After aeons of consultation, I am delighted the Boundary Commission has decided that the constituency of Brentwood and Ongar remains unchanged (subject to a finally final consultation which ends on 5th December). There had been a proposal for the wonderful villages north of Ongar - Fyfield, Moreton, Willingale and others - to be moved to the Saffron Walden constituency, and for my constituency to become ‘Brentwood’ rather than ‘Brentwood and Ongar’. I strongly opposed such changes arguing vociferously to retain the same boundaries and the name of ‘Ongar’ in the title. Thankfully, it looks as though we will keep the villages and the full constituency title. And woe betide anyone who tries to sideline Ongar again on my watch.
Work continues to bring a Weight Restriction Order to Ongar High Street to protect the many historic buildings, most particularly at the ‘pinch point’ in the middle of the High Street. I met with Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Lee Scott, last month, to talk through some of the remaining issues and bring this change closer. I believe the case is unanswerably strong and I am grateful to Cllr Scott for his support .
I was delighted to be able to take part in the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Ongar War Memorial again this year, on a day which started with an evocative mist across the town, and later brightened into a beautiful autumnal afternoon. I appreciate the work done by all those who organise the services and parades each year and thank everyone who took part in this important act of Remembrance.
As this is the final Ongar News of 2022, I would like to wish all readers a happy and safe Christmas, and every good wish for 2023.
