Scam alert – Don’t let them in
Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) are warning residents about a possible scam involving people claiming to be from our health and safety team and asking to visit or inspect homes.
These callers are not acting on behalf of EFDC. If someone contacts you unexpectedly, asks to enter your home, or requests personal or payment information. We want to reassure residents that legitimate visits arranged by EFDC will follow clear procedures:
- Visits are arranged by appointment in advance
- Staff and contractors will carry photo ID and will be happy to show it when they arrive
- You can ask the caller to wait while you check the visit with us using official contact details
- You will not be asked for payment at the door. If payment is required, it will be made through an approved payment route or arranged directly with the council
If you are unsure whether a visit or call is genuine:
- Do not let the person into your home
- Do not share personal information, bank details or make any payment
- Check the visit with our Customer Contact Centre on 01992 564000 or with Qualis Management on 0333 230 0464
- If you feel threatened or believe a crime is in progress, call the police on 999. For non-emergencies, call 101
Scammers also use emails or text messages that appear genuine. If a message makes you suspicious:
- Stop – do not click links, open attachments, reply, or use any phone numbers or addresses in the message
- Contact the organisation directly – use details from its official website or a trusted letter you already have
- Report suspicious messages to Action Fraud – Call 0300 123 2040 or use the online fraud reporting tool
Please stay vigilant and take a moment to check before trusting anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Genuine staff will understand if you want to verify who they are.
St Clare Night Walk
St Clare Hospice is currently facing significant financial challenges, and fundraising events such as the Night Walk are more important than ever. The vital funds raised through events like this help St Clare continue providing compassionate care and support to local people and their families when they need it most.
The Night Walk is on Saturday 10th October 2026, 10pm, Epping (event base held at Epping St Johns School), https://stclarehospice.org.uk/nightwalk/
See poster for further details – St Clare Night Walk Flyer
Planning our way to energy resilience
Discover how Epping Forest communities can start planning for a resilient energy future – and how you can join them at our free POWER workshop on Saturday 3 October 2026, 10am to 12 noon, at Epping Forest District Council civic offices, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ.
What if more of the energy we use was generated locally – and owned by the community?
Across Essex, towns and villages are exploring how locally owned renewable energy could cut costs, strengthen energy resilience and keep more of the financial benefits within their communities.
This free, interactive workshop will introduce POWER: Planning Our Way to Energy Resilience – a tailored programme of support from Essex County Council, developed in partnership with Community Climate Action. Exploring how to help shape, develop and potentially own local renewable energy projects – Places are free – book your tickets here
Open to anyone interested in cleaner, greener and more affordable energy, including, local residents, community and environmental groups, residents’ associations, local businesses and landowners, schools, charities and community facilities and anyone curious about community-owned renewable energy. Find out how POWER can help your town, parish or neighbourhood create its own local energy plan.
Suicide Awareness Event
This event will provide an opportunity to understand more about suicide, reduce stigma and encourage compassion towards ourselves and each other in a safe, welcoming and accessible space. Open to all adults who may be affected by suicide and for those interested to learn more.
Its on Wednesday 23rd September 2026, 1pm – 4pm, GreenAcres Epping Park, Kiln Road, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6AD
Itinerary:
1pm – 2.30pm suicide awareness talk
2.30pm – 4pm refreshments and access to a range of support organisations
Book your free place here or call 01992 564226 – suicide awareness 23.9.26