NOTICE OF CO-OPTION
Buckhurst Hill East Ward
Buckhurst Hill Parish Council
A vacancy has occurred for the office of Parish Councillor due to the disqualification of Cllr Simon Heap.
An election has not been requested by electors therefore the Parish Council would like to fill the vacancy as soon as practicable which is at the next meeting of the Full Council on 23rd November 2023.
If you would like to make an application for this vacancy please do so by Friday 17th November 12 noon to office@buckhursthillpc.gov.uk
Buckhurst Hill Parish Council is delighted to announce it’s agreed to fund and provide a new playground at Hornbeam Road in the Recreation Ground.
The new playground will be on the site of the old redundant area and will incorporate play for ages 1 to 12.
It’s anticipated building works will commence early in the new year.
The new design for Hornbeam Play Area is a haven of creativity and fun for children of all ages and abilities.
The new design is a homage to the natural beauty of the open space location, incorporating its hues into the soft natural colour palette of the equipment and flooring, fostering a seamless blend between the industrial and the organic.
With exciting slides that twist and turn, dynamic swings that soar to new heights, and challenging climbing structures that encourage both physical development and cognitive problem-solving, the Hornbeam Play Area design offers a spectrum of play experiences.
The new play area design includes equipment for all ages and abilities. This includes a roundabout which enables users to experience great sensory and motor stimulation.
The installed height allows for an easy transfer between wheelchair and the equipment.
The large Pod swing offers open space and is at a height suitable for easy wheelchair transfer.
All swinging has positive effects on the inner ear of children with auditory impairments and a claiming influence on children with learning difficulties.
Repetition of movement also has a calming effect.
There are also a number of tactile play panels which are a fantastic tool for encouraging physical and practical play and can help develop a child's concentration skills and improve co-ordination.
These panels are accessible to all children and bring low level play into the play area.
We hope you like the initial play area design and welcome your thoughts.
Please look at the design here and provide your feedback. We’d love to hear from you.
office@buckhurtshillpc.gov.uk
Essex County Council consultation on 2023/24 Budget
Residents and businesses invited to have their say on county council’s 2024/25 budget
A consultation is now live for people to share their views on Essex County Council’s budget plans for the coming financial year.
Residents and businesses can now share how they think Essex County Council should prioritise its 2024/25 budget, as part of a new consultation.
Next year, the council will spend over £2 billion on essential services, as well as investment in the county’s infrastructure and future growth.
The council has a track record of robust financial management, having saved £235m over the past five years.
However, the financial outlook for local authorities in general is highly uncertain. This is in large part due to the significant impacts of high inflation, rising interest rates and the continued pressure of the cost-of-living situation.
With this uncertain outlook in mind, the council is asking residents and businesses for their views on:
- the big issues it faces and the challenges that lie ahead for Essex
- the things that concern you and your family
- where we should focus resources as we work to improve lives across our county
The responses received will be used to inform the delivery of Everyone’s Essex in 2024/25 and beyond.
Councillor Chris Whitbread, the cabinet member responsible for finance, said: “We don’t have all the answers when it comes to addressing the challenges we face locally and nationally. Like many households across Essex, we must also make difficult choices about where we spend our budget and where to make savings.
“We can learn a lot from our communities and it’s important we create opportunities for people and businesses to help inform our priorities for the coming year. A positive way of doing this is by sharing your views during the consultation.”
The consultation on the county council’s 2024/25 budget is open until Sunday 3 December. It can be completed here: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/ecc-budget-consultation-2024-25/
