Shenfield news
Shenfield news, newest first, from Brentwood Online: planning, roads, schools, business and what's on in Shenfield, with every story linked to its source.
Top story
Christmas Shopping in Brentwood: 19 Shops Beyond the Baytree Centre
We checked 19 Brentwood shops, from French Quarter's decorations to Liquorice's cheese room, for opening hours and what each sells. Updated November 2026.
More stories
Christmas
Where to Buy a Christmas Tree Near Brentwood 2026
We checked 5 places to buy a real Christmas tree near Brentwood, from Hunters Chase in Hutton to free delivery, for prices and dates. Updated November 2026.
Transport
Operation Vector: 24 Arrests in TfL Fare Dodger Crackdown
Plain-clothes police and TfL inspectors stopped 467 people and made 24 arrests in Operation Vector's first month. What it means at Brentwood and Shenfield.
Trains
Brentwood Trains: No Service to Stratford 27 Dec to 3 Jan
No trains between Romford and Stratford from 27 December to 3 January, so Brentwood and Shenfield lose their direct London trains. Buses go to Newbury Park.
Christmas
Brentwood Santa's Grottos 2026: Hopefield From 28 November, Town on 21 November
Hopefield's pre-booked Santa's Grotto runs weekends from 28 November. Free Mrs Claus and Rotary grottos are on 21 November, and Shenfield's on 6 December.
Shenfield
Shenfield Roadworks: Road Closures and Traffic Orders Near Shenfield
Shenfield roadworks: no temporary traffic orders in force within 3 km of Shenfield right now. Checked every morning from the council's notices.
Shenfield
Shenfield Weather: 7-Day Forecast and Today's Hourly Outlook
Shenfield weather today: fog, 10°C by day and 2°C overnight, with a 0% chance of rain and winds up to 6 mph. Seven-day forecast, updated every morning.
Brentwood
Brentwood Christmas Markets: 21 Nov, 29 Nov and 6 Dec
The free High Street market is on 21 November, noon to 6pm, lights at 5pm, then Ingatestone on 29 November and Shenfield on 6 December. Updated November 2026.
Food hygiene
Brentwood Food Hygiene: 27 of 31 September Ratings Are 5s
27 of the 31 food hygiene ratings given in Brentwood in September were fives. The High Street Subway rose from 1 to 4, but the Shenfield branch was rated 1.
Halloween
Halloween in Brentwood 2026: Over, and What Returns in 2027
Brentwood's Halloween events ended on 1 November 2026. The Bunker Below says 2027 tickets are coming soon, and Halloween 2027 falls on Sunday 31 October.
Planning
Shenfield 142 Homes Approved With £3.9m Attached
Permission for 142 homes and an 80-bed care home north of Shenfield came on 17 September, 16 months after the vote. Contributions total £3.9m.
Brentwood
Brentwood Christmas Lights: 5pm Switch-On, 21 November
Lighting Up Brentwood is free to attend on Saturday 21 November: Santa Parade at 11.45am, lights on at 5pm, plus 2025's road closures. Updated November 2026.
Shenfield
Parking in Brentwood: Free Sundays, 3-Hour Cap at Shenfield
Charges at every Brentwood car park, from Coptfold Road and Chatham Way to Town Hall East. All free on Sundays; Shenfield caps stays at three hours.
Planning
Fitzwalters Farm solar farm approved by one vote, 6 to 5
Brentwood's committee approved the 49.9MW Shenfield scheme 6 to 5 after a refusal motion failed. The permission runs 40 years and no community fund is secured.
Jobs
Brentwood claimant count: 1,245 in June, Shenfield at 1.1%
1,245 people in Brentwood borough claimed unemployment-related benefits in June, 2.6% of working age. Ward rates run from 1.1% in Shenfield to 3.5% in Brentwood West.
Schools
Brentwood School Term Dates 2026/27: Half Terms and INSET
Term dates for Brentwood County High, Shenfield High, Brentwood School and Essex: autumn term ends 18 December (11th at Brentwood School). Every INSET day.
Trains
Brentwood and Shenfield Trains at Christmas: 10 Days Cut
No trains from Brentwood or Shenfield to Stratford from 25 December to 3 January: Forest Gate track work. Buses to Newbury Park, and what runs day by day.
Half term
October Half Term in Brentwood 2026: Dates and What's On
Brentwood's half term runs 26 to 30 October, with free Halloween trails on 29, 30 and 31 October, Pumpkin Nights at the farm and £10 to £22 theatre shows.