One of our most important assets in Chipping Bonhunt is our Common. It’s a wonderful resource for the whole community and acts as a green lung almost in the centre of town.

The law governing commons can be quite complicated, but in practice as long as everybody is sensible and shows a bit of tolerance then we can all enjoy the open space. Over the years I’ve tried to impress on our hard working town councillors that it’s often better to turn a blind eye than get on our high horses when a group of young people play a football match.

I see another North Essex town is getting itself in a bit of a pickle over their common. I recommend they chill a bit.