South Woodham Ferrers Liberal Democrats

02/09/2026

The new Chelmsford Street Care Rangers have been busy in and around Chelmsford. If you see any areas in South Woodham Ferrers that need a tidy up you can let us know or report it here https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environment-and-public-health/street-problem-report/

28/07/2026

An update from Chelmsford City Council for businesses and residents affected by the Highlands Farm Incident:

Notice 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.

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.

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.

26/07/2026

On Friday morning, Terry & Donna were pleased to attend the opening of the Community Book Library in Saltcoats Community Orchard.

Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford gave a speech and the ribbon was cut by Cllr Bob Massey, Mayor of South Woodham Ferrers who was accompanied by his consort Ali Massey. Also in attendance were other SWF Town councillors and staff from Chelmsford City Councils Parks Service.

25/07/2026

Chelmsford City Council have requested that this update be shared with residents.

📢 Update: debris from the Highlands Farm fire

We know that some pieces of debris may have travelled beyond the site of the fire.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has let us know that the overall risk to public health from smoke and debris is low and shared some helpful advice.

🔶 If you find debris on your property and need to remove it, pick up any larger pieces wearing protective gloves and double bag them in two plastic bags. You can then dispose of this in your black bin or at your local household recycling centre.

🔶 As a precaution, the UKHSA is also advising the following:
🔸 Don't sweep or vacuum debris, as this may create dust.
🔸 If debris has settled on your lawn, please avoid mowing until it has been removed.

🔶 Some people who were exposed to the smoke may have experienced temporary symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, watery eyes or mild breathing difficulties. These symptoms should improve once away from the affected area, but if you're concerned or your symptoms persist, please contact your GP or NHS 111.

We'll be adding further advice and updates to this page on our website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/highlandsfarm

📷 Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

25/07/2026

Our thanks go to all the brave firefighters, police officers and other emergency workers who help keep us safe

Highlands Farm Incident update from Chief Fire Officer Rick Hylton:

"I want to provide an update on the fire at Highlands Farm, near East Hanningfield, and to recognise the incredible efforts of our firefighters and partner agencies who have responded to this significant incident. This is one of the most challenging and complex incidents Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has responded to in recent years."

Full statement, link in comments.

09/07/2026

Great news to see that the 336 Sunday Service is being reinstated wef 26th July 2026 through a "Love Your Bus" grant from First Bus to SWF Town Council.

The changes include more connections to hospitals, a new link to Elizabeth Line trains and a seasonal service to support tourism and visitor trips over the summer

05/07/2026

Residents in SWF can report issues either through your local city councillor or on the Report It web page https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environment-and-public-health/street-problem-report/

We're pleased to announce that we have secured new funding for Chelmsford Highway Rangers! 👍

The Rangers will be able to keep Chelmsford clean and tidy by:
- cutting back vegetation on footpaths 🌲
- washing street names & road signs 🚿
- painting some gates and structures 🖌️
- minor maintenance work and general tidying 🛠️

They will help smaller, everyday road and pavement jobs be completed more quickly.

Larger works (like replacing road signs or repairing pavements) are still under the remit of Essex County Council. However, the rangers will tackle many everyday issues, as part of our commitment to keep communities cleaner, safer and more attractive for residents across Chelmsford.

30/06/2026

Donna & Terry, your SWF Lib Dem councillors, popped along to Creeksea Road wildlife area on Sunday. We were pleasantly surprised to see the number of insect life and native species of wildflower. We observed 4 species of butterfly and Donna spotted at least 10 species of wildflowers she could name and many more she couldn't. The native tree species are starting to grow now. Whilst we were there we heard a green woodpecker calling too.

29/06/2026

Terry attended the Skills Festival which was enjoyed by over 1000 students from across Chelmsford including a group from William de Ferrers School.

Pupils from six of Chelmsford’s secondary schools took part in a lively, festival-style careers event on Thursday 25 June.