The beauty of living Ongar is that within a matter of a moment’s walk from the High Street we can be in open fields and glorious countryside.
I am fighting to protect this countryside, and especially the greenbelt which gives the clean air break between Essex and London, from the Labour Government’s ardent desire to build without limits. Currently I am supporting those in Brentwood and Ongar who are campaigning against a massive line of pylons to the east of the constituency, and those who don’t want stunning countryside to the west lost to another solar farm.
Living in a rural area like Ongar sometimes means we are much closer to rivers, brooks and rural aromas than those living in towns. However, while a clear brook and a hint of manure is one thing, when the smells become overwhelming or the water is polluted, reports need to be made.
The Environment Agency has recently brought my attention to a new online service for reporting environmental incidents. Members of the public can now report pollution incidents online by visiting https://www.gov.uk/report-environmental-problem
The service will initially cover odour problems and water pollution, but will be extended to include illegal fishing , while more incident types will be added gradually.
The online service is being introduced to make reporting environmental problems more accessible, so people have a choice of reporting online or calling the free telephone incident hotline (0800 80 70 60).
I know there have been incidents involving the long running smell from the composting site near North Weald and occasional pollution in Cripsey Brook so I hope this new online reporting tool will help us report incidents more quickly and keep our surrounding area looking and smelling fresh and fabulous.
