This is a time of great stress and worry for us all and it is important that we all carry on following the public health guidance from the Government.

One positive I have witnessed from this difficult situation of a world pandemic, which none of us ever realised we would actually experience, is the fantastic community coming together where I live in Roding Ward and across Loughton.

I am not surprised by that as Loughton has always had a strong sense of community - and long may it continue.

I, like others, have directly witnessed and heard about numerous acts of neighbours helping each other out and doing their very best to keep an extra special eye out for their most vulnerable neighbours.

I also know that both Loughton Town Council and Epping Forest District Council are doing and will continue to do their very best to keep our essential services going.

Stephen Murray

Loughton Roding Ward Town and Epping Forest district councillor