Since last week a political whirlwind has come ashore in the form of our new Prime Minister - Boris Johnson.

With record temperatures in London predicted today, Network Rail is advising passengers to expect significant disruption on services to and from London Liverpool Street.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dennis Rensch MBE and his wife last week, just after he was given the prestigious and rare award of the Order of Mercy for his work with Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service.

Hundreds of young people from our local secondary schools are spending four weeks of their summer holiday taking part in the country’s fastest-growing youth movement, National Citizen Service.

I’m pleased to say that the new investment in local policing - which I was proud to support last year and which was spearheaded by Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst - is now bearing fruit as Town Centre Policing teams are being boosted throughout Essex.

Alex Burghart MP Thanks Brentwood and Ongar Teachers As Summer Break Begins

As reported in last week’s Gazette there is great news for our local libraries with Essex County Council confirming, following their consultation, that they will not be closing any in the next five years, and will be investing £3 million in modernising the service.

Realise Futures is a not-for-profit supported employment scheme which offers help for adults with learning or physical disabilities get into work in Essex.

Brentwood and Ongar MP, Alex Burghart, has visited Hogarth Primary School (see pic) in Brentwood to find out how it will benefit from new investment in nursery school places.

Small businesses across the UK have been awarded £500 million through the Start Up Loans programme and Alex Burghart MP is urging more local entrepreneurs to apply.