This was the dramatic scene in January when the River Roding burst its banks following heavy rain.

The river, which runs from Dunmow through Epping Forest and east London before joining the River Thames, burst its banks near Abridge on January 15.

Redbridge Council was ordered to pay a family £4,500 in compensation after failing to support two severely disabled teenagers.

The Local Government Ombudsman decided on October 15 that the pair, now adult men, should be paid £1,000 each, while their mother should receive £2,500.

Their mother, identified only as Ms X to protect the family’s identity, complained her sons were left without care to which they were legally entitled for weeks, forcing her to quit her job.

Snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan stepped forward to support his community over Christmas alongside several hard-working, caring volunteers.

Two of Waltham Forest's most inspiring community projects, The Hornbeam Centre and The Gleaners Community Cafe, have been supporting residents with hot nutritious meals throughout the pandemic.

On Christmas Day, Mr O'Sullivan received an invitation to hand out meals and bags to those in need, which the keen runner accepted.

Drivers were facing the prospect of having to pay to use roads in Epping Forest as the council weighed up plans to implement a clean air zone.

The council said development of housing in the district will mean that by 2025 it will be necessary to implement a charge on motorists – similar to the London ULEZ – to protect the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (SAC) from harm caused by emissions.