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The third webinar from Epping Forest District Council’s housing team, on Wednesday 21 July, was jam-packed with updates and information.
Watch the webinar
Attendees heard about the ‘Big 4’ housing policies and strategies; reports on anti-social behaviour; an update on the DaRT87 bus service and the summer programme and were able to ask questions.
The Big 4
There are 4 major housing strategies being developed.
- The Housing Allocations Scheme
- The Tenancy Policy
- The Overarching Housing Strategy
- The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy
There is a 3-stage consultation process, which anyone is welcome to take part in. The first part is a simple online survey to capture your initial views.
Have your say
The housing team told attendees about ‘have your voice heard by your landlord’ which gives residents the opportunity to bring housing issues to the attention of their landlord with the Council’s support.
Various sessions, focus groups, and surveys have been set up for residents to have their say.
For details on how to get involved, contact the resident involvement officer
- Call 01992 564524
- Email GetInvolved@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Anti-social behaviour
Monday 19 to Saturday 25 July is the UK’s first Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week, with the theme of Making Communities Safer.
Attendees heard how cases are dealt by the EFDC Community Safety Partnership and types of anti-social behaviour.
DaRT87 bus service
The Demand Responsive Transport (DaRT87 bus) launched in January 2021, it offers a scheduled pick up and/or drop off service requested by passengers in advance.
It’s run in partnership with Epping Forest Community Transport (EFCT) with the route covering Debden, Epping, Epping Green, Staple Tye and Harlow. Princess Alexandra and St Margaret’s Hospitals are also on route, as well as Epping Forest Shopping Park, New City College – Epping Forest Campus and Debden and Epping Tube stations.
The DaRT87 service requires users to register for membership with EFCT, it is an easy process and anyone with a concessionary bus pass registering before 31 July 2021 will become a member for free (usual membership is £15/year).
Contact EFCT to register or for further information
- Call 01992 579556
- Email efct@efcommunitytransport.org.uk
Summer programme
The summer school holidays have now started and the Council’s Community, Culture and Wellbeing and Countrycare teams have a fun-filled activity programme to keep children of all ages and abilities entertained.
Young people with additional needs are welcome to take part in many of the activities, but carers should call before booking to check if the chosen activity meets the child’s requirements.
- Download the full brochure
- Book online (not all events need to be booked – check brochure for details)
- Call 01992 564226 for more information
All sessions follow Government Covid19 safety guidelines.
Epping Forest District Museum
Epping Forest District Museum reopened in May 2021, after being shut due to Covid19 restrictions, with an emotive exhibition ‘The Boys: Holocaust Survivors in the Epping Forest District’.
It tells the story of Holocaust survivors sent to Holmehurst Hostel in Loughton and the staff that supported them.
Visit the Epping Forest District Museum for more information. Entry to the museum is free.
Community grant aid
Attendees were told about the Council’s Community Grant Aid which awards funding to organisations involved in community work, cultural or sport activities that improve the wellbeing of residents in the district.
Organisations can apply for a maximum of £5,000 for one-off new projects, initiatives or further development of an existing scheme.
For further information visit the community grant page.
Get involved
• Download the Q&As from this webinar (pdf 209KB)
The next housing webinar is planned for October 2021. Register your interest to attend October’s webinar:
Keep up to date with future housing events by following the Resident Involvement Facebook page
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