Day 30 of Lockdown

On day 30, Essex County Council turns its’ attention to the technology our children might be using during the lockdown.  We have official confirmation that the NEEB Holdings appeal has been postponed.  Finally Neil Diamond asks you to join him in song.

Every Family Matters – ECC Announcement

Technology can provide young people with a window to the world, offering them lots of different opportunities to learn new things, have fun and stay in touch with friends and family.

Staying connected is important right now and if your child is not currently at school, you might find they are spending more time online at home, playing games, scrolling through social media, or chatting to friends.

Hidden Dangers

While it’s important that young people maintain social contact at the moment and have regular downtime to relax, it’s vital that they know how to navigate the internet and social media safely, and remain aware of who they are talking to at all times.

Technology can make it easy for people to disguise who they really are and this anonymity can make it easy for young people to be taken advantage of, sometimes without even realising it’s happening.

Positive Action

As a parent or carer, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest online trends, particularly when it comes to social media platforms, or to stay up-to-date with what your child is doing online. However, there are lots of steps you can take to keep them safe.

Start by having a conversation with your child and ask them to show you what they’re using the internet for and who they are talking to. You can also use this conversation as a chance to explain some of the risks and encourage them to share any concerns they might have about anything they’ve seen, or anyone they’ve spoken to.

Parental Controls

You can also set-up parental controls to help restrict the potential for young people to be targeted by perpetrators. This can include changing the settings on online games and social media accounts to private.

Remember, every family matters and if you need support right now, we are here to help. Visit the Staying Well Children and Families page (there is one for adults as well) on our website to find out more about how we can help you help your child stay safe online.

NEEB Appeal

On 17th April the Planning Inspectorate wrote to Colchester Borough Council with the following notice:

Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Appeal by NEEB Holdings Ltd
Site Address: Land at Armoury Road, West Bergholt, Colchester, CO6 3JW

The hearing arranged for 05 May 2020 has been cancelled because

Following the latest government advice about the Coronavirus – COVID-19 the Inspector has decided to postpone the hearing. I apologise for the short notice. We will be in touch about a new date in due course. Meanwhile please can you draw this to the attention of
anyone who may have been planning to attend.

Please inform anyone who was told of the arrangements. I recommend that a notice of the cancellation is displayed at the hearing venue. If notice of the arrangements has been displayed at the appeal site, please overwrite the notice.

We will contact you again to arrange a new date.

A number of residents have already raised their voices, with the main objections being that the application:

• is not consistent with the village’s Neighbourhood Plan, and
• proposes road access that is dangerous and unsuitable.

View Planning Application.

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