Changes to bin collections

You may have noticed some changes to the bin collections over the last few months, including day changes for a handful of our residents.

The Waste Service Team's move to a new depot at Little Canfield last year meant we had to change some of our operational procedures, which in turn has had a knock-on effect for some bin collections. Whilst the move on the whole has led to improvements in the service, we've also experienced a few teething issues whilst we settle in to a routine. 

In addition, we've also had a recent change to the location where we deliver collected general, recycling and garden waste. This has increased travel times for our crews and put pressure on them being able to complete some of their work.

We are currently reviewing the rounds with the intention of making some further changes to ensure all residents continue to receive a reliable service. We will of course keep everyone updated and will inform residents of any changes we make with as much advance warning as possible.

Hot weather

It's been predicted that we will see some warmer weather than normal in July, with the possibility of an extended 40 degree heatwave.

In order to maintain a reliable bin collection service and to protect our staff, we are looking at our ways of working should this happen. It is likely that staff working hours may need to be adjusted – this may mean residents will need to place their bins out earlier than normal to ensure they are collected.

We will let you know if and when this situation arises, and will update our website and social media channels as necessary.

Residents can also sign up to receive bin collection updates by email, via: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/keep-me-posted.

Laura Atkinson from the Rural Community Council of Essex has put together a report for local councils and neighbourhood planning groups looking at how a housing needs survey and free impartial advice can be a key starting point when responding to local housing challenges.

The report includes information about community-led housing and rural exception sites.

Laura is a Rural Housing Enabler who works closely with our own Housing Strategy, Enabling & Development Officer, Peter Lock.

They would be happy to talk with you about what the options are when it comes to rural affordable housing.

► See the UDC website for more details about rural affordable housing and how to get in touch

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting local residents and local economy, we're launching a new campaign – Start-up September.

We have a thriving business community in Uttlesford, made up of innovative micro businesses, and this campaign will be a series of activities aimed at inspiring and informing entrepreneurs living in the district.

We’ve partnered with industry experts and will be offering a month of training, business coaching and webinars. We’ll also be launching a new business start-up grant.

Most of the activities will be happening in week commencing 18 September and publicity will start in the next couple of weeks or so. We would ask for your help in sharing the messages as far and wide within your communities as possible.

Business Directory

In the meantime, we are developing an online Uttlesford business directory which is a free-to-use service for residents. There is no cost to join the directory – the only qualifying criteria is that the business is based within Uttlesford.

Full details are available at: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/join-directory

You are welcome to share this information with any businesses or groups that you think may be keen to join.

Free things for kids to do this summer

We are conscious of the added expense that the summer holidays bring for families, so we have pulled together a page on Discover Uttlesford dedicated to free things to do with kids. 

If you are aware of anything local that should be included please let us know – email business@uttlesford.gov.uk.

The annual update to the electoral register has started and  emails have been sent to households in the district for which we have email addresses.  These households need to respond to confirm that there are no changes by midnight on Wednesday 5 July. 

Anyone who has no email or doesn’t respond will be sent a green letter – no action need be taken.

The 23% of households where we couldn’t match all electors will be sent a yellow letter this week to take action and check/update their details. 

You can find out more about the annual canvass on the UDC website.

Sunday 16 July, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm

Our Climate Change team is organising another 'come and try' cycling event in Saffron Walden, with the aim of boosting participation.

The guided bike rides are led by professionals to help people increase their confidence in cycling further afield. Competent children are welcome but they must be able to ride for two hours at a medium pace. 

Slots must be booked in advance.

► Book 10am to 12pm session

► Book 1pm to 3pm session

Essex County Council is running a public consultation on a new Essex Electric Vehicle Charge Point Strategy. 

There are currently 300 registered public charge points in Essex but it is predicted a minimum of 1,500 will be needed by 2025, rising to 6,000 by 2030. 

The strategy sets out plans for how to deliver ‘the Right Charger in the Right Place’.

The consultation closes on 30 July and residents and businesses are invited to take part.

More details are available here: www.essexhighways.org/ev-strategy.

Love Essex has relaunched its award-winning Love Your Period campaign. The aim is to highlight the benefits of using reusable period products, which includes reducing the amount of single-use period products and saving money.

We're helping to promote the campaign across our social media channels and are putting up posters in the toilets within our buildings.

If you too would like to get involved, there is some campaign material that we can send to you. This includes posters that can be displayed in public and village hall toilets.

Please email Becky Tomkins, our Waste & Recycling Officer, for details.