Chappel Parish Council

27/05/2026

Would you believe it if we told you that not every home in Essex has a working smoke alarm or a smoke alarm at all?

This is really concerning for us.

Today crews attended a kitchen fire in Tilbury where the home owners had no working smoke alarm.

We can’t emphasise it enough, they’re your first warning to a fire and can give you time to safely escape your home and call us quickly.

If you or someone you know needs one - we fit them for free. Details in the comments 👇

27/05/2026

Check your bin days! ♻️🗓️ They might be changing!

New recycling calendars running from 1 June are now live on our website. Many households will have a new collection day from next week, so make sure you double check what’s happening with YOUR collection. 👍

UPDATE: After a bug was found the calendar was briefly taken down and is now back up!

https://www.colchester.gov.uk/your-recycling-calendar/

19/05/2026

Are you considering transitioning to an electric vehicle but would like to find out more information?
Join the ‘Electrifying Essex’ event on Saturday 18 July 10am to 3pm at Colchester Park and Ride.
During the event, you will have the chance to:
🚗learn more from industry experts and ask any questions which you might have around EVs.
🚗find out about the benefits of transitioning to an EV as well as other sustainable transport options.
🚗Test drive an electric car or bike.
🚗Discover the latest advancements in EV technology.
Register for the free event on Eventbrite.

Experience the transport revolution, live and in person! Open from 10-3pm, come and go any time!

28/04/2026

Chappel Duck Race - Parking available at the Village Hall Chappel & Wakes Colne and at the East Anglian Railway Museum

25/03/2026

First look at the future 👀 A new North East Essex Council and a new era for Colchester

Today, the government has confirmed plans to progress the formation of a new unitary authority, bringing us together with Braintree and Tendring councils, as well as incorporating services currently delivered by Essex County Council. The new North East Essex Council is set to begin serving residents from 2028.

We welcome this decision. The new unitary will provide the scale needed to deliver efficiencies and transformation, while preserving a strong sense of place - something we know is really important to local residents 🤝

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and are well prepared to move quickly and confidently into the next phase. For now though, for residents, nothing changes. We will continue to operate as usual, providing excellent local services - and that will continue as we transition into the new North East Essex Council in 2028 👍

We know you’ll have lots of questions about what this means for you, and we’ll keep you fully updated as things move forward.

You can find out more about the government’s decision and what it means via the link in the comments 🔗

23/03/2026

Your nearest free Saturday household drop-off service:

19/03/2026

There are important deadlines coming up if you want to vote by post, vote by proxy or apply for free voter ID ahead of the elections on Thursday 7 May 2026.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote or a postal proxy vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 21 April ✉️
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 28 April 🧍
If you need free voter ID, you must apply by 5.00pm on Tuesday 28 April 🪪

Please check the deadlines and apply early to make sure you are ready for election day, visit: https://www.essex.gov.uk/about-council/county-council-elections

17/03/2026

Come along and find out more - 25th March, 4pm-8pm - Village Hall

Consultation on 25th March from 4pm till 8pm in the village hall, come along and find out more and share your views on the proposed 200 houses for the land to the west of Station Road, Wakes Colne …

16/03/2026

Residents are being invited to help shape a new strategy which aims to eliminate road deaths and make Essex a safer place for everyone.In 2025, 60 people los...

04/03/2026

‼️ CONFIRMED ‼️ The biggest change to recycling and waste collections in Colchester for nearly a decade is on the way ♻️

From 1 June, the move to wheeled bins for nearly all households begins. The rollout will take around nine months to reach every area of the city.

📅 𝐁𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠. In late May everyone will receive a new recycling calendar. Many households will have a new collection day, so please check it carefully.

🗑️ 𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬. Two wheeled bins – black for general rubbish and green for mixed recycling (paper and card, plastics, tins and cans). Your glass box and food waste caddy stay the same.

🏠 Homes assessed as not suitable for wheeled bins will continue to use black bags and clear recycling bags.

Find full details, FAQs, rollout updates, future service checker and online calendars here: https://www.colchester.gov.uk/waste-strategy/

With over 75,000 households across Colchester, the rollout will happen in phases, finishing by March 2027. If your property hasn't been assessed yet, don’t worry – we’ll get to you soon 👍