Corrections Policy
Our Commitment
The Elsenham Herald is committed to accurate, fair and responsible local journalism.
While we take great care to verify information before publication, mistakes can happen. When significant factual errors are identified, we will correct them promptly, openly and transparently.
We believe acknowledging genuine mistakes is an important part of maintaining the trust of our readers and the community we serve.
Reporting an Error
If you believe an article published by the Elsenham Herald contains a factual error, please let us know through our Contact page.
To help us investigate your concern, please include:
- The title or web address of the article.
- A clear explanation of the alleged error.
- Any supporting evidence or relevant documentation.
- Your contact details in case we need further information.
All genuine correction requests are reviewed by the Editor.
How We Assess Correction Requests
Each request is considered carefully and fairly.
Depending on the nature of the issue, we may:
- Review the original article.
- Examine official documents or source material.
- Contact the reporter or author.
- Seek clarification from relevant organisations or individuals.
- Request additional information from the complainant.
Our decisions are guided by our Editorial Standards and the available evidence.
What We Will Correct
We will normally correct significant factual errors, including:
- Incorrect names.
- Incorrect dates or times.
- Incorrect locations.
- Incorrect quotations.
- Incorrect statistics or figures.
- Incorrect descriptions of planning applications, council decisions or public documents.
- Errors that materially alter the meaning or understanding of an article.
Where appropriate, corrections will be made as soon as reasonably practical.
Minor Changes
Routine editorial improvements do not normally require a formal correction notice.
These may include:
- Spelling mistakes.
- Grammar.
- Formatting.
- Typographical errors.
- Broken links.
- Minor stylistic changes that do not alter the meaning of the article.
Such changes may be made without further notice.
Clarifications
Sometimes an article may be factually accurate but require additional explanation or context.
In these circumstances, we may publish a clarification rather than a correction to improve readers’ understanding of the story.
Developing Stories
Local news stories often develop as new information becomes available.
Where significant new verified information emerges after publication, articles may be updated to reflect the latest position.
Where an update materially changes the original report, we will indicate that the article has been updated.
Retractions
In exceptional circumstances, an article may be removed or substantially revised if:
- significant factual inaccuracies are identified;
- legal considerations require removal;
- publication no longer meets our Editorial Standards.
Where practical, we will explain why material has been withdrawn or significantly amended.
Community Feedback
We value constructive feedback from our readers.
Residents, businesses, community organisations and public bodies all play an important role in helping us maintain high editorial standards.
Evidence-based feedback helps improve the quality and accuracy of our reporting.
Editorial Independence
Correction decisions are made independently by the Editor.
Corrections are based on verified evidence, not on disagreement with editorial judgement or attempts to suppress accurate reporting.
Requests seeking the removal of accurate information solely because it is unfavourable will not normally result in a correction.
Our Commitment to Accountability
Local journalism depends on trust.
When genuine mistakes occur, we will acknowledge them, correct them where necessary and continue working to provide accurate, fair and responsible reporting for the people of Elsenham and the surrounding communities.
Related Policies
- Editorial Standards
- Ethics Policy
- Right of Reply
- Complaints Procedure
- AI & Editorial Assistance Policy
- Transparency & Funding
Publisher: Knelstrom Ltd
Editor: Martin Foskett
Last Updated: 3 July 2026