Putting Grange Hill First: A Fresh Independent Voice for Our Area

Putting Grange Hill First: A Fresh Independent Voice for Our Area
Erika Skingsley

Hi everyone, I’m Erika, and I’m running to be the next Epping Forest Independent Parish Councillor for Grange Hill. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I care deeply about our community – from Grange Hill to Limes Farm. I’ve been volunteering locally for years, coaching Limes Farm Colts F.C., raising thousands for our community food pantry, and supporting vulnerable residents. I’ve also been elected as an Epping Forest Youth Councillor and have been proud to receive the Young Citizen of the Year Award. These experiences have shown me what it takes to get things done, and why local people need a Parish Councillor who listens, cares, and acts.

Even before standing for election, I’ve been busy making a difference in our area. I’ve reported (and in some cases had repaired) damaged street signs on Oak Lodge Avenue, Copperfield, and Limes Avenue, and I’ve highlighted dozens of fly-tipping incidents across Grange Hill and Limes Farm so they can be cleared up. I’ve reported potholes, broken lampposts, and damaged bollards to make our streets safer for everyone. I’ve also walked with local councillors, checking roads and paths like those along Roding River, volunteered at events such as the Grange Hill Fun Day and the Limes Farm quiz night, and attended local community celebrations, including the 90th Anniversary service at St. Winifred’s Church.

My Commitments and Campaign for Grange Hill

Our campaign has been incredible. We launched with 15 volunteers from across Grange Hill and Limes Farm, and their energy and commitment have been inspiring. Over the weekend, we even braved the rain to deliver leaflets wishing over 600 residents a happy Diwali. It was wonderful to connect with people, hear their thoughts, and share good wishes for the Festival of Lights. And it’s amazing to see around 26 “Vote Erika” posters already in windows across the area – thank you to everyone showing support.

If elected, I will focus on the issues that really matter to Grange Hill. I will continue working to get potholes and pavements fixed and report hazards to keep our streets safe. I will campaign for a proper GP surgery for Chigwell to improve healthcare access and keep our community healthy. I will stand up against ill-thought-out over-development and work to preserve Grange Hill’s identity. I will tackle speeding on Vicarage Lane, Manor Road, Hainault Road, and the High Road. And I will be a champion for young people in our area, improving youth services and listening to their concerns.

I’m honoured to have support from people who know our community well. Lynne Moir, Chair of the Limes Farm Community Group, says, “By electing Erika, I am confident Grange Hill will benefit from renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and commitment to serving our community.”

Cllr Sheree Rackham, former Conservative District Councillor for Grange Hill, adds, “Erika knows the real issues facing Grange Hill. She’s stood up for young people, worked hard for local causes, and always puts others first. She’ll be there for you all year round.” Sunny Sandhu, a local resident and member of the Chigwell Residents Association, sums it up perfectly: “Our community deserves a councillor who listens, cares, and acts with integrity – not party politics. Erika knows what matters because she experiences it every day, just like you.”

I want to be an all-weather, all-year councillor – not someone who only appears at election time. Grange Hill and Limes Farm deserve someone who will focus on residents first, and I hope to be that person. This campaign is about more than me; it’s about all of us, our streets, our green spaces, our young people, and our future. I hope you’ll join me in keeping Grange Hill a strong, safe, and proud community.

Vote Erika – Your Independent Voice for Grange Hill.

Promoted by Lisa Morgan on behalf of Erika Skingsley both of 1 Oak Lodge Avenue, Grange Hill, IG7 5JA