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MEDIA RELEASE
Issued: November 4, 2016
PICTURES: Pictures can be viewed and downloaded HERE
Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing chairs Chamber of Commerce Business Forum panel
Issues affecting local businesses were highlighted at an Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce Business Forum hosted and chaired by Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing.
Mrs Laing said: "I was delighted to chair the panel for the evening which was organised by Heather Thirtle (Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce president) and John Price (Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce chairman).
"We discussed a wide range of issues which affect small businesses in the Epping Forest area.
"One of the chief concerns that local people now have is road safety as more and more people from other parts of Essex who want to commute to London refuse to pay train fares and instead want to use the Tube.
"They are clogging up the residential and shopping areas of Loughton, Epping, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois and Debden.
"The situation is now getting out of hand and inconsiderate and dangerous parking is causing accidents."
Mrs Laing, who is patron of Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce, told the meeting she has already been in touch with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, about the matter and it was agreed that she should convene a meeting of all interested parties from all parts of Epping Forest.
The Chamber of Commerce was also delighted to hear from Epping Forest District Council planning policy portfolio holder John Philip about the Local Plan.
Mr Philip encouraged all businesses and residents in Epping Forest to send in their responses during the consultation period, which runs until December 12.
He emphasised the importance of helping the district council to gather opinions so that the final Plan, when it is published, will be a true representation of what the local community needs.
Joining Mrs Laing on the panel were Heather Thirtle (president, Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce), Jane Gardner (Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex), John Deville (Honorary Solicitor, Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce), William McMillan, Chaplain – Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce), councillor John Philip (Epping Forest District Council, planning policy portfolio holder), Colin Corrigan, Cooper Paul - accountants) and Gerry Greenwold (Epping Forest District Council, Rates).
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