An urgent appeal has just been launched by Essex County Council for any small business to donate any unused Personal Protective Equipment they may have within their stock.

With many small businesses currently closed, the council is appealing for any PPE equipment such as Masks, Disposable Gloves, Aprons, Eye Goggles, Overshoes and also any Sanitising Gel that businesses may have, that can be provided to the front line care staff who are caring for the most vulnerable residents in Essex over the coming days and weeks.

Over the last few days there have been many small businesses that have closed to help stop the spread of the virus and ensure people stay home.

Businesses such as restaurants, gyms, beauty salons, nail bars, car body shops, tattoo artists, cleaning companies and hardware stores may have some PPE sitting unused or in cupboards that could help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Essex County Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social care said: "We fully understand the efforts government are making to ensure PPE is available for all who need it, but we equally recognise the challenge they face in reaching beyond the NHS into other parts of the caring system.

 "It may be that there are protective items sitting in storage cupboards that can be put to good use to support our social care workers, care workers and other front-line employees. If you are able to offer up this stock in our fight against this virus, please get in touch. Please share this message with all your friends and family to get the message out there." 

Essex County Council are willing to purchase any stock if needed. To donate or advise us of stock please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your PPE supply details including quantity and postcode, plus a contact name and phone number and someone will be in touch. Any items offered and suitable will be collected safely with collectors observing social distancing and hand hygiene. 

The NHS have set up a new scheme to help those who need it most through COVID-19.

The NHS Volunteer Responders scheme has been set up to support the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak. To do this they need volunteers to support the 1.5 million in England who are most at risk to stay well.

To find out how you can help follow the link:

https://goodsamapp.org/NHS

Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council are delighted to announce that Ingatestone has been recognised as one of the 'Best places to live in the east' a list created by The Times.

Ingatestone was recognised by the national paper alongside Epping, West Mersea and Dedham Valley to make up the Essex selection for this prestigious list.

We would definitely have to agree that Ingatestone is one of the best place to live in the East.

If you would like to read the full article then follow the link below to find out more about what makes Ingatestone so special 

bit.ly/2UfBw9m

IFPC have today come to the decision to follow government advice and close the play areas at Fairfield.

These measures have had to been enforced due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Please respect the closure of the area for your safety and those around you.

Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council have collated a list of 'How to keep busy during isolation' tips. 

We would like to thank GOV.UK, Mind UK and Age UK who we have sourced this information from.

A paper version of this amongst additional information will be delivered to each household over the next couple of days 

To access the full guide please click the link below:

How to keep busy during isolation

Please, look out for your neighbours 

IFPC hold meeting with a local resident creating an action plan for how the council can support residents through COVID-19.

During this unsettling time the council held a meeting with a local resident on how we can support you all.

Details will be released in the next couple of days of the tips and guidance we can give you on how to look after yourself safely as well as others

Please especially at the moment look out for your neighbours 

The Seymour Pavilion coffee morning has been cancelled until the earliest point of April.

We will keep you all updated as to when the next coffee morning will be held but April is the starting point of postponement.

We hope you can understand why we have had to take these measures 

We hope to see you all soon 

Essex County Council has created a great way in which you can volunteer to help during these difficult times.

Please if you can help the most vulnerable members in our local community and join the Essex Coronavirus Action group.

Follow the Facebook page and sign up to volunteer using the links below

Individuals -  Individuals Volunteer Sign-Up

Businesses- Businesses Volunteer Sign-Up

IFPC have made the decision to cancel all meetings until April 30.

Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak the council has made the decision to cancel all meetings in this period.

We hope you understand the need to take these measures due to public safety.

Please especially at the moment, look out for your neighbours. 

Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council have this week begun work experience with a group of lower sixth form students.

The council have begun work experience with a group of Anglo European students in response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

The council has offered the students the chance to learn more about the roles that local government play in the community and how it impacts them.

Cllr Winter has tasked the students with creating an accessibility audit for our High Street businesses.

At the end of the week the students will make a presentation of their findings to teaching staff and some of our councillors.