THE low turnout of residents at three North Weald Bassett Parish Council community events held to provide information on the Local Plan, the Neighbourhood Plan and the council’s work over the past 18 months has been highlighted by the parish council.

Three sessions were held – at North Weald Village Hall, The Parish Hall at Thornwood Common, and Hastingwood Village Hall.

Councillor Anne Grigg told Monday’s parish council meeting: “We can only offer to be there and hope that they will attend. There’s nothing else we can do. It (the turnout) was disappointing.”

During a discussion on how to promote any future events, councillor Terry Blanks – referring to the number of homes earmarked for North Weald Parish in the district council’s Local Plan – said: “We just write on a sheet ‘1,000-plus houses here shortly’.”

Councillor Andy Tyler said: “We will have loads of them (residents) when the first digger enters North Weald or Hastingwood.

“It’s really kind of sad the apathy (shown by residents).”