A big thank you to the Chelmsford City Council Highway Rangers. They have done an amazing job cutting back the vegetation along Chelmsford Road. The pavements along this key route to Hylands school are now cleared. They have taken extra time to clear the roots growing over the path so it is now wider for pedestrians. A job very well done!
After what started as a miserable rainy Saturday morning, the residents of Writtle came out in numbers to celebrate the opening of Writtle Pétanque and made the morning one to remember. Grey skies and a persistent drizzle threatened to dampen spirits early on, but nobody seemed to mind — umbrellas went up, raincoats went on and the village turned out regardless and by mid-morning, as if nature itself wanted to join the celebrations, the clouds parted and sunshine broke through just as the first boules began to roll.
The new terrain looked wonderful, and it was clear from the first throw that this project has been a genuine labour of love. Special thanks must go to Jean Edwards, whose idea it was to bring pétanque to the parish. Thanks also to the generous Writtle resident whose private donation helped part-fund the terrain; such community spirit is exactly what makes this village special. And of course, huge appreciation goes to the Parish Council, who organised both the taster sessions in the lead-up and Saturday’s wonderful grand opening itself.
Throughout the morning, Newcomers and seasoned players mixed easily, swapping tips between rounds, and laughing over near-misses, while the odd glass of something chilled kept spirits high. The atmosphere was one of genuine community warmth.
Writtle now has a fantastic new hub for sport and socialising alike. Congratulations to everyone involved — here’s to many more days on the terrain for years to come.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Writtle Pétanque or joining the committee please e-mail writtlepetanque@gmail.com. The committee are next meeting at the pétanque terrain on 10 October at 10:30 if you would like to join them.
The terrain is now fully open. Just bring boules, turn up and play. Located on Oxney Green Park (Pleasure Bit) on Ongar Road / East View.
HOSEPIPE BAN IN ESSEX
The restrictions and Blue Badge / disability exemptions
| KEY POINT: Essex & Suffolk Water specifically lists Blue Badge and mobility exemptions. Anglian Water uses a health/disability test and its Priority Services arrangements. The rules are not identical. |
Temporary Use Bans (hosepipe bans) are currently in force across the Anglian Water region and the Essex & Suffolk Water supply area. They have been introduced after prolonged dry weather, low river levels and very high demand for water. The aim is to reduce non-essential mains-water use and protect public supplies, rivers, wildlife and the wider environment.
Essex & Suffolk Water’s current statutory notice gives a discretionary exemption to Blue Badge holders on the grounds of disability for several restricted activities, including watering a garden and watering plants with a hosepipe. It also gives a concession to customers who have mobility issues but do not hold a Blue Badge. This is particularly important for people who cannot reasonably carry or repeatedly refill a watering can.
Anglian Water does not treat possession of a Blue Badge alone as an automatic exemption. Its current guidance says an exception may apply where a person is physically unable to safely use a watering can or bucket because of a health condition, disability or additional support need. Anglian Water’s published restrictions also identify qualifying Priority Services customers who cannot make reasonable adjustments because of health or disability.
For Anglian Water, the current customer FAQs say that if a statutory exception applies, you do not need to apply for the exception or notify the company. However, Anglian Water encourages eligible customers to join its Priority Services Register, and its formal statutory notice says customers who need the health/disability concession and are not already on the register should contact Anglian Water to be added. If you are unsure, registering for Priority Services is the safest course.
Unless an exception applies, the restrictions cover using a mains-fed hosepipe, sprinkler or pressure washer for activities such as watering gardens and plants, washing private vehicles, cleaning patios, paths, walls or windows, filling paddling pools or hot tubs, and filling or topping up ornamental water features or ponds.
Current dates: Anglian Water restrictions have been enforceable since 11 July 2026. Essex & Suffolk Water’s current Temporary Use Ban took effect in August 2026 and remains subject to the supplier’s current notices.
Keeping the garden alive while using less water
You can still use a watering can or bucket, collect and use water from a water butt, use stored rainwater and reuse suitable household water where it is safe for plants. Anglian Water also allows a hosepipe connected to a water butt or other recycled-water storage system rather than the mains. Certain compliant drip or trickle irrigation systems are also excepted.
Fit a water butt to a downpipe if possible and keep spare containers ready for rainfall. Even a short shower can provide useful water for pots, hanging baskets, vegetables and newly planted shrubs. Cover open containers where appropriate and use stored water before returning to mains water.
Water left in drinking glasses or from rinsing fruit and vegetables can be used on plants. Suitable bath or washing-up water can sometimes be reused, but avoid water containing bleach, disinfectants, strong cleaning products or high levels of salt. Do not store household grey water for long periods.
Water early in the morning or later in the evening so less is lost through evaporation. Aim water at the soil and roots rather than leaves. Prioritise containers, vegetables, fruit, new plants and recently planted trees or shrubs. Established lawns may turn brown in dry weather but usually recover when rain returns.
Add a layer of mulch such as compost, bark or leaf mould around plants. Mulch slows evaporation, keeps roots cooler and reduces the need for frequent watering. Water thoroughly but less often to encourage deeper roots.
Anglian Water says an average hosepipe uses at least 15–17 litres of water per minute. Ten minutes of hosepipe use can therefore use more water than the roughly 120 litres used by an average Anglian Water customer in a whole day. A watering can makes it easier to target only the plants that need water.
An exemption exists so that disability, illness or reduced mobility does not unfairly prevent someone from carrying out necessary tasks. Even when hosepipe use is permitted, using the minimum amount of water needed helps protect supplies for everyone.
| CHECK BEFORE USING A HOSEPIPE: Restrictions and exceptions can change. Check your own supplier’s current guidance, especially if you are relying on a disability, mobility or Priority Services exception. |
We are delighted to announce the petanque terrain at Oxney Green Park (the Pleasure Bit) will be officially opened on 29th August from 10 – 12:00. Just turn up to have a try petanque. Refreshments will be provided. There will also be the opportunity to sign up to hear more about Writtle Petanque.
Oxney Green Park is on the corner of Ongar Road and East View. Please feel free to bring a seat.
Writtle Sports & Social Club
Paradise Road
Writtle, Chelmsford
CM1 3HW
WRITTLE PARISH COUNCIL
