Last Wednesday (10 April), the Prime Minister agreed with the EU Council to extend Brexit negotiations until the end of October – with a break clause should Parliament approve a deal before then.

In a week when the votes in Parliament over the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union have come up with no clear winners and extra time has now been called, it was a welcome relief to hear of the undeniable success of one of our local football teams.

I was very pleased to be asked by Brentwood Borough Council to write a letter of support for its application to the Future High Streets Fund, a £675 million pot of money to help local areas modernise their high streets and town centres.

Last night the Prime Minister offered to hold discussions with the leader of the Labour Party to see if there was a way to break the Brexit impasse.

On Wednesday evening (27th March) the House of Commons held a series of so-called ‘indicative votes’ to see if there was a consensus for a way forward on Brexit different to the Prime Minister’s deal.

Dementia is a terrible condition which causes all kinds of upset, distress and difficulties for families when a loved one is diagnosed and as the condition unfolds.

Hearty congratulations to Ongar Jubilee FC U21s who are the Essex Olympian Football League U21 Division One Champions after a healthy 4-1 win over Leytonstone United FC U21s team at the weekend.

A life-sized plastic horse was lying on its side surrounded by fully-kitted fire officers when I arrived for the launch of the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst’s first Fire and Rescue Plan for Essex at the beginning of March.

If you're planning to travel by train over the Easter holiday period, be sure you check your journey before leaving home. Network Rail have been in touch to alert us of the work they will be doing which could affect journeys from West Horndon and Shenfield.

The Brexit saga is entering its next phase. Currently (18th March) the UK is due to leave the European Union on 29 March – although MPs have today voted to ask for an extension of that deadline in order to give Parliament time to pass the necessary Brexit legislation.