Parish Council suggests ‘Warm Bank’

Parish council suggests 'Warm Bank' if library return approved

North Weald Bassett Parish Council is seeking the support of the parish's district and county councillors over its wish to move its offices back into North Weald Library.

The parish council wants its district and county council representatives to lobby the county council on behalf of the resident and parish council.

The library is currently open Tuesdays (9am to 1pm), Thursdays (2pm to 5.30pm) and Saturdays (9am to 5pm).

The parish council says it could offer to provide a library service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 1pm, when parish council staff will be in the building.

The parish council has also suggested that it could run a 'Warm Bank' at the library where local residents could keep warm in the winter, enjoy a book, have a cup of coffee and a biscuit and enjoy the company of other residents.

Ukrainian visitors and host sponsors' event

An event was jointly organised by Epping Forest District Council and Voluntary Action Epping Forest and it took place at the Community Hub in the Civic Offices in Epping. The event was supported by many local services and organisations including Citizens Advice, Epping Forest Foodbank, the Department for Work and Pensions and many others. The event was titled “What Happens Next” as the governmentsponsored ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme reaches its initial 6 month milestone. The evening was compered by Nick Robinson, Community Response Hub Manager at Voluntary Action Epping Forest. Advisors on health, childcare, housing, employment and benefits, education, community service, and much more gave up their evening to meet the many visitors who attended. They either advised them or signposted to other services that could help them further. NHS colleagues were on hand to offer free health checks and flu and Covid vaccinations as well. More than 100 people attended and a craft table kept the children busy and engaged while their adults were seeking advice. Every Thursday Ukranian visitors are getting together at St Mary’s Church, Loughton where further support is available. Meetings take place at the Smith Room at the church In High Street, Loughton between 10am and 11.30am. Refreshments are available and there’s time to chat and forge friendships. Contact Caroline Macdonald or more information. Email caroline@stmarysloughton.com or Call 0790 3983812.