Rettendon Parish Council

31/07/2026

Chelmsford wide Hosepipe ban introduced by Essex & Suffolk Water

Following the Environment Agency’s announcement of drought across the East Anglian area, Essex & Suffolk Water is introducing a Temporary Use Ban, also known as a hosepipe ban, for customers across the entire supply area.

The temporary restrictions will come into force from 00:01 on Monday 3 August, but we're asking everyone to start making these changes today.

After months of prolonged dry weather, warm temperatures and three successive heatwaves, the Environment Agency has declared East Anglia to be in drought. Low river flows and dry conditions are putting increasing pressure on the environment, and now is the right time for us all to play our part.

We know many customers have already voluntarily put their hosepipes away – thank you. If you haven't yet, we're now asking you to join them.

From Monday, you must not use a hosepipe to:
💧 Water gardens and plants
💧 Wash cars, patios or boats
💧 Fill swimming or paddling pools
💧 Use sprinklers or pressure washers

This isn't a decision we've taken lightly, but by reducing non-essential water use, together we can help protect our rivers and wildlife while safeguarding water supplies through the hot, dry weeks ahead.

Thank you for doing your bit. Every drop really does matter.

29/07/2026

Statement from the Trustees of Rettendon Village Hall

The Trustees of the Rettendon Village Memorial Hall have taken the difficult decision to close the Village Hall with immediate effect.

We have been in contact with our insurance company who will be arranging for a loss adjuster to visit the hall.

Further information will be provided once the loss adjuster has visited and next steps identified.

I would like to thank you all for your kind words and offers of support.

Edward Cheater
Chairman of Trustees
Rettendon Village Memorial Hall

28/07/2026

Update from Chelmsford City Council

As we move into the recovery phase of the major incident at Highlands Farm, near East Hanningfield, Chelmsford City Council is now leading on communications and coordination. We’re grateful for the full support and hard work of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Essex Police and other services.

Helplines have been set up to offer support to businesses and residents directly affected by the fire:

1. Residents can call 01245 605748 or email [email protected]. These lines are monitored from 8am-4.45pm on weekdays and can be used by any resident affected by the fire who may, for example, have lost their home or have other specific concerns. For those residents that have had their home damaged, we strongly encourage residents to contact their insurance company as the first priority.
2. Businesses based at the site can email [email protected]. We are drawing up a package of emergency support for those affected, including short-term financial assistance, temporary accommodation and business recovery support.

Access to Highlands Farm
We understand that residents, business owners and landowners are keen to access properties within the Highlands Farm site. For the safety of everyone involved and to preserve the integrity of the investigation into the fire, only authorised personnel wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment are currently permitted to enter the site and it remains under an Essex Police cordon.
We recognise the disruption this is causing and appreciate the patience and understanding of those affected and impacted. Access arrangements will be reviewed by the fire service as the investigation progresses and when it is safe to do so. As soon as there is any change to the current restrictions we will share this information with you.

Where possible the fire service has been facilitating visits by residents and business owners to their properties within the cordon, to enable them to pick up items they need or items they need to secure.

27/07/2026

Due to the closure of the Village Hall, tomorrow's Full Council meeting will now be taking place at All Saint's Church, Rettendon and 7.30 pm.

24/07/2026

Rettendon Parish Council is aware of the fire at a warehouse on Highlands Farm in Rettendon.

The emergency services are in attendance and are dealing with the incident.

Residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed until further notice and to follow any advice issued by the emergency services.

If you have been affected by the incident or require any support, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Council (07852 138878 or 07711 873788). While we may not be able to provide assistance directly, we will do our best to help or signpost you to the appropriate support.

Our thanks go out to all of the emergency services responding to this incident.

22/07/2026