EPPING is on the verge of getting its own historical society after a tremendous response was shown to the idea.

A meeting at Epping Library at 7.30pm on Thursday, January 29, should see the group set up with suggestions being made about the group's aims and ideas for its first few projects.

The idea has come from the Epping Map Project, originally set up in 1997 to encourage local people to value their community.

The project recently set up a new website celebrating the history, heritage and wildlife.

Visitors to the website can access a range of information charting the town's history back through the Saxon and Roman times to the Neolithic era.

After more than 30 people attended the last meeting, organiser and Epping Map Project chairman Chris Johnson hopes the support is now in place to set up the society. The name of the new group and possible officer roles will also be discussed.

The website has already received a number of enquiries including a descendant of a Norman lord who once owned Marles Farm, an author writing a book about a former resident of Theydon Grove House and the grandson of a local Victorian farmer.

Mr Johnson said: "People can access all kinds of information about the town and the local wildlife. It is quite an extensive site, and I hope people young and old alike will use it. There's so much history and heritage in Epping that it's about time someone did something constructive to celebrate it.

"There was a lot of interest shown in the site at the launch, and we hope to be able to set up a research group after Christmas."

The website, which features various old photographs and documents, is intended to be an ongoing record of local history, wildlife and art for future generations.

For more information about the group or the meeting, ring Mr Johnson on 8281 7017.