Residents asked to have their say on Essex County Council's proposed Green Essex Strategy

The Green Essex Strategy aims to raise the importance of developing quality green infrastructure and spaces to accompany planned growth in the county over the next twenty years.

Green infrastructures are a combination of natural and semi-natural assets and spaces, connecting urban and rural areas and enhance ecosystem services.

A statement released by Essex County Council says: “The public consultation is intended to enable you and other stakeholders to provide feedback on this draft Green Essex Strategy and to get an understanding of your use of green spaces.

“Your comments will help to finalise the Green Essex Strategy, identify priorities and develop the Green Essex action plan, which will be presented to partners and ECC’s Cabinet Winter 2019.”

The improvement of public parks, play areas, cycle ways, sport pitches and ancient woodland are just some of many assets listed within the proposal.

Loughton Town Mayor, Stephen Murray, also voiced his support and encouragement to read the proposed strategy.

"I am sure that this is an important document and I like others will read it carefully," he said. "However is Essex County Council really expecting residents in Loughton to take their commitment to our green spaces seriously when one of their most senior members , Essex Cabinet member Councillor Gagan Mohindra who represents the Chigwell and Loughton Broadway County seat, supports the building on our community green , Jessel Green by the District Council.

"I would say to Essex County Council help us protect our existing greens first and then have a strategy for their use."

The Green Essex Strategy is available to download at consultations.essex.gov.uk/rci/green-essex-strategy or alternatively, a hard copy is available to view at Epping Library on St John’s Road.

If you have any queries or problems in responding, please contact environment@essex.gov.uk or call 0345 758 5592