Little Baddow Parish Council Community Update

From: Peter Irvine

Date: August 2026

Subject: Anti-Social Behaviour & River Pollution Concerns

Dear Residents,

I am writing to reassure you that Little Baddow Parish Council (LBPC) is doing everything within its power to support our community in addressing the anti-social behaviour that has been impacting our village.

We fully recognise the stress and frustration these incidents cause, particularly around Paper Mill Lock and Little Baddow Lock. Please be assured that we are taking this situation extremely seriously.

Action Taken on Anti-Social Behaviour

To tackle these issues head-on, LBPC convened a targeted meeting bringing together parish councillors alongside key decision-makers from across our local authorities and emergency services, including:

  • Chelmsford City Council
  • Essex Police
  • Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS)
  • Essex Waterways
  • The Parking Partnership

Because the situation is reaching a critical point, we have also directly approached the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for formal support.

How You Can Help: Reporting Incidents

To get the resources our village needs, we need your help. Essex Police allocate resources based on reported data. If incidents go unreported, the police simply will not have an accurate picture of the true scale of what is taking place.

Please report every single incident, no matter how minor it may seem:

  • Immediate Danger or Emergencies: Call 999 straight away.
  • Non-Emergencies: Call 101 or report the incident online via the Essex Police Website.
  • Dangerous Driving / Poor Motorist Behaviour: If you have dashcam or video evidence, submit it directly to Extra Eyes at saferessexroads.org/extra-eyes.

⚠️ Important Note: Please do not rely on posting incidents on social media. Essex Police cannot take official action on social media posts. Always report through official channels, and always ensure you ask for and record your crime or incident reference number.

River Pollution & Anglian Water

In addition to anti-social behaviour, we are deeply concerned about the environmental quality of our river.

The monitoring equipment on the Anglian Water web site seems to suggest that Anglian Water is discharging raw sewage directly into the river. Crucially, it appears that current monitoring equipment is failing to capture the full extent of these discharges. Compounded by the recent lack of rain, the level of pollution in the river is worsening.

We are actively challenging this and working hard on your behalf to demand accountability and action.

Working Together for Little Baddow

Your local council is firmly on your side. We need to work together as a strong community to ensure Little Baddow gets the attention and enforcement it deserves. Please continue to voice and raise your concerns as and when they happen.

Thank you for your ongoing support and vigilance.

Warm regards,

Peter Irvine

Chair of Little Baddow Parish Council

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