Opinion

MP Neil Hudson has been celebrating Epping's volunteers

Dr Neil Hudson met Loughton Mayor David Wixley and volunteers from the Epping Forest District Museum during  Loughton Day 2025 (Image: Office of Neil Hudson) <i>(Image: Office of Neil Hudson)</i>
Dr Neil Hudson met Loughton Mayor David Wixley and volunteers from the Epping Forest District Museum during Loughton Day 2025 (Image: Office of Neil Hudson) (Image: Office of Neil Hudson)
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I want to begin by updating on the ongoing situation regarding the Bell Hotel.

Many constituents have contacted me to share their concerns.  I continue to call on the Government to close the Bell Hotel and have been pressing for a meeting with ministers to discuss the situation in light of the recent court proceedings.

I fully understand how strongly people feel about this and will continue to push for a resolution.

 As we approach the Autumn Budget, I have also heard from a number of local businesses who are anxious about the impact that future fiscal decisions may have on them.

It was a pleasure to speak at a Business Breakfast hosted by Haslers Accountants in Loughton, where I heard first-hand about the challenges facing local employers.

In light of the difficult climate for employers, I will ensure that these concerns are being raised in order to make sure that our local businesses can continue to thrive.

It was a real pleasure to visit High Beech CofE Primary School and meet with the pupils who are a real credit to their families and school.

I was also delighted to visit the St Clare Hospice Shop in Loughton to meet the dedicated staff and volunteers supporting compassionate end-of-life care delivered by this caring hospice.

Dr Neil Hudson has enjoyed meeting the volunteers who work locally(Image: London Portrait Photoqrapher-David Woolfall)

Loughton Day held at Loughton Cricket Club has been another highlight so far this Autumn.

I greatly enjoyed meeting representatives from many wonderful local organisations, including Spark Mentoring and Counselling, the local Fire Brigade, Loughton Athletic Club, Epping Forest District Museum, 3Food4U, the Samaritans, Churches Together in Loughton, and the Epping Forest Food Bank, to name but a few.

Events like this highlight the wonderful community spirit here in Epping Forest, and I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to the extraordinary work carried out by local volunteers.

I was honoured to attend and speak at the dinner for the City of London Corporation Epping Forest and Commons Committee, whose vital work helps protect our beautiful Epping Forest.

I am extremely grateful to their team and volunteers for all that they do. As development pressures continue, it remains essential that we safeguard our precious green belt for future generations.

And finally, it was an honour to join the celebrations and speak at the Diwali event at BAPS Chigwell Mandir. Our community coming together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness was hugely uplifting.

  • Neil Hudson is Conservative MP for Epping Forest.

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