I have to start this week with congratulations to all councils and organisations across the Brentwood and Ongar constituency which worked tirelessly to ensure the impact of Storms Eunice and Franklin was not too onerous for local people during the last week.
I am aware a number of people lost their power supply, and was pleased to hear from UK Power Networks that goodwill payments will be made to those customers who were worst affected by power cuts caused by Storm Eunice. I understand any resident who has been impacted by Storm Eunice, will be eligible to receive £50 after 24 hours without electricity, an additional £70 when they reach 48 hours, and an additional £70 thereafter for every 12 hours without power. All those entitled to a payment will be contacted by text message, email or letter in the coming days.
I saw reports of trees down across main roads in and out of Brentwood, and almost immediate updates saying the roads were clear again after highways teams, or even local residents with access to a chainsaw, had cut back fall wood to allow traffic to flow again.
The storms meant work being done to cut down self-seeded trees on Shenfield Common had to stop for safety reasons. I know this work has caused some consternation – we are all trying to plant more trees at the moment after all. However, good woodland management means a more bio-diverse environment for trees, plants and wildlife, and I am very excited to see how the common land will be opened up after years of neglect and being over-grown by self-seeded saplings, holly and brambles.
Any woodland management work means things look worse before they look better, but this work comes after careful thought and consultation with experts, and will allow more people to use this important and historic piece of common land in the future.
