Broomfield Parish Council

09/10/2026

One of Essex’s biggest celebrations of science is set to return to Chelmsford this October to inspire people of all ages to explore our incredible universe. This takes place from 20-28 October 2026 lots to explore at Chelmsford's Science Festival

Chelmsford Science Festival has revealed a packed programme of more than 30 events taking place from 20-28 October.

07/10/2026

Chelmsford residents are being encouraged to help nature thrive on their doorstep as Chelmsford City Council's popular free tree giveaway returns this autumn.

As part of the council's Love Your Chelmsford Space to Thrive campaign, 1,200 free trees will be available between 5 October and 5 November 2026. The scheme aims to create more homes for wildlife across the district while giving people the opportunity to support nature and help tackle climate change.

The giveaway is open exclusively to Chelmsford residents and is available on a first come, first served basis, with one tree available per household while stocks last.

Although the trees are currently young saplings measuring approximately 40 to 60cm in height, they have the potential to become valuable habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife, helping to make Chelmsford an even greener place to live.

Helping nature thrive, one tree at a time
Trees play a vital role in supporting wildlife and creating healthier environments. They provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other animals, improve air quality and help capture carbon from the atmosphere.

Every tree planted through the scheme will contribute to Chelmsford's growing tree canopy, helping to create greener neighbourhoods and providing benefits for wildlife and people for years to come.

Whether you have a large garden, a small courtyard or room for a potted tree, there is a species to suit a variety of outdoor spaces.

Tree collection dates and locations
When claiming a tree, residents will be asked to choose one of the following collection locations:
• Compass Gardens Park: Thursday 26 November, 10am to 2pm
• Melbourne Park: Friday 27 November, 10am to 2pm
• Bell Meadow Park: Saturday 28 November, 9.30am to 1pm

Members of the council's parks team will be on hand at each collection point to provide advice on planting and caring for the young trees.

06/10/2026

Community Transport User & Awareness Survey 2026.

Due to the positive level of engagement received so far, Essex County Council has decided to extend the survey period until 30 October 2026 to provide additional time for residents to participate.

This will allow more time for residents, carers, volunteers, Community Transport users, and those interested in Community Transport services to share their views and experiences.

The survey aims to help us better understand:
• How residents use Community Transport services.
• Levels of awareness of services available locally.
• User experiences and satisfaction.
• Barriers to accessing services.
• Unmet transport needs.
• The wider impact Community Transport has on independence and wellbeing.

Survey Link:
https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/iptu/community-transport-user-and-awareness-survey-2026

22/09/2026

Thank you to James (3) the 'Little Litter Picker' who collected a large bag of rubbish from the park at Broomfield Village Hall with his Grandad today - well done 👏

21/09/2026

NHS Membership Engagement Strategy 2025-2028

NHS Essex and its partners are developing a new service to support people whose physical or mental health is making it harder to work, find work or return to work.

They are looking to hear specifically from people who:
• are currently out of work and finding it difficult to find or return to work because of a physical or mental health condition, disability or period of ill health; or
• are currently in work but are struggling to stay in work or manage their job because of a physical or mental health condition, disability or period of ill health.
What are we asking?

They want to understand what support people need when health affects work, where they would go for help, and what might prevent them from accessing support.

Your views will help shape future health and work support services in Essex.

The survey has 10 questions and takes around 5 minutes to complete.

Responses are anonymous and confidential.

The survey closes on 16 October 2026.

If you need a paper copy of the survey, please email the Get Involved team at [email protected] and we can arrange this for you.

Please help us reach the right people

If this survey does not apply to you, you can still help by forwarding this email or sharing the survey with people you know who may fit the criteria.

Hearing directly from people whose health is affecting their working lives will help NHS Essex and its partners understand the barriers they face and what could make a real difference.

The findings will help shape the development of future health and work support services and communications across Essex.

Thank you for helping us reach the people whose experiences we most need to hear.

17/09/2026

The latest edition of Broomfield Times has been delivered to every household, business, school, etc on Monday - we hope you received yours?
Copies are available from the foyer of Broomfield Village Hall and here is a link for those outside of Broomfield

16/09/2026

Chelmsford City Council is updating its kerbside bin collection routes to help ensure residents continue to receive the best possible waste and recycling service as Chelmsford develops and more homes are added to existing rounds.

While this work is happening, the city council will not be issuing printed recycling calendars. The new collection routes are currently being reviewed with changes expected to be implemented in early 2027. It’s thought that around 10% of residents will see a change to their collection day, although it’s not yet known exactly which addresses will be affected.

There are no plans to change how often collections take place or what is collected - the only thing that might change is the collection day or round.

This work is focused solely on rebalancing collection rounds to help provide the most efficient service for residents. As schedules may change before the routes are finalised, a printed calendar could quickly become out of date.

Check collection days online
Residents can still check their collection day online at any time using the council's collection day checker. This online service provides the latest information about recycling and waste collections for each property.

To make it even easier to keep track of collection dates, residents can also download the free Loci app. The app provides handy collection reminders direct to users' devices, helping residents avoid missing a collection. It also allows users to check the latest collection schedules and access a range of other council information and services.

The council is encouraging residents to use these digital tools while the route updates are completed, ensuring they always have access to the most up-to-date collection information.

You can check your current collection schedule online on the Chelmsford City Council website.

The Loci app is available to download from your device's app store and it can be set up to send reminders the night before bin day: https://lociapp.co.uk/chelmsford-city-council

08/09/2026

Essex Book Festival is teaming up with Chelmsford Community Radio on a new project - the Essex Bookworm Podcast. They're looking for 12 young people to devise, shape and present a new monthly 20-minute podcast talking all things books, including interviews with local authors, book reviews and quizzes.

Participants aged between 13 and 17 will create content, conduct interviews, and learn how to edit and shape a podcast for broadcast. The organisers are hosting two free training sessions at Anglia Ruskin University on Saturday 19 and 26 September, between 10am and 4pm.

If you, or a young person you know is interested in taking part, get in touch using the email address - [email protected]>

08/09/2026

Concerned about fire safety in your home? Book a free visit to check your smoke & carbon alarms are up-to-date & receive valuable advice:

Keeping your home safe from fire is an important part of living safe and well. That’s why we offer free Home Safety Visits to all residents across Essex.

03/09/2026

Publicly accessible Electric Vehicle charging at Broomfield Village Hall:
As a commitment to both improving the infrastructure for residents of Broomfield within the village and contributing towards the switch away from fossil fuels, Broomfield Parish Council has installed two 22KW Electric Vehicle charging points in the Village Hall car park.
The charging points are available 24/7 to anyone wishing to charge their electric vehicle. Access to the charging points is set up with a simple account opened via the Tap Electric app.
The standard cost for charging is 59p per KWh, but for residents of Broomfield Parish there is a discounted rate. To obtain access to the discounted rate, residents will need to produce proof of residence and provide an email address, by contacting the Parish Council Clerk, Abi Wood, on 441660 or via email to [email protected]. Alternatively, call into the office in person, within the Village Hall. Acceptable proof of address will include a recent Council Tax bill, photographic driving licence and vehicle registration document.