Mission Statement

As a Forum, we have been instrumental in getting the Council to install lights in the Pleasance car Park with the aim to reduce antisocial behaviour and petty crime in our High Street. We have supported the Say No To Plastic Bags Campaign We have initiated meetings to discuss parking issues within the town. We have successfully organised a tea dance , which was well attended and enabled some of our older folk to enjoy an afternoon out as we provided transport using the community mini bus. The Christmas festivities happen in Ongar on the first Friday in December.

About us so far

Ongar Town Forum is made up of local business people, shopkeepers, publicans, and residents - anyone who has the best interests of Ongar Town at heart. Our Constitution declares that we “are a forum for debate involving any person/group or association with an interest directly or indirectly with Ongar Town.” We meet as a whole Forum every eight weeks or so. In the interim smaller sub committees meet to progress any individual projects that we are running. The Forum has taken responsibility for the High Street Christmas Lights for several years. It is a costly exercise and we arrange fund raising events during the year to boost the finances in order to put on a good show for the children for the switching on ceremony and to enhance the lighting and appearance of the High Street during the festive season. We offer a platform to any group or individual to address the Forum on any local issues which affect Ongar Town and are keen to take up initiatives which will enhance the life of the Town. The only regular funding we receive is from the District Council for administration expenses. We rely entirely upon the generosity of local businesses, individuals and the Ongar Town Council to help fund our projects. We rely upon the generosity of local people who give their time to keep the Forum running. We welcome new members with great enthusiasm.