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Latest news from PFCC Roger Hirst - Friday 1st August 2025
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Five leading Essex politicians have written an open joint letter to Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the continued use of hotels within the Epping Forest District to house newly arrived asylum seekers.
The letter, signed by Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar ,Cllr Christopher Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council and Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council was sent to the Home Secretary this morning, Wednesday 30th July.
The letter reads: “These sites are proving to be entirely unsuitable and are placing an unsustainable strain on police resources, creating significant community tension, and leading to public disorder that is unacceptable to our residents and deeply concerning for the safety of all involved.”
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PFCC speaks about public safety concerns in Epping on LBC radio
This weekend, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst spoke with Iain Dale on LBC about the ongoing protests in Epping and the use of the Bell Hotel to house asylum seekers.
During the interview, PFCC Roger Hirst renewed calls for the immediate closure of the Bell Hotel in Epping, currently being used to house asylum seekers, citing escalating community tensions, public safety concerns and a significant strain on police resources.
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Community Speedwatch help record 301 speeding drivers on Essex roads
Working alongside Essex Police and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, trained local volunteers monitored vehicle speeds in key locations across the county—raising awareness of the risks of speeding and encouraging drivers to slow down and drive responsibly.
The Community Speed Watch Groups, using equipment funded by the PFCC Essex, joined officers to tackle speeding on some of the county’s busiest roads last week (21 – 27 July).
Samantha Wright, Road Crime and Safer Essex Roads Operational Co-Ordinator said:
"Community Speed Watch is a powerful way to bring communities and police together to protect lives because speeding in residential areas—especially near junctions, homes, and schools—puts lives at risk. These results show just how vital this work is."
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Dovercourt Fire Station Open Day
Saturday 2nd August, 10am until 4pm, Dovercourt Fire Station, Fronks Road, Dovercourt
West Mersea Fire Station Open Day
Saturday 2nd August, 10am until 4pm, West Mersea Fire Station, Barfield Road, West Mersea
"Let's Talk" with your Neighbourhood Policing Team
'Let's Talk' Sessions in Southend are scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 2pm to 3pm outside the Jubilee Beach Office on Marine Parade in Southend.
PFCC Rochford Public Meeting
Tuesday 30th September 2025 - venue tbc
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