Council 24 July 2025
Councillors voted unanimously on a motion to call on the Government to immediately and permanently close the Bell Hotel in Epping for the purposes of asylum processing at a full council meeting on 24 July.
In a tense and emotional debate councillors spoke of their anger and upset at the recent events in Epping following the alleged assault of a schoolgirl in Epping. The motion also called for the managed closure of the Phoenix Hotel in Bobbingworth.
Councillors from all parties thanked the police for their swift response and support to the demonstrations. They thanked the peaceful protesters and condemned those that chose to attack the police.
Watch the webcast
Enough is enough
Enough is enough. The government has ignored us for too long. The Bell Hotel was reopened without any consultation – not with this council, not with our local MP, and certainly not with the community we represent.
As our community reaches boiling point, the government continues to ignore our calls to close the hotel, this is not only unacceptable, but deeply irresponsible.
I’m calling on residents and councillors to responsibly express their objections in a democratic, constructive, and peaceful way. Use democratic means to press the government to close the hotel. Lobby your MP, sign the petition – it currently has over 9,000 signatures.
Let us speak with one voice and demand the immediate and permanent closure of the Bell Hotel.
Councillor Holly Whitbread, proposer for the motion
Working tirelessly to get government to listen
In these really difficult times it’s great to see us come together with common cause, I’ve seen the best of us tonight across the chamber.
We will do everything from a council perspective that is within our diplomatic and legal grasp. I don’t know how far this evening we can push this, but we will be pushing it. We will be working tirelessly to get the government to listen and close the Bell Hotel, and in future close the Phoenix.
Because of the awful events that happened we’ve got to bring our community back together again. Violence will not help us reach our objective, government will close its ears. Together we are stronger which is why I support this motion.
Leader of Council, Councillor Chris Whitbread
Other news
Minute silence for Wyn Marshall
Councillors stood in silence for a minute to pay tribute to Wyn Marshall. Wyn had worked on our tenants and leaseholders panel for over 10 years, representing the tenants and giving them a voice on housing related matters. He helped shape many policies including our housing health and safety policy and our housing strategy.
Councillor Jeane Lea said: “I’ve worked with Wyn for a long time and he was a really good guy. His contribution at meetings was invaluable and he will be very hard to replace because he was so passionate.”
Chairman Louise Mead said he would be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Chairmans announcement
Chairman Louise Mead started by informing councillors of a extraordinary council meeting on 15 September to discuss the local government reorganisation.
The chairman spoke of her first 2 months as chairman. Her first event was attending the funeral 103-year-old veteran Kenneth Batt, who served with the Royal Wessex Yeomanary in the second world war. The chairman also spoke about opening the new community train space at Upshire School, the launch of the new Limes Farm play area, cutting the ribbon to open a new St Clare Hospice shop in Loughton, filling 2 new bug hotels, among lots more.
Questions by councillors
Questions were asked about the rollout of the new blue lidded recycling bins, parking on grass verges and pavements, among others.
Overview and scrutiny
Councillor Roger Baldwin, Chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee told councillors Transport for London (TfL) will be attending the place scrutiny meeting on 27 January.
Keep up to date
Keep in touch with our latest news, service updates and reports.