NEW figures show the number of people choosing to foster in England is declining for the third year running, with six per cent fewer fostering households compared to 2021. The 2024 Fostering in England data, published by Ofsted, lays bare the challenges facing foster care.…

HARLOW MP Chris Vince has defended the decision by his government to increase tuition fees for university students next year Mr Vince said: “I stood on a manifesto and local commitment to give young people in Harlow the best opportunities in life. Where you are…

ARRIVA is offering free bus travel to past and present members of the military on its buses on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Service personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and cadets will be able to take advantage of free travel on Arriva services all day.…

THE deputy prime minister has suggested she wants to stop new council homes in England from being sold under the Right to Buy scheme. Angela Rayner told the BBC the government would put restrictions on new social homes in England “so that we aren’t losing…

STANSTED Airport’s £1 billion expansion plans have been welcomed at Braintree District Council, despite concerns that air travel contributes to increased CO2 pollution in the region reports the Local Democracy Reporter. It comes after London Stansted revealed details of a five-year £1.1 billion investment programme…

ESSEX County Council (ECC) has launched training for 40 of its staff through a new Data Academy, as part of its ambitious plans to become a data-led organisation. The goal is to strengthen the organisation’s data capabilities, while boosting productivity and data literacy across teams.…

THIS Remembrance Sunday (10 November) will see the country unite as it always does to remember and give thanks to the members of the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Here in Harlow, a special remembrance service will be taking…

STAFF, Governors and former pupils of St Mark’s were sad to hear of the death of Rosemary Porter. Rosemary was a former teacher and a great servant of both the school and the wider community. Rosemary joined the school in 1975 as a teacher of…

APPLICATIONS are now open for community groups and good causes across the region to receive part of a £110,000 fund announced by the East of England Co-op. The East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund is a charitable initiative first established by the East of…

JOIN Harlow’s Royal British Legion for a Remembrance Day concert and service commemorating all those who have given their lives since WW1 and the many conflicts since. Featuring music from Harlow Brass Band, readings and an original skit by Moot House Players. The concert will…

OVER 100 Sawbridgeworth residents gathered outside Leventhorpe Swimming Pool, fighting to save the swimming pool from closure. People of all ages came carrying “Save Our Pool” banners and homemade signs, showing just how much Leventhorpe Pool means to them. The event, organised by Sawbridgeworth Town…

REMEMBRANCE Sunday Services in the Six Villages. Full details below.

POLICE will no longer be able to hold people who are being detained for mental health reasons in police cells, under government plans for England and Wales reports the BBC. Officers can currently use cells as a “place of safety” for up to 24 hours…

WHO better to tell us all about life in Sixth Form at St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School than the Head Boy, Thomas Lawrence and the Head Girl Carly Stroud. They are excellent ambassadors for the school. We were particularly impressed by their speeches at…