epping Forest District Council have now voted in favour of a recent planning application submitted by Crest Nicholson for 126 housing units including 34 affordable houses, some of these will be let through housing associations and some will be available on part-rent part-buy schemes.

Anne Grigg, District Councillor for North Weald, attended the meeting and has confirmed that she took on board local residents' views and the Parish Council's objections and voted against the planning application for the 126 housing units and spoke of her objections to this application which were on the grounds of:-

1 - too great a density of housing for the site;
2 - inadequate provision of car parking spaces for residents and no visitor parking provision on the site;
3 - no provision of tree landscaping for the estate road (although there would be a landscaping scheme elsewhere on the site).

Anne confirmed that there were planning policies to support these objections.

The access to the housing estate when it is built will be from York Road and Blenheim Way, together with the designated area for social housing, as this was agreed some years back when the outline planning consent was granted.

Despite Anne's objections, other members of the Planning Committee, voted in favour of the application and the application was subsequently granted with a number of conditions. Anne did ask for an additional condition to be included and it was agreed, which was in order to try and reduce in some way the disruption to existing local residents whilst the development is being built, the construction access for vehicles to the site will be from the A414 via Merlin Way.

Planning consent was also granted for the demolition of the derelict sub station in York Road to provide car parking spaces but the application to provide car parking spaces in Blenheim Way was deferred in order to reconsider the proposed layout of the parking spaces.

Spirit of North Weald & Community Day Event

On Sunday 13th September,  over 2000 people braved the gloomy skies and chilling breeze to attend the Spirit of North Weald and Community Day held at North Weald Airfield.

Aircraft enthusiasts were delighted be able to view the two Norwegian F16 aircrafts, who later performed a fly past in addition to many other planes being on display.

In addition to viewing the historic planes, there were many other attractions including fairground rides, bouncy castles, local aviation supporting groups, a local Microflight school, and of course the Emergency Helicopter permanently located on the airfield.

In addition to this, eleven North Weald community groups were in attendance, increasing awareness and funds by talking to visitors.

North Weald Village life had a stand, and it was great to meet readers and residents who came to the show and I managed to meet a few that I had corresponded with over email and never met, also some of you that I have met before but not seen for a while as well of course some familiarfaces.I was delighted to have a great stand and gazebo supplied by the Parish Council and in a very good location next to the main air display and landing area.I met lots of interesting people from neighbouring towns including one very nice man from Theydon Bois who read the North Weald Village Life magazine regularly and came to shake my hand and had some very good suggestions regarding other groups who may be interested in the magazine which was very interesting.

There were many attractions for the children, but we had a table providing a range of craft activities (for those of you who know craft is very close to my heart) and lots of children welcomed the opportunity to shelter from the wind and partake in a bit of sticking.

I met lots of people who had not visited either the Airfield or the village before, and they were very complimentary about both.Many commented that they did not realise the Airfield was as big as it was, I could confirm that I was aware of this not only because I was lucky to be one of the visitors in the past to have enjoyed a full tour of the airfield but also because of the Race for Life that took part each year and I even encouraged some of the female visitors to join in for this event next year.

The attendance fee of £3.00 for adults and £2.00 for children was also commented on, to be value for money, with so many fantastic aircrafts to see, things for the children to do and the chance to meet so many different organisations and the opportunity to be part of this particular event.

Despite the weather, I personally felt it was a great opportunity to improve the links between the Airfield and the village and was pleased to be invited to attend and support this event.I hope that this is something that takes place on an annual basis and would like to thank Arthur Moreton, Sueand Adriana from the North Weald Parish Council and Darren Goody from the Airfield for organising a great event.

Diesel Theft From Kings Head Garage

Friday 28th August 2009

On Sunday 23rd August, during the night hours or early morning, the Kings Head Garage was targetted for the second time in four weeks by thieves stealing Diesel fuel from underground tanks.  Approximately 300 litres was stolen.

On Wednesday 26th August  night or the early hours of Thursday 27th August, the Garage was targetted for the third time, this time over 3000 litres of Diesel was stolen.  The Garage has unfortunately ran out of Diesel supplies during Thursday and will not be getting new supplies until after the Bank Holiday.

According to one source, this type of theft is rife, with Diesel being stolen from local Garages, haulage companies, bus companies etc, mainly companies who have their own supplies on site.

If anybody has any information, please contact the police, Epping Station - 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Swine Flu In North Weald

Burglaries are on the increase

Over the last few days, it has been brought to my attention, that the village have suffered a number of burglaries and thefts.

A house in School Green Lane was targetted by theives at about 5.00pm  last week and were seen leaving the premises in broad daylight with stolen goods, and a trailer containing a large amount of fishing goods was stolen from York Road on Thursday Night/Friday morning.

Please ensure that in the hot weather, your premises is made safe when leaving it even just for a few minutes.
                                                         

Do you know who is resonsible for the graffitti in the village?

North Weald’s NAP

As mentioned in last month’s issue of North Weald Village Life, North Weald regularly hold NAP meetings which include local residents, Parish Council representatives and a Police presence.

At the recent NAP meeting held in May, activities over the Easter Holiday was discussed and it was agreed that on the whole, the village was quiet with very few reported problems.

The priority of targetting speeding along the A414 was agreed for the next 6 weeks and the local traffic policing department were to be contacted to look at that area and to report back to NAP committee members.

However, since the NAP meeting, there has been a significant increase in graffiti occurring in and around the village, not only is this a criminal offence but this is also an eye sore for the village. One of the tag's that is being used is the name "BRAD H". If anybody has any information about this or any other issue please feel free to contact the local neighbourhood Policing team on 0300 333 4444 ext 28320, mobile 07779317211 or by email to gary.harrington@essex.pnn.police.uk. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

As mentioned in last month’s issue, if you would like to become involved with NAP or have any matter you would like to be discussed at a NAP meeting, please do not hesitate to contact PC Gary Harrington, contact details above, or you can contact me and I will ensure these details are passed on.

Skate Park for the Village - your views are needed?

The North Weald Parish Council have secured an amount of funding towards a skateboard park in the village.

The best position for this park has been suggested on the Queens Playing Fields (at the end of School Green Lane).

There have been mixed reactions to this suggestion (please see the June North Weald Village Life issue coming out on 20th May).

I would like to hear your views.  Please drop me an email with your comments on the following:-

1. Do you think the skate park is a good idea for the village? 

    Yes or No.

2. If you answered no, what is the reason for this?

3. What else would you like to see introduced for children or teenagers in the village?

I will publish the results of your feedback in a future issue of the magazine and on the website.

(April 2009)                                                                                   

Did you know North Weald had a NAP?

(April 2009)

Gate Guardian in place

After 18 months of hard work and fundraising, the Spirit of North Weald Gate Guardian was mounted at the entrance to North Weald on Wednesday 25th MArch 2009.

The Gate Guardian was first unvelied to the publin on 18th May 2008 at the Spirit of North Weald Airfield Open Day and Fly-in, an event commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the birth of the RAF.

The full size fibreglass replica Hurricane was lifted into position with the help of the UK Lift and Haul Ltd, Airfield tenant Dave Young and the North Weald Airfield Operations Team.

Arthur Moreton, airfield Historial and a major driving force behind the project said "The Hurricane looks magnificent and is a fanstastic achievement for everyone who has been involved.  It tryely relfects the spirit of North Weald.  It is not only a fitting tribute to everyone who served at RAF North Weald but also something the whole community can be proud of."

(April 2009)

Hastingwood Roads to be made safe

VILLAGERS in Hastingwood have long complained about speeding traffic as drivers look to avoid tailbacks on the A414-M11 roundabout.

And now, thanks to the efforts of prospective Conservative MP Robert Halfon, their calls have been answered. Essex County Council is to undertake a speed survey on the local roads with the possibility of introducing a reduced speed limit and traffic calming. Mr Halfon, who will contest the Harlow parliamentary constituency - which includes Hastingwood as well as Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering at the next general election - said: "This is marvellous news for people living in Hastingwood who have put up with the roads outside their homes being used as rat-runs by cars and lorries for years.

"Action is long-awaited and it is great that the county council has put in writing that it intends to do something about the problem. I have been fighting for something to be done, as have the residents and local action group, for some long time now and it is great to see that all the campaigning has finally paid off."

In a letter to Mr Halfon, the county council cabinet member for highways and transportation, Norman Hume, said: "I appreciate that residents are looking for changes on the ground to occur, particularly given the fact that there has been a dissatisfaction regarding speeding in this area going back a number of years.
"An up-to-date survey, combined with our new Speed Management Strategy, which is currently out to consultation, will provide the opportunity to achieve a lower limit." Mr Hume added a lower speed limit on its own will not resolve the problem and so some traffic calming will also be needed.

He added: "I am prepared to make a small budget available for such work if my engineers can find a solution which is both safe and acceptable to the local community.

"Realistically it is unlikely that an agreed solution will be in place until late 2009 at the earliest but I can assure you there is a willingness to find a solution."

Mr Halfon said: "I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of Hastingwood Action Group led by Viv Chipperfield and others who have done so much for so long to try and do something about speeding in Hastingwood Road.”

(April 2009)

Jade Goody Funeral Arrangements

 Jade Goody was a local girl. She made Epping Forest District her home, coming to live initially in Ongar and then Upshire.

She passed away at home in Upshire on Mothers’ Day on the 22 March 2009.

Jade lived her life in the media spotlight. Her funeral has been arranged to take place at 12 noon on Saturday 4 April 2009. Many mourners are expected to attend the service at St John The Baptist Church in Buckhurst Hill.

The service is expected to receive wide-spread media attention. Standing room in the car park outside the Church has been set aside for the media and members of the public who will be able to hear the service relayed via loud speakers.

The large number of people and media expected to attend the funeral is likely to lead to some local traffic disruption. Essex Police will close Buckhurst Hill High Road from Gladstone Road to Russell Road and Church Road from 11am until 2pm.

The funeral cortege will pass slowly through Loughton High Road before making its way up to Buckhurst Hill High Road.

St John The Baptist is a relatively small church. There is very little public car parking in the immediate area. Bus routes will be diverted during the period of the road closure. However, members of the public wishing to pay their respects are advised to leave their cars at home. Buckhurst Hill Railway Station on the Central Line is a short walk via Palmerston Road from the Church. Normal bus services to Buckhurst Hill include the 397, 20 and 549.

Residents living in the vicinity of Buckhurst Hill and Loughton are advised to adjust their travel plans through Saturday morning and into the afternoon.

Councillor John Knapman, Chairman of Epping Forest District Council said: "Jade made her home in our district, first in Ongar and then in Upshire. She lived her life in the full glare of the media spotlight. She was a controversial figure but made many friends and will be missed. I am sure the residents of Epping Forest would join with me in offering our condolences to her family and young sons. To lose your mother at such a young age is a tragedy. Once Jade is laid to rest, I hope the outside world will give her family the time and space they will now need to mourn in private." 

Hurricane Bomber Crash on the Airfield

On Wednesday 11th March, Peter Teichman took his first flight in the Hawker Hurricane 'Hurri Bomber' after having undergone a 3 year restoration including 28,000 hours of hard work. The flight involved a departure to the East in blue skies ideal for flying. Peter had hoped to enjoy this flight a few days earlier but it was delayed due to the weather.

On the return to North Weald at 11.40am, as the main wheels touched the ground, a problem was experienced and the brakes appeared to be stuck causing the aircraft to lurch forward and gently nose over and came to a rest on stop. Five fire crews attended. There was no leaking fuel and no-one hurt.

This incident was due to a mechanical failure associated with the brake relay system, and the damage is thankfully minimal. Peter and his team hope that work will progress shortly and the Hurri Bomber will back in the air by June. So in the finer weather, look up into the skys above North Weald and we may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the unique MK 11B Hurri Bomber.

Hurricane Bomber Crash on the Airfield

On Wednesday 11th March, Peter Teichman took his first flight in the Hawker Hurricane 'Hurri Bomber' after having undergone a 3 year restoration including 28,000 hours of hard work. The flight involved a departure to the East in blue skies ideal for flying. Peter had hoped to enjoy this flight a few days earlier but it was delayed due to the weather.

On the return to North Weald at 11.40am, as the main wheels touched the ground, a problem was experienced and the brakes appeared to be stuck causing the aircraft to lurch forward and gently nose over and came to a rest on stop. Five fire crews attended. There was no leaking fuel and no-one hurt.

This incident was due to a mechanical failure associated with the brake relay system, and the damage is thankfully minimal. Peter and his team hope that work will progress shortly and the Hurri Bomber will back in the air by June. So in the finer weather, look up into the skys above North Weald and we may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the unique MK 11B Hurri Bomber.

Peggy Dies after trying to cross the road

Many local people knew Peggy (real name Kathleen) Dorrington who lived in Wheelers Farm Gardens.  Peggy was often seen around the village and was known and liked by many local people.

On Thursday 29th January, Peggy was involved in an accident when she was crossing the road by the shops and was in collission with a car.  Peggy was taken to hospital and a few days later transferred to St Margarets Hospital, Epping.  On Monday 9th February, Peggy suffered a fatal heart attack.

In 2003, Peggy was involved along with residents of Wheelers Farm Gardens in organising a petition to which 200 residents signed and was presented to Epping Forest District Council, campagning for a crossing by the shops.  Unfortunately the land was not available so this could not proceed.  Ironically the absence of teh crossing has resulted in Peggy being involved in this tragic accident.

This is the second fatality involving residents of Wheelers Farm Gardens crossing the road from their side of the village to enable them to get to the shops and post office.

A number of residents appeared outside the shops on Monday 16th February at 10.25, which was the same time at which Peggy was involved in the accident for a few weeks prior to this.  The people in attendance were to show their support and to confirm the need for a crossing by the shops.  Residents of all ages attended, as this affects everybody - from young to old.

I am sure there will be further activities to support this campaign, the Parish Council and myself will try to keep everybody informed.

Our thoughts are with friends and family and I am know Peggy will be missed in the village.

Gypsy and Traveller Consultation

Over 60% of North Weald residents have responded to the Epping Forest District Council consultation  concerning potential gypsy and traveller sites suggested in their district, including two permanent sites suggested for North Weald in addition to a transient emergency site.

Representatives from North Weald Residents Association have collected over 2,000 signatures and completed paperwork and submitted by hand to the Council Offices, many other residents have also sent in their own response or completed the online questionnaire.

On 4th February, North Weald Residents Association held an open meeting to which all residents were invited to find out an update on what is happening, fundraising and also the next steps that will be taken after the consultation period ends on 20th February.

Many residents attended the meeting despite snow and ice to find out this information and to ask any questions they may have had.  Stage two of the consultation process will happen over the next six months, and will include consultation with various specialist organisations including environmental agencies etc.  The next step for North Weald Residents Association is to emply an independent planning specialist to carry out full surveys on the potential sites in the village.

February 2009 - Gypsy & Traveller Consultation

Due to a Government directive, Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) have to provide a plan in September 2009 outlining 49 sites within their district for permenant gypsy and traveller sites.   In order to do this, EFDC have provided a consultation document with a number of potential areas outlined throughout their district, 6 of these are in the North Weald/Thornwood area.

EFDC require the views of all residents throughout the village and the consultation period will commence on 4th November and continue until 6th February 2009. 

To find out more, please visit the Epping Forest District Council's website.

 In order to make your views heard, it is essential that every resident in the village over the age of 18 years complete this document.  This is not a done deal and the more people that have their say they better.  For those residents that do not respond, the EFDC will accept these as agreeing to the sites and suggestions outlined in the consultation document.

The deadline for completion of questionnaires/consultation documents has been extended to 6th February 2009.

A North Weald Residents Association (NWRA)  has also been newly formed, and have agreed the objective of visiting every household in North Weald in the next few weeks, to personally drop off a hard copy of the consultation document together with a required number of questionnaires for each adult in the household and  they will return at a later date to collect completed documentation.   Some roads and houses were targetted during December, the remaining households will have been visited in January.

IF you have completed paperwork at home and went to return it, you can drop it into the Kings Head Garage who have kindly agreed to be a colleciton/distribution point although they are not involved with the consultation or Residents Association in any way.   Alternatively you can contact committee members via their website -  www.northweald

February 2009 - Man Arrested in connection with car thefts

During New Years Eve and New Years Day, many cars were damaged and broken into.  Cars in York Road and Tempest Mead have had their windows smashed or doors damaged with the intent of breaking into vehicles and any valuables removed.

Please ensure that no valuables, or anything that could be construed as holding a valuable ie., shopping bag etc, is left in any vehicle.

A man was arrested and has been charged with two of the break-ins and is due to appear at Harlow Magistrates Court later this month.  He is not a local man.

February 2009 - North Weald is hit by snow again!

Over the last week, North Weald has seen a record amount of snow.  As things were returning to normal, we have today experienced another substantial snow fall resulting in dangerous roads and school closures.

Beware, although the roads do not appear to be as snowy as the beginning of the week, they are very icy and cars are slipping through the village this morning.

Many of you will be aware of problems and if there are any you wish to highlight on this website please let me know.

However, EFDC have made the following comments and arrangements concerning recycling and refuse collection.

Following the severe weather conditions leading to disruption of the refuse and recycling collection service earlier this week, revised arrangements have been put in place.

Blue Box Glass Recycling

Recycling crews have struggled with glass recycling collection. Blue boxes containing glass recycling have been freezing to the pavement making it difficult for the crews to transfer the glass to the vehicles. Although this has lead to delays crews are now catching up on the backlog.

Clear Sack Recycling

Monday 2 February and Tuesday 3 February missed collections were collected today, Wednesday 4 February 2009.
The Wednesday 4 February collection will be collected on Thursday 5 February 2009.
Normal collections for clear sack recycling will resume on Thursday 5 February 2009.

Green Waste Recycling

The green waste collection has been temporarily suspended and refuse crews reassigned to catching up on the backlog of uncollected rubbish. The normal green waste recycling service will resume on Monday 16 February 2009.

Wheelie Bins

The Monday 2 February collection is rescheduled to Friday 6 February 2009
The Tuesday 3 February collection is rescheduled to Saturday 7 February 2009
The Wednesday 4 February collection is rescheduled to Monday 9 February 2009
The Thursday 5 February collection is rescheduled to Tuesday 10 February 2009
The Friday 6 February collection is rescheduled to Wednesday 11 February 2009
Deputy Chief Executive Derek Macnab said: "I would like to thank residents for bearing with the difficulties experienced by the refuse and recycling service over the last few days. The weather was clearly beyond our control but I am very pleased to confirm that the service is now coming back on track."