The future of the Essex Record office

 A major reorganisation of local government in Essex has been proposed involving the abolition of Essex County Council and the creation of at least three unitary authorities. What the implications for the Essex Record Office situated in Chelsmford might be remain unclear. I wrote to Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State responsible for this prospective scheme a few days ago but have so far had no reply to my e-mail. Today, I have sought clarification from Councillor Kevin Bentley, the leader of Essex County Council, also by e-mail. It is in the interests of everyone interested in the history of the county that the ERO should continue to exist and to make available its collections to the academic historians and wider community interested in the past of Essex. If not, what might happen to this internationally renowned archive? 

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