Prize Surprise for Epping Resident

Published on 26 January 2010

Steven Demetriou knows a thing or two about the Epping Forest District. He has lived in Epping for 30 years and is now £100 in vouchers better off.

Mr Demetriou was one of 814 people who responded to the ‘Your Voice Matters’ Survey when Epping Forest District Council and ‘One Epping Forest’, the Local Strategic Partnership asked people for their views on living locally.

In return for gaining a better understanding of local views and opinions, the Council put the name of every respondent into a prize draw. Mr Demetriou’s name was pulled out of the hat and on Tuesday 26 January 2010 where he met District Council Leader and Chairman of ‘One Epping Forest’, Councillor Di Collins at the Civic Offices to receive his prize.

Picture caption: Steven Demetriou of Epping received £100 of vouchers from Epping Forest District Council Leader Di Collins and LSP Manager John Houston after completing the ‘One Epping Forest’ Local Strategic Partnership opinion survey.

Mr Demetriou said: “I was happy to take part in the survey but I never expected a prize. I was asked for my views by the local newspaper last year and then again by the Council. It is good that the Council and other organisations are asking local people what they think.”

Tackling crime and fear of crime stood out as the top priority for most local people. Protecting the Green Belt and the unique character of the district was the second highest priority some distance ahead of the other top five issues which included: Education, better public transport and activities for young people. Looking further forward the issues residents think need to be addressed are dominated by environmental concerns around reducing carbon emissions and protecting the green and unique character of the area.

The results of the survey, when fully analysed, will be used to help shape the new Sustainable Community Strategy which partners in Epping forest will use to direct their work to make the area a great place to live, work, study and do business.

For information on the consultation events and the Community Strategy visit the oneeppingforest website.

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