Parish Councillors and Clerks recently attended a Emergency first aid at work course run by Big John Direct. We learnt a number of life saving techniques including performing resuscitation and using a defibrillator and action in an emergency. As ever, Big John was a great trainer. The funds from the course were used to update the pads and battery in the defibrillator at the Chequers.
Whilst we appreciate most residents with dogs are very conscientious. We would like to remind dog owners that their dogs must be on the lead in our allotment sites. We have had a number of incidents of dog owners allowing their pooches to run over allotment plots. This is now clearly signposted. Additionally, a reminder dogs are not allowed at the Paradise Road sports ground.
You may have noticed some of our oak trees on the Green have been fenced off. This is due to oak processionary moths. The Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) is a quarantine pest and is under official control and must be reported. Although any tree can be infected they prefer mature oak trees. The moths are becoming more common.
Why does it matter to me?
OPM caterpillars and nests contain hairs which cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations and can cause breathing difficulties in people and animals. The caterpillars can shed hairs when they are disturbed. The nests and the caterpillars should not be touched. The greatest risk is between May to July when the caterpillars are most active.
What do they look like?
The nests are web like structure and are located on the boughs and branches of predominantly oak trees. The hairy caterpillars process in formation when they are moving, hence their name.
What action have the Parish Council taken?
We have had our oak trees reviewed by tree professionals. This years nests have been removed. The Forestry Commission has determined Writtle is located in the buffer zone. Currently they are actively treating sites in the buffer zone by spraying trees. We have reported the trees we can see have nests to the Forestry Commission and the trees will be sprayed in the spring. We will, as a precaution, relocate the two benches from under the large oak tree on the Green.
Chelmsford City Council is reviewing its waste and recycling collection routes to help maintain an efficient and reliable service as the city continues to grow.
Because collection days may change for some households from early 2027, the council will not be issuing its usual printed recycling calendar this autumn.
Around 90% of households are expected to keep the same collection day. For those affected, this will be a change to the day of collection only. Collection frequencies are not changing. Chelmsford City Council will inform affected residents ahead of changes being made.
Residents can check their latest collection information at any time on the Chelmsford website or through the Loci app.
WRITTLE PARISH COUNCIL
