Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Hawkwell Residents Association AGM will be held in the Hawkwell Village Hall Annex On 15th September 2010 at 7.30pm.
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Please click on other local news, events, newsletters and interesting websites below:
The Massive Youth Club Eldon Way Belchamps Scout Activity Centre RDC Recycling Calendar Havens Hospices
Who Can You Trust? Hawkwell Area Library Talking Newspapers for the Blind RDC 2010 Holiday Activities
Essex UnITe help an older person use a computer Outdoor Adult Gym in the Park RRAVS Outreach Clinics
Hawkwell Village Family Summer Fayre 2010 Rochford District Council Local Strategic Partnership Volunteering Talk
Essex Cricket Strike20 Community Cricket Competition Local Farmers Markets Rochford DC 2010 Holiday Activities
Rochford DC Events & Attractions RDC Youth and Family Activity Brochure RDC Free Activity Days For Over Fifties
Free Youth Clubs on Fridays Buy With Confidence - Find a TS Approved Trader Consumer Direct - Get Your Rights
Help The Aged - HandyVan Service - Secure your home 01702 464199 Cars Parking Illegally on Pavements – RNIB
Rochford Neighbourhood Watch – Rochford Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter Hawkwell Christmas Lighting Ceremony
Springboard's Handypersons Service Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Service – Newsletter
RDC Anti Social Behaviour & Other Reporting Forms Hawkwell Parish Council Xmas Tree Farm Residents Concerns
Hawkwell RA Spring 2010 Newsletter Hawkwell Village Hall Hawkwell Parish Council – Hawkwell PC Newsletter
Hockley Residents Association – HoRA Newsletter Hockley Under Threat Hockley Parish Council – HoPC Newsletter
Hawkwell Action Group Fire Safety In The Home Crimestoppers - A Charity Organisations DisableGo Rochford
Recycling At Home Recycling Banks Recycling Centres ECC Bus Passenger Complaints Form - Click On Left Hand Side
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The Massive Youth Club in Eldon Way – 12 Aug 2010 Update from Kathy Muncer
The first three months have gone very well, the numbers of volunteers has increased, as has the number of youngsters attending. We are having a committee meeting next week, and one of the items will be to open on a Wednesday night. We will then be opening Tues, Wed, and Friday. The Essex Association of boys and girls clubs are sending down some of their volunteers on 20th August with four rowing machines which are attached to a computer which in turn is attached to a projector screen. The screen shows a river, with the boats lined up at the start, then as the youngsters row they can watch their progress on the screen. We already have a list of youngsters who want to give this a try. As the football season starts we are going to have a competition on the X-Boxes, with the youngsters having their own football competitions.
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Belchamps Scout Activity Centre
Children’s Parties
Try something different for your next birthday; we have a wide range of activities for you to choose from, suitable from 6 years old. Choose from bouncy castle, assault course, cork guns, pedal karts, climbing, crate stacking, archery, traversing wall. Also rifle shooting from age 8 plus and for the older age range 10 years plus, 5 different high ropes elements to choose from. All activities last one hour. Add approximately 30 minutes to your party time if you are booking party food. Our activity sessions are for groups of 8 or 12 depending on the activity. If you have more than this number please book two activities per hour. We take bookings Monday to Sunday 9am till 5pm. Please make sure that you have at least one adult to every 3 children for under 8s parties and one adult for every 6 children if it’s for over 8s. For £3.50 a head we provide a party box which contains A large sausage roll, a packet of crisps, box of raisins and a small cake. We cater for vegetarians also. The price per head includes a birthday cake and unlimited squash. Or you can bring your own food and hire a grass area, hall or marquee. Party bags can be provided at £2.50 per head. Activities available include: Climbing, archery, rifle shooting, pedal karts, cork guns, traversing wall, assault course, bouncy castle, pole joust, the leap of faith, crate stacking, high ropes traversing element, high all aboard and Jacobs ladder. Belchamps Scout Centre, Holyoak Lane, Hawkwell, SS5 4JD. Tel: 01702 562690 Email: info@belchamps.co.uk Website: www.belchamps.co.uk .
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Echo Report 04 August 2010 – Southend Hospital closes two wards
Southend Hospital has confirmed the closure of two wards as part of a £10million cost-cutting drive. Princess Anne ward, a general medical ward, has already shut. Bedwell ward, used by patients in need of palliative care for long-term progressive illnesses and older residents, will be closed. Two other wards are being converted into convalescent wards for the elderly and those who are almost ready to leave hospital. It has not been decided which wards these will be. The hospital says no jobs have been lost as a result of the closures.
Malcolm McFrederick, director of operations, said: “Since introducing our ward reconfiguration earlier this year, where all patients with similar conditions are cared for in the same ward by the same specialist team, our patients are beginning to benefit from shorter hospital stays. “As a result, we have been able to close one ward and all staff from that ward are now in new permanent roles within the hospital. We have plans to close a second ward later this year and, again, all staff currently working there are being asked where they would like to transfer to.” Speaking about the two Mr McFrederick added: “We are working closely with the primary care trust with a view to converting two of our wards into intermediate wards. “These would mostly care for elderly patients where the emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than acute care, so that they may support themselves independently back in the community. “We do not envisage that this would involve any job losses for our staff.” Despite Mr McFrederick’s pledge, it is feared up to 400 full-time posts may have to go over the next three years as the hospitals strives to meet the savings caused by the £10million reduction in income expected. NHS South East Essex plans to move more services away from the hospital to be done in the community by GPs. Earlier this year, hospital chief executive John Gilham announced in a letter to all staff savings needed to be made. Around 105 posts are expected to be cut this year. Nick Bradley, Unison regional officer for Essex, said: “This is the start of very serious problems in the NHS in the next two to three years with huge restrictions on public spending.”
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Echo Report 27 July 2010 – Residents praised for opposing new houses
Campaigning families who fought plans for hundreds of new homes have been praised by councillors and MPs for making their voices heard. Developers wanted to build 330 homes at Christmas Tree Farm, in Hawkwell, and up to 326 homes at Coombes Farm, near Rochford. Rochford District Council rejected both applications and the Government’s planning inspectorate dismissed them at appeals.
The decision was backed by Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles. Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois said: “This shows local views do matter. I would like to congratulate the residents and Rochford Council for strong cases, which clearly had the right effect on the inspectors. “Both of these applications were highly unpopular with residents. “As someone who objected to these developments, I am pleased that after two public inquiries, the planning inspector recommended in favour of Rochford Council and residents.” Developer David Wilson Homes wanted to build houses and a medical centre between Main Road, Rectory Road, and Clements Hall Way, Hawkwell. It was opposed by residents because of its expected impact on traffic levels and wildlife. Plans by developer Colonnade for the Coombes Farm site, which lies between Stambridge Road, Rocheway and Mill Lane, in Rochford, prompted the foundation of anti-development group, Residents Against Coombes Farm. Keith Hudson, Rochford district councillor responsible for planning and transportation, welcomed the appeal decisions. He said: “We could not have received better news. “The council’s approach to limited development in appropriate and sustainable locations has been accepted by the Secretary of State, supporting this council’s rejection of inappropriate, ad hoc development in our green belt. “It also demonstrates the Secre-tary, his officers and inspectors are listening and taking account of the wishes of local people.” Vic Leach, chairman of Hawkwell Parish Council, said: “We are delighted the planning inspector came down on the side of common sense.”
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Our Response To Abolition of Regional Strategies
The Hawkwell Residents Association has discussed the ‘Abolition of Regional Strategies’ and 'Planning Policy Statement 3 Housing' and we wish to make the following points:
* We are pleased that the Abolition of Regional Strategies has been proposed and that decisions for local planning will be made locally.
* We are not sure that the proposal to exclude residential gardens from the definition of previously developed land is a good idea. We believe that decisions should be made on the individual circumstances in the area proposed and local interested parties should be consulted and involved with any decision making.
* We believe that the deletion of the minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare is a good idea and again decisions should involve local interested parties.
We would also like to make the following points on the Rochford District Council’s current Core Strategy:
* Any future consultation should not be made using a heavy weight document that prevents printing and general distribution.
* Any future plans should not be in one location which will change the nature of the village. We believe it would be better to spread them throughout the Hawkwell area. Consideration should be given to the proximity of shops and schools as due to the lack of public transport additional car usage would result.
* That comprehensive consultation should take place with ECC, other district councils, local parish / town councils, residents associations and other interested parties in and around our district.
* Large numbers of additional homes will put an enormous strain on the infrastructure of our area, particularly the road system, which should be addressed in any future proposals.
* There should be minimal loss of Green Belt in our area, which would change our village into a town.
* New homes will generate additional vehicles on the roads from the building work, the additional residents, their delivery services and visitors and the proposed airport expansion traffic. There will also be additional demand on our doctors and dentists, additional demand on schools and social services and additional demand on gas, electric, telephone, water, sewers and surface / storm water drainage.
* The evening number bus 8 service should be resumed.
* Moving Eldon Way and the Foundry Estate to a green belt site at the airport area will increase mileage for employees and the lack of public transport will limit employment to car users. We believe cycling would be a poor and unrealistic substitute.
* ECC have stated that the B1013 is now running at 72% capacity. The current Core Strategy proposal would bring the traffic to an unbearable level. No details and estimated costs are given of the many road improvement we believe would be necessary as listed below.
* This area is enclosed by the River Crouch, the sea and the Thames and is only properly accessed from the west. For this reason we believe the sensible place to locate additional homes would be in the western part of Rochford district.
* We believe that no major infrastructure improvements have been carried out in the Hawkwell area for more than 30 years.
We also believe that the following infrastructure improvements in the Hawkwell / Hockley area, that are not included in the current Core Strategy document, should be addressed before any additional homes are built:
1. Replacement of Rectory Road Railway Bridge for two-way traffic.
2. Computer controlled traffic lights at the Rectory Road / Hall Road junction.
3. Upgrade Rectory Road and widen road and footpath at the Christmas Tree Farm area.
4. Upgrade the B1013 Hall Road and provide missing and upgrade existing pavements.
3. Proper main road street lighting for the B1013 Hall Road and B1013 Rayleigh Road.
6. A cycle path route from Rochford through Hockley to Rayleigh.
7. A new pelican crossing in B1013 Main Road near Tudor Way.
8. Return to two buses an hour in both directions for the 7 and 8 services between Southend and Rayleigh and the return of the 8 evening bus service.
9. Improvements to all services including gas, electric, telephone, water, sewers and surface / storm water drainage.
10. Increase capacity at all the local Schools in the area.
11. Increase capacity at all the local Doctors and Dentists and hospital services in the area.
12. Increase ambulance, fire and police emergency services.
13. Provide and run a youth club in the Hawkwell area.
14. To provide and run allotments in the Hawkwell area.
15. To extend the existing Cherry Orchard Park to Mount Bovers Lane and Hockley Woods.
16. Replace the existing Hockley Spa roundabout with a wider traffic light junction complete with pedestrian cross lights.
17. Install a double mini roundabout at Station Road and Station Approach junction with Spa Road for Hockley Station.
18. Install a mini roundabout on the B1013 at Folly Lane.
19. Make up / Upgrade Plumberow Avenue through to Lower Road in Hockley complete with pavements, main road street lighting and a mini roundabout at the Lower Road junction.
20. Upgrade Watery Lane / Beeches Road in Hullbridge from Lower Road complete with pavements, main road street lighting and a mini roundabout at the Lower Road junction.
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EAST ESSEX PLAYERS WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU TO A SOCIAL EVENING AND OLD TIME MUSIC HALL SAT. JULY 3RD 7:30pm AT EASTWOOD MEMORIAL HALL, LAMBETH ROAD. A HOME COOKED MEAL AND A SING SONG BRING YOUR OWN DRINK £7:50. TEL. Hazel on 01702 232683.
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Echo Report 19 May 2010 – Rose Garden planning battle goes on
A Determined businessman is continuing his battle to keep his popular restaurant open after being repeatedly denied permission to carry on running it. The Rose Garden restaurant, in Aldermans Hill, Hockley, has been operating without proper planning permission since 2007. Built on green belt land, it only has permission to be a shop or refreshment room to serve customers for Hockley Golf Driving Range. Owner Terry Harrold has already had two planning applications knocked back by Rochford District Council to retrospectively change the use of the property to become a restaurant. Two appeals heard by Government inspectors have also been dismissed, the latest just last month. But, undeterred, Mr Harrold, has just submitted another application to the council which he hopes will finally get the green light. Neighbours have complained about the restaurant operating unlawfully and of being disturbed by the noise and lights from customers cars. But several hundred customers signed a petition, which has been handed to the council, expressing their support for the Rose Garden, which employs 12 staff. Planning inspector Frances Mahoney stated in her decision last month: “I find the restaurant use does not amount to inappropriate development in the Green Belt. But she did conclude the appeal proposal would unacceptably harm the living conditions of neighbouring residents in respect of noise and disturbance and dismissed it. Mr Harrold said the latest application goes some way to addressing the concerns of neighbours. He said: The inspector said the restaurant was acceptable on green belt. But they said the problem was the impact on neighbours because the number of customers was too great. And they said the car park was too near the houses. So we've done another fresh application addressing those problems. Mr Harrold said they would reduce the number of seats in the restaurant, currently 52, by a third and change the opening hours so it coincided with the driving range hours from 9am to 9pm. He also said they would move the car park further away from the houses and screen it with trees. He added: We will see what the council says with that. Hopefully this time we will have addressed all the problems.”
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Echo Report 5 May 2010 – Residents air concerns over green belt homes
Concerned neighbours turned out to have their say over plans to build 600 new houses in fields near their homes. Developers Bellway Homes want to build the development on green belt land between Hall Road and Ironwell Lane, Rochford, to the west of the town. The company has just submitted an outline planning application to Rochford District Council, which has earmarked the area as a possible site for 600 homes as part of its housing plan for the district. Bellway staged a one-day exhibition of the plans at the Freight House, in Bradley Way, to gather the views of neighbours, which it will use before drawing up a more detailed application. The development would include a new primary school, public open space and play facilities, plus a mixture of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes. Most residents attending said they were worried about extra traffic on already-busy roads and building on top-quality farmland. Brian Williams, 71, from Ashingdon, said; “I’ve got no objection to progress, but there’s a limit to where you can put it. “You’ve also got more homes at Coombes Farm, Hawkwell, Hullbridge and Ashingdon, plus the airport extension. “To me, the infrastructure isn’t in place. The roads aren’t good enough for it and can’t sustain the amount of progress forthcoming.” One woman, who did not wish to be named, said she was trying to sell her house in Hall Road and was concerned about the effect the 600 homes would have. She said: “Hall Road is a unique area with nice houses. “None of us expected anything to be built there. “There’s got to be land somewhere else to build on that’s not as good.” But two residents of nearby Leecon Way spoke positively about the plans. Jemma Tingey, 29, said: “It looks really well thought-out actually. “There are lots of different types of housing, some bigger ones like the houses already on Hall Road and more affordable ones. “There’ll be another school on site, which would create less traffic around the town in the mornings. “I think the land is just used for rapeseed at the moment. “I think there’s enough space for the new housing and it won’t clog up the middle of Rochford.” Eleanor Meekings, 32, added: “I live in a flat, but I want to move to a bigger property in Rochford in the next year. “So I see this as a bit of an opportunity.”
Close inspection – Rochford councillor Heather Glynn quizzes consultant Michael Page
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Echo Report 30th April 2010 – Hawkwell green belt homes are unacceptable, say protesters
Protest groups have told a planning inspector plans to build 330 homes on green belt land are unacceptable. Developer David Wilson Homes wants to build the houses, including some three-storey buildings, with a medical centre and public open space on land between Main Road, Rectory Road and Clements Hall Way in Hawkwell. Rochford District Council turned down the plans and an appeal is currently being heard by a Government inspector. Members of the Christmas Tree Farm Development Action Group, the Hawkwell Action Group and parish councillors made representations at the second day of the appeal hearing yesterday. The district council has earmarked the site for just 175 houses in its core strategy. Vic Leach, chairman of Hawkwell Parish Council spoke out against David Wilson Homes’ plans. He said: “Hawkwell Parish Council acknowledges there is a need for new homes within the parish. It has in the past supported modest sustainable developments in the face of local opposition. “It has no personal objection to development within the parish. “The parish council believes three-storey buildings on this site are totally unacceptable and would irrevocably damage the character of south Hawkwell.” Carol Dutton spoke on behalf of the Hawkwell Action Group which was set up by worried residents to oppose the plans. They say development of the 11-hectare site, which includes Christmas Tree Farm, would ruin woodland, fields and other wildlife habitats and increase traffic on busy neighbouring roads. She told the hearing at the council chamber in Hockley Road, Rayleigh: “We object to the scale and form of this development. Buildings in excess of two storeys are out of line with the surrounding area. The hearing continues.
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Echo Report 16th April 2010 – Council earmarks two traveller sites in Hockley
Emotions were running high at a public meeting to discuss travellers’ sites in Hockley. More than 200 people turned up to a meeting at Greensward Academy, to talk about Rochford District Council’s plans for the sites. The council has to provide 18 travellers pitches across the district. Two sites in Hockley – Plumberow Avenue and New Park Road – were put forward as being suitable. Keith Hudson, councillor responsible for planning said: “The council removed two illegal sites last year, one in Plumberow Avenue and one in Trenders Avenue. “Common sense has to come into it somewhere. Travellers do a lot of travelling. If they choose to be in our area, they need to be in a location that is accessible to the main hub of the highways. I don’t think you could say Hockley is in the main hub.” One Hockley resident said at the meeting: “The councillor made reference to Plumberow Avenue. It seems ridiculous to me the council spent time and money to get travellers off that site, and now it’s being considered as a travellers’ site. It seems to me it is a case of the right and left hand not knowing what they are doing. “On one hand you talk about options. and on the other you say it has come down from above and it is mandatory.” The resident also asked what was meant by a “pitch”. Planning policy team leader, Sam Hollingsworth, replied one pitch meant two caravans. He added: “It is normally one pitch per family. “The Plumberow site was formally submitted to us and asked to be considered. We can’t simply ignore it because of the past history.” All representatives from the council urged members of the audience to write in with their comments and suggestions. The deadline for feedback on the consultation is April 30. For more information, to view options for both documents and to submit your comments, go to www.rochford.gov.uk Paper copies of the documents are also available to view at Rochford Council Offices, Rayleigh Civic Suite, and in all libraries within the district. Alternatively, residents can contact planning policy on 01702 318191.
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Echo Report 31st March 2010 – Police get keys to town office
A Police office has opened in Hockley to help local bobbies get out on the beat. Officers will use the building opposite Somerfield, in Spa Road, as a place to set off on regular circuits of the town. It will not have a front desk for members of the public to report incidents to the police. However, it will make it easier for the Hockley Neighbourhood Policing team to hold private meetings and give it a convenient base in the town it serves. The premises is owned by local company Wells Legal Solicitors and Wells Legal Homes, which has handed the police a set of keys. The aim is to boost the police’s presence in the town and have a positive knock-on effect for businesses and residents. Senior partner at the firm, Andrew Wells, said: “We welcome this strategy along side our other community initiatives, such as school visits, free seminars and legal surgeries. “Other local residents and traders should also benefit from the security which comes from an enhanced police presence.” Jeff Stanton, chairman of Hockley Chamber of Commerce, said: “There’s no down-side to it at all.
“It’s a win-win situation, so it’s perfect.”
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Echo Report 30th March 2010 – Dental practice hope for former office site
Plans have been submitted to turn a Hockley office into a new dental surgery. Dr Esmail Harunani, of Harunani and Co, has applied to turn Montrose House, in Southend Road, into Rochford district’s latest practice. Many of the town’s residents, and some from neighbouring Hawkwell, are having to travel outside the town to places such as Rayleigh for dental treatment, after the temporary NHS contract for the White Hart Lane Dental Practice expired earlier this month. NHS South East Essex has since awarded the contract to Harunani and Co, which already has six surgeries, and is in the process of opening three other practices in Essex at Maldon, Kelvedon and Leigh. Currently, three practices – the Oasis Dental Care and the Smile Centre, both in High Road, Rayleigh, and the Rochford Dental Practice, in West Street – are taking on patients from Hockley who no longer have NHS cover. Chairman of Hawkwell Parish Council, Vic Leach, said: “It is a relief the situation seems to have resolved itself and I would hope this is a long-term answer, given all the uncertainties in respect of dentists in Hockley. “It is about time they got it sorted out properly. Half of the residents in Hawkwell gravitate towards Hockley.” The application will be decided by councillors in May. For more information, call the dental helpline on 01702 226668.
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Echo Report 24th March 2010 – Hawkwell campaign group battle homes plan
A campaign group is trying to drum up public support in its battle against plans to build 330 homes on green belt land near their village. Developers David Wilson Homes wants to build 330 homes in Hawkwell between Main Road, Rectory Road and Clements Hall Way. In December 2009, Rochford District Council refused planning permission because members were concerned about overdevelopment, building on green belt land and felt it was out of character with the surrounding area. But David Wilson appealed to the Government and a four-day public enquiry will be held with a Government planning inspector on April 27. The Christmas Tree Farm Development Action Group, which was set up by worried residents to oppose the plans, will be fighting the plans at the hearing. They say development of the 11-hectare site, which includes Christmas Tree Farm, would ruin woodland, fields and other wildlife habitats. They are also concerned about the impact of traffic on busy neighbouring roads. The group is working with a planning company and a top lawyer, John Dagg QC, to present their case at the appeal hearing. They are appealing for donations to meet the costs needed from any families and householders interested in fighting the plans. Group chairman, Richard Hill, said: “One of the most worrying aspects is that if the forthcoming appeal is upheld and David Wilson Homes is allowed to build 330 homes on the site, it will not be possible to use any of these arguments to stop similar large scale developments elsewhere in Hawkwell. “This is because the character of our village will have changed and comprise of high density housing including blocks of flats up to 50 foot in height.” Anyone who wants to support the group can send a cheque for “CTFD Action Group” to: 15 Spencers, Hawkwell, Hockley, Essex SS5 4LW. Supporters are asked to write their address on the back of their cheques so the group can make refunds if it cannot raise enough money for the campaign or they raise more than needed. The group’s accounts are available to contributors to inspect if they so wish. Hawkwell Parish Council and 192 members of the public also objected, and a 250-signature petition was handed in to the council.
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Hockley Residents Association Meetings & Coach Trips
Meetings are held in the large seminar room at Kilnfield House next to Hockley Station on every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 19.30hrs. For the Hockley Residents Association website please click on: HoRA Website . For their spring newsletter please click on: HoRA Newsletter .
For an up to date list of coach trips for 2010 with pickup points in Hawkwell please click on: Coach Trips , ring Brian O’shea on 01702 204334 or email brian.oshea@hockleyresidents.co.uk .
We would like to congratulate Brian O’shea who has now been given a Highly Commended in the Rochford District Council's Citizen of the Year Awards for 2010.
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Echo Report 5th March 2010 – Police warn drivers to keep off the footpath
Police have sent out 31 warning letters to motorists who block the pavements in Hockley. Officers have been monitoring the problem in the Plumberow, Marylands, and Broadlands estates where it has become a real problem for residents. The issue was raised at a Hockley Neighbourhood Action Panel. The letters are the first step, but motorists who do not heed the warning could face a £30 fixed penalty notice. PC Steve Joynes, neighbourhood specialist officer for Hockley, said: “I understand motorists try to keep the road clear for others by parking on the footpath, but this causes obstruction for pedestrians and damage which needs to be repaired at the taxpayers’ expense.” He is appealing to motorists to be more considerate around Hockley so the police do not have to resort to issuing penalty notices. Keith Hudson, Rochford councillor for planning and transportation, said: “Parking on pavements is abhorrent. It blocks the way for people using mobility scooters and mums pushing prams, and causes issues for people with sight problems.” Mr Hudson said although the local authority can only act when people contravene traffic regulation orders, such as parking on double yellow lines, they have no powers to deal with obstruction of footpaths. He said: “I’m pleased the police are addressing this problem because it’s a major problem, not just in Hockley, but in most places.”
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PETITION TO CONTINUE RECEIVING NHS DENTAL TREATMENT AT WHITE HART LANE DENTAL PRACTICE
If you receive NHS dental treatment at White Hart Lane Dental Practice in Hockley, please sign their petition at the practice:
I have recently become aware that the Primary Care Trust has withdrawn some NHS funding at White Hart Lane Dental Practice meaning they have to stop treating some patients. However, I would like to continue to receive my NHS Dental Treatment at White Hart Lane Dental Practice. I am happy with the quality of service that I receive at this practice and feel comfortable with the dentist that I see. I do not want to change dentists. Please reconsider your decision and continue to provide funding to the White Hart Lane Dental Practice.
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Yellow Advertiser 4th March 2010 – Dental care row
Dentists working in Hockley have been cut short leaving thousands without nearby care. NHS South East Essex scrapped contracts with White Hart Dental Centre, in White Hart Lane, and has not arranged temporary cover for patients. The practice will lose part of its funding in March, just two years after owner, Dr Luke Schnel, was given an agreement to employ two extra NHS dentists to cater for 2,000 new residents. The permanent contract has been awarded to a practice, which has not yet been built in the village, but the trust says it will be ready by the summer. The Trust was in talks with the White Hart Lane practice to provide extra cover in the interim, but the practice has refused. A spokesman for the surgery said: “We do not feel it is in the patients’ best interest to continue providing temporary services to them. We are happy to provide NHS services to patients if the trust can give us a permanent contract. Patients are not interested in temporary cover, they want to join a dentist and stay long term not go elsewhere in six months. Hockley Residents Association has been working with the trust and now fear further dentistry delays when patients change details to the new site. Association chairman, Brian Guyett, said: Efforts to find an interim solution, avoiding the need for patients to travel to Rayleigh to see an NHS dentist, have failed meaning that thousands, including children, will have to travel for an indefinite period of at least four months. The PCT has agreed to restore the cuts to dental service capacity in the Hockley area, which it had made, but was unable to find a solution which enabled services to continue to be provided in Hockley in the interim. No details of the temporary cover in Rayleigh are available and we will continue to pressure them to minimise the impact and also to try and facilitate an early start for the new dentist. However, Ian Stidston, interim director of primary and community care at NHS South East Essex, stressed the Trust remain committed to commissioning NHS dental activity for the residents of Hockley. He said: With regret, our preferred dental provider in Hockley has confirmed that they will not provide ongoing temporary, additional NHS dental services to local residents while the new permanent NHS dental services in Hockley are being set up. We would like to thank White Hart Lane for their assistance in providing temporary cover until March. Unfortunately, there is a gap between the end of the temporary arrangements with the White Hart Lane Dental Practice and the new NHS dental provider becoming operational. The PCT has endeavoured to make interim arrangements in Hockley but this has not proved possible.
 Dr Luke Schnel with Ros Zasserman, Christina Szalay, Brian Guyett and Anastasia Snell.
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Echo Report 27th February 2010 – Hockley residents left without NHS dental treatment
Thousands of people in Hockley will have to travel out of the town for dental care from next week. HHS South East Essex has not arranged temporary cover for patients after White Hart Dental Care in White Hart Lane, Hockley, will lose part of its NHS funding in March. In June 2008, owner Dr Luke Schnel was given a temporary NHS contract, which allowed him to employ two extra NHS dentists, Dr Beverley Scott and Dr Abdul Salim-Said – treating 2,000 new patients. The permanent contract from the NHS South East Essex has been awarded to a practice which has not yet been built in the village, but the trust says it will be ready by the summer. The trust was in talks with the White Hart Lane practice to provide extra cover in the interim, but the practice has refused. In a statement the dental surgery said: “We do not feel it is in the patients’ best interest to continue providing temporary services to them. We are happy to provide NHS services to patients if the trust can give us a permanent contract. “Patients are not interested in temporary cover, they want to join a dentist and stay long term not go elsewhere in six months.” Hockley Residents’ Associa- tion has been working with the trust and say the situation has been mis-managed. Association chairman, Brian Guyett, said: “We are very disappointed. Delays in responding to the association’s proposals have resulted in inconvenience to patients, who will have to travel to Rayleigh, especially when there is only an hourly bus service. “We are concerned the benefits of forcing patients to change dentists have still not been disclosed and are worried any further delays in implementing the new service will extend the disruption.” Rochford independent councillor John Mason has written to the health trust’s chief executive, Andrew Pike, to say he wants this situation reviewed by the NHS regulator.
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White Hart Lane Dentist
The PCT has blamed the White Hart Lane dentist for not providing continuing dental care but we are informed this is not true. Together with Hockley Residents Association we are trying to get this interim service continued at White Hart Lane until the contract starts at the earlyest in July 2010.
Statement from: Ian Stidston, Interim Director of Primary and Community Care
“With regret, our preferred dental provider in Hockley has confirmed that they will not provide ongoing temporary, additional NHS dental services to local residents while the new permanent NHS dental services in Hockley are being set up. We remain committed to commissioning NHS dental activity for the residents of Hockley & Hawkwell and the PCT is currently reviewing all temporary options. We remain mindful of the need for those services to be delivered as near to Hockley as possible. Should anyone living in south east Essex have concerns about accessing a NHS dentist, I would encourage them to contact the dental helpline on 01702 226668 (Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm).”
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Echo Report 18th February 2010 – 2,000 patients to lose dentist in budget cuts
Patients at a dental practice will have to move after its NHS funding was cut. White Hart Dental Care in White Hart Lane, Hockley, will lose part of its NHS funding from March 2010. In June 2008, owner Dr Luke Schnel was given a temporary NHS contract, which allowed him to employ two extra NHS dentists, Dr Beverley Scott and Dr Abdul Salim-Said. They have treated over 2,000 new NHS patients, but the permanent contract from the NHS South East Essex has been awarded to a practice which has not yet been built in the village. This means that although Dr Schnel will still be able to see his original patients under the NHS, the two new dentists will not. Vic Leach, chairman of Hawkwell Parish Council, said: “It is desperately disappointing. “It is not easy to get a dentist, and I think this move will make it considerably more difficult for local people to access national health dental provision. “I would be very concerned there is a fundamental problem with losing a dentist. Meanwhile, residents are going to be without any dental health provision.” Dr Schnel said the announcement would cause problems. He said: “We have done our best for these 2,000 new NHS patients and they have been very happy with the care and service they received at White Hart Dental Care. “Most patients find it difficult to attend a dentist, but once they have established a trusting relationship, they gain confidence and are usually much happier to attend. As a result, the majority would prefer not to have to change dentist at all.” All patients who have been at the practice for longer than 20 months, or who have seen Dr Schnel or Dr Anklert will still be able to have NHS treatment at White Hart as there is still funding for them. All other new patients will be offered a private dental plan to save them having to switch. Ian Stidston, interim director of primary and community care for the primary care trust, explained the decision. He said: “Last year, there was local concern about the provision of dentistry in Hockley. As a consequence, we began a procurement process to identify a long-term solution that would meet the needs of the local community. During this process, we approached existing local dentists who had extra capacity to ensure residents in Hockley had additional dentistry provision until the procurement process was complete. “We have now come to the end of the procurement process, and once final contracts are signed we will announce details of the new dental provider in Hockley.” Anyone living in south east Essex who has concerns about accessing a NHS dentist can contact the dental helpline on 01702 226668.
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The Enquirer Report 16th February 2010 – Suprise as funding cut for Hockley dentists
The practice manager of dentists in Hockley has reacted with surprise that it is to lose its funding next month. Anastasia Schnel believes that no more could have been done for patients at White Hart Dental Care in White Hart Lane. After opening in 2005 the centre received government funding in June 2008 that allowed two NHS dentists, Dr Beverley Scott and Dr Abdul Salim-Said to be employed, and the funding kept being extended for six months at a time but will be cut next month. Anastasia said: “This was unexpected news for us for us at White Hart Dental Care. We have done our best for these 2,000 new NHS patients. “I think we offer good value for money, our dentists are good quality and our patients are generally happy and we don’t get negative feedback. “We don’t discriminate against patients and offer all treatment to all patients. We have put in a lot of work together with Hockley Residents’ Association to get more funding.” The organisation will offer a package that includes two check ups and two cleanings, worldwide accident and emergency insurance and x-rays for adults for £9.75 a month. Interim Director of Primary & Community Care for South East Essex PCT Ian Stidston, said: “Last year there was local concern about the provision of dentistry in Hockley as a consequence and in line with the Department of Health guidelines we began a procurement process to identify a long-term solution that would meet the needs of the local community. “As part of the procurement process each bidder was evaluated according to their business viability, technical capability, service quality and ability to offer overall best value.” “We have now come to the end of the procurement process and once final contracts are signed we will announce the details of the new dental provider in Hockley.” If anyone living in South East Essex has concerns about accessing a NHS dentist they can call the dental helpline on 01702 226668 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm.
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Old Cars to Cut Up
If any one has an old car that they would like to dispose of without cost, Hawkwell Fire Station needs it to practice cutting techniques on. Please note that it is essential you have the logbook of any vehicle being donated. To donate your vehicles please contact Dan Clary at Hawkwell Fire Station in Main Road.
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Echo Report 15th February 2010 – Hockley school set for Essex County Council cash boost
A Hockley school could receive millions of pounds of Government money to rebuild. Greensward Academy could get as much as £23million from the Partnership for Schools, although exact figures have not yet been decided. There are ten schools across Essex in line to receive a share of a £130million pot. The amount of funding each school will receive will be calculated by using, among other factors, pupil numbers. Essex County Council’s budget, passed on Tuesday, divided up the pot, with Greensward down for £23.6million. But County Hall spokesman Michael Page said the allocation was not final and would be decided later this year, after each school had submitted a business plan to say how it would spend the money. Greensward Academy is one of four schools in Essex run by the Academies Enterprise Trust. The trust takes over schools that need to improve and are all managed by chief executive David Triggs. Mike Barnett, a spokesman for the Academies Enterprise Trust, said: “This is excellent news for Greensward. “Although it is too early to say how much the building programme will be worth, it is likely to represent a multi-million investment in the school buildings and in information technology. “Greensward pupils and staff deserve the very best learning environment in which to work and prosper. “This represents a major step forward into making this ambition become a reality.”
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Echo Report 13th February 2010 – Mark Francois criticises plan for homes in Hawkwell
A Tory MP has said plans to build 300 homes in Hawkwell is like trying to “cram a quart into a pint pot”. Rayleigh MP Mark Francois has written to the chief executive of the Planning Inspectorate to list his objection to the proposals from David Wilson Homes to build more than 300 houses at Christmas tree farm. The application was refused by Rochford councillors and it is now in the process of going to the Government inspector for appeal. Hawkwell Parish Council and 192 members of the public objected, and a 250-signature petition was handed in to the council. The scheme was refused by the council’s development control committee as overdevelopment of the green belt site and conflicted with the council’s development plan. Mr Francois also raised his concerns about the amount of traffic and said the development was not in keeping with the area. He said: “I have received a number of letters and e-mails from my constituents who are opposed to this application. I, too, am concerned this represents overdevelopment in Hawkwell. There simply is not the infrastructure to cope with a development of this scale and I believe it is a bit like trying to ‘cram a quart into a pint pot’. I hope the inspector may yet decide to turn down the appeal.” The appeal is set to be heard this spring but a date has not yet been set.
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Save £35 per year from sewerage
If you home was built in the past 20 years or so, it has probably got a soakaway in the garden for the roof rain water. Did you know that you can now save around £35 per year from you sewerage charge by informing Anglian Water? They will back date the reduction on your bill but only for the tax year to April 2009. To save around £35 for this tax year and all future tax years just freephone Anglian Water on 0800 91 222 91 with your request.
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Echo Report 12th January 2010 – Hockley residents raise 100-household petition against car wash
Residents in Hockley are furious a car wash built without planning permission is operating fully. James Hand Car Wash and Valeting Service, in Alderman’s Hill, has been operating since before Christmas, despite resident objections and a petition. The Echo first reported residents’ concerns about unauthorised building work on the site last month. Since then, further fences and signs have gone up at the site. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The council seems to be dragging its feet about this. “We have a 100-household strong petition opposing this car wash, which was submitted to the council mid-December. “I can’t believe they are trading at the premises.” Rochford Council’s head of planning and transportation, Shaun Scrutton, said: “The operator has been informed works on the site are unauthorised and undertaken at their own risk. “It has been recommended all works cease until planning issues are resolved. A planning application has been received, which seeks to regularise the use of the site as a car wash. “Residents will be consulted on their views before a decision is made.”
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Echo Report 6th January 2010 – Homes plan is rejected after green belt row
Developers have appealed against a council decision to refuse plans for 330 new homes on green belt land. David Wilson Homes wanted to build the houses off Rectory Road, Hawkwell, but Rochford District Council rejected the plans last month. The development would include community and health facilities, roads and open space at a tree nursery called Christmas Tree Farm. The proposals generated opposition among neighbours, who said the scheme would damage the character of the village. Hawkwell Parish Council and 192 members of the public objected, while a 250-person petition was handed in to the council. David Wilson Homes claimed the site had previously been identified as potential housing land, and would have to be used in the future. Council members rejected the plans because the housing would be on green belt land, and was out of character with the surrounding semi-rural area. But the developers have challenged the reasons for refusal. Agent Martin Hull states “the council has misunderstood the extent of their own housing need”, and the green belt boundary around Hawkwell should be moved “to create an appropriate boundary”. An inquiry will be heard by a Government inspector this spring. Neighbours can attend and ask to address the inquiry.
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Echo Report 21st December 2009 – Outrage as car wash is built without approval
A car wash is being put up without planning permission in Hockley. Rochford District Council has called on those building the car wash, at the site of a former vehicle rental firm in Alderman’s Hill, to stop work immediately. But yesterday the Echo saw workers continuing the development and digging a drain. Residents got suspicious after a 12ft sign went up outside the site advertising James Hand Carwash and Valeting Service. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is an outrage this is still being built. It is on top of a hill, so our concern is the water and chemicals will run off into the drainage system. “It will be dangerous at this time of year, creating black ice. “Also, the emergency services use this as a main route into Hullbridge, causing further concern over accidents from the slippery conditions the valeting service will create. If there is an accident on the road caused by the valeting service, will it be to blame or the council?” A board has been put up around the site, with work going on behind it. Shaun Scrutton, the council’s head of planning and transportation, said: “The operator has been informed that works on the site are unauthorised and undertaken at their own risk. “It has been recommended all works cease until planning issues are resolved. The council has been told a planning application is being prepared for the use of the site as a car wash, and consent will also be sought for the erection of a wall alongside Folly Lane. “It is understood the underground petrol tanks have been filled with foam and made safe to the satisfaction of the petroleum officer.” The Echo tried to talk to the workers yesterday, but our questions went unanswered. Residents with concerns have been told to contact the council’s planning department by email, letter or phone.
 In a lather – residents got suspicious when the 12ft-high sign advertising a new car wash went up in Alderman’s Hill.
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Our objections to Southend Borough Council Airport Planning Application Reference 09/01960/FULM
We would like to object on the following grounds:
Core Strategy - Any proposals should take into account the Rochford and Southend Core Strategies when and if they get government approvals. They should also take into account public opinion which appears to be being ignored at the moment.
Green Belt - We are totally opposed to the destruction of green belt land and areas that are prime agricultural land and should be retained as such. Using this land to provide space for the runway extension and new industrial sites on the basis of support for the development of an airport that will reduce the quality of life of our residents is unacceptable.
B1013 Road - We accept that the airport as proposed in the JAAP will have an impact on traffic, but is totally devoid of any concrete proposals to minimise or even limit the additional traffic that must arise from the proposals in particular along the B1013. In particular the airport is not well served by public transport, so workers will “have to take to their cars”. There will also be additional road traffic necessary to service the maintenance and servicing side of the airport. They will need parts etc and the majority of these will no doubt come by road. We would like to a written commitment to improve the B1013 road through Hawkwell and Hockley.
Pollution - We are aware that flight paths, in certain circumstances, are over Hawkwell and therefore we are being subjected to additional noise and air pollution above the current levels, we should surely be looking to reduce current levels further not approving increases which will surely happen. We believe that the routing of aircraft on both take-off and landing could reduce noise and environmental impact to our area.
Night Flights - We understand that passenger flights are to be allowed to fly for over 80% of the day. We also understand that freight flights will be in addition to this, so flights may be operating for up to 24 hours per day. We find this as unacceptable and consider there must be a longer “window” when no flights are allowed. In our opinion a TOTAL ban on all night flights between 22:00 - 07:00 should be imposed.
We would like to have written restrictions on the following:
* Noise from engine testing, especially out of the working week - Monday to Friday.
* Pollution levels from aircraft.
* Noise levels from aircraft.
* Night flights.
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Yellow Advertiser Report 12th November 2009 – Hands off Hockley
Campaigners claim hundreds of residents they surveyed about plans to redevelop Hockley have rejected the plans. Members of Hockley Residents Association, Hockley Parish Plan Group and Hockley Under Treat spoke to 1,000 people about Rochford District Council’s Hockley Area Action Plan. Rochford District Council aims to formulate a design for Hockley, Rayleigh and Rochford town centres by 2011. Brian Guyett, chairman of Hockley Residents Association, claimed only five per cent were in favour of major redevelopment and13 per cent wanted to retain the Spa Road junction. He said: “This second consultation reinforces the great desire by the majority of residents to keep Hockley as a village. “It is very frustrating that the council has strengthened their redevelopment proposals despite the plans being rejected in their own earlier consultation. “We hope the council and the Government Inspector will take note of their views.” All three groups arranged a special meeting, which was due to take place on Tuesday at Greensward Academy, in Greensward Lane, Hockley. Keith Hudson (Con, Hockley Central), Rochford District Council’s cabinet member for planning, said it was ‘vital’ the council listens to residents and businesses. He said: “We have no plan at present. We are in consultations with the people of Hockley and have another round of consultations next spring. “We will take every persons point of view seriously to help us to formulate the plans. “The plans are desperately important for Hockley. It is imperative we have control on what our village and town centres look like. If we don’t have a plan in place any developer could submit an application.”
PROTEST: Hockley campaigners have fears over the village’s future.
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The Results of the Hockley Village Centre Survey
Hockley Residents Association, Hockley Under Threat and Hockley Parish Plan Group, together carried out a short survey on what changes residents would like for the centre of Hockley. As Hockley is for many residents in Hawkwell their nearest shopping centre, we asked Hawkwell residents to take the survey to also get their preferences for the area. To see the results of the survey please click on the title link above.
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Our objections to RDC against the David Wilson Homes Planning Application 09/00529/OUT
The Hawkwell Residents Association has had many objections to the proposed David Wilson Homes Planning Application 09/00529/OUT. We regard the Christmas Tree Farm area as totally unsuitable for the 300 plus homes proposed in the application for the following reasons:
· The proposed additional lane added to Rectory Road at the mini-roundabout would not be sufficient. Traffic currently tails back at this roundabout at peak times in Rectory Road and Hall Road and this will only get worse if development at the airport expansion goes ahead.
· We would like to see no new homes built on green belt land in our area but access to this area is poorly served by a traffic light controlled single lane at the railway bridge which will be turned into a continuous traffic jam if these homes and the homes proposed for the Brays Lane area are built.
· The stated government policy of using 60% brown field sites first before green field seems to have been reversed, with many potential sites for building being of a green field nature.
· If the 300 plus homes were to be located in one place it will change the nature of the village. We believe it would be better to spread them throughout the Hawkwell area. Consideration should be given to the proximity of shops and schools as due to the lack of public transport additional car usage would result.
· That comprehensive consultation has not taken place with ECC, other district councils, local parish / town councils, residents associations and other interested parties in and around our district.
· The additional homes will put an enormous strain on the infrastructure of our area, particularly the road system.
· Loss of Green Belt in our area, which would change our village into a town.
· Additional vehicles on the roads from the building of the new homes, the additional residents, their delivery services and visitors and the proposed airport expansion traffic.
· Additional demand on our doctors and dentists.
· Additional demand on schools and social services.
· The number 7 and 8 bus has now been reduced to mainly one bus an hour and there is now no evening number 8 service through this area.
· Additional demand on gas, electric, telephone, water, sewers and surface / storm water drainage.
· ECC have stated that the B1013 is now running at 72% capacity. The Core Strategy proposal would bring the traffic to an unbearable level. No details and estimated costs are given of the many road improvement we believe would be necessary as listed below.
· This area is enclosed by the River Crouch, the sea and the Thames and is only properly accessed from the west. For this reason we believe the sensible place to locate additional homes would be in the western part of Rochford district.
· We believe that no major infrastructure improvements have been carried out in the Hawkwell area for more than 30 years. Even if the current Core Strategy Submission document figure of 175 new homes for Hawkwell were proposed for the Rectory Road area, we believe a development of this proportion would require the following:
1. Upgrade Rectory Road and widen road and footpath at the Christmas Tree Farm area.
2. Replace traffic light controlled single lane at the railway bridge with a wider bridge.
3. Upgrade the B1013 Hall Road and provide missing and upgrade existing pavements.
4. Proper main road street lighting for the B1013 Hall Road.
5. A cycle path route from Rochford through Hockley to Rayleigh.
6. Return to two buses an hour in both directions for the 7 and 8 services between Southend and Rayleigh and the return of the 8 evening bus service.
7. Improvements to all services including gas, electric, telephone, water, sewers and surface / storm water drainage.
8. Increase capacity at all the local Schools in the area.
9. Increase capacity at all the local Doctors and Dentists and hospital services in the area.
10. Increase ambulance, fire and police emergency services.
11. Provide and run a youth club in the Hawkwell area.
12. To provide and run allotments in the Hawkwell area.
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Our Response to the RDC Core Strategy Submission document
The Hawkwell Residents Association has discussed the RDC Core Strategy Submission document and wishes to object on the grounds of unsoundness or legally non compliant due to the following points:
· Producing a heavy weight document that prevented printing and general distribution was an unfair method of consultation.
· This document does not fully take into consideration the impact of the JAAP report and the reports for the proposed redevelopment of Hockley, Rochford and Rayleigh.
· The stated government policy of using 60% brown field sites first before green field seems to have been reversed, with many potential sites for building being of a green field nature.
· If the 175 homes were to be located in one place it will change the nature of the village. We believe it would be better to spread them throughout the Hawkwell area. Consideration should be given to the proximity of shops and schools as due to the lack of public transport additional car usage would result.
· That comprehensive consultation has not taken place with ECC, other district councils, local parish / town councils, residents associations and other interested parties in and around our district.
· The additional homes will put an enormous strain on the infrastructure of our area, particularly the road system, which has not been addressed in the document.
· Loss of Green Belt in our area, which would change our village into a town.
· Additional vehicles on the roads from the building of the new homes, the additional residents, their delivery services and visitors and the proposed airport expansion traffic.
· Additional demand on our doctors and dentists.
· Additional demand on schools and social services.
· The number 7 and 8 bus has now been reduced to mainly one bus an hour and there is now no evening number 8 service.
· Additional demand on gas, electric, telephone, water, sewers and surface / storm water drainage.
· Moving Eldon Way and the Foundry Estate to a green belt site at the airport area will increase mileage for employees and the lack of public transport will limit employment to car users. We believe cycling would be a poor and unrealistic substitute.
· ECC have stated that the B1013 is now running at 72% capacity. The Core Strategy proposal would bring the traffic to an unbearable level. No details and estimated costs are given of the many road improvement we believe would be necessary as listed below.
· This area is enclosed by the River Crouch, the sea and the Thames and is only properly accessed from the west. For this reason we believe the sensible place to locate additional homes would be in the western part of Rochford district.
· We believe that no major infrastructure improvements have been carried out in the Hawkwell area for more than 30 years. We also believe that the following infrastructure improvements in the Hawkwell / Hockley area, that are not included in the Core Strategy document, should be addressed before any additional homes are built:
1. Replacement of Rectory Road Railway Bridge for two-way traffic.
2. Computer controlled traffic lights at the Rectory Road / Hall Road junction.
3. Upgrade Rectory Road and widen road and footpath at the Christmas Tree Farm area.
4. Upgrade the B1013 Hall Road and provide missing and upgrade existing pavements.
5. Proper main road street lighting for the B1013 Hall Road and B1013 Rayleigh Road.
6. A cycle path route from Rochford through Hockley to Rayleigh.
7. A new pelican crossing in B1013 Main Road near Tudor Way.
8. Return to two buses an hour in both directions for the 7 and 8 services between Southend and Rayleigh and the return of the 8 evening bus service.
9. Improvements to all services including gas, electric, telephone, water, sewers and surface / storm water drainage.
10. Increase capacity at all the local Schools in the area.
11. Increase capacity at all the local Doctors and Dentists and hospital services in the area.
12. Increase ambulance, fire and police emergency services.
13. Provide and run a youth club in the Hawkwell area.
14. To provide and run allotments in the Hawkwell area.
15. To extend the existing Cherry Orchard Park to Mount Bovers Lane and Hockley Woods.
16. Replace the existing Hockley Spa roundabout with a wider traffic light junction complete with pedestrian cross lights.
17. Install a double mini roundabout at Station Road and Station Approach junction with Spa Road for Hockley Station.
18. Install a mini roundabout on the B1013 at Folly Lane.
19. Make up / Upgrade Plumberow Avenue through to Lower Road in Hockley complete with pavements, main road street lighting and a mini roundabout at the Lower Road junction.
20. Upgrade Watery Lane / Beeches Road in Hullbridge from Lower Road complete with pavements, main road street lighting and a mini roundabout at the Lower Road junction.
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Hockley Under Threat (HUT) Press Release - Hockley Redevelopment Plans Rejected by Villagers
95% Reject Rochford District Council’s Hockley Area Action Plan Proposal. Hockley residents who responded to the Rochford District Council (RDC) consultation over its Hockley Area Action Plan (HAAP) gave it a resounding thumbs-down. Over 95% of the respondents explicitly said no to the plan as it stands.
Six ways to destroy the heart of a village. RDC put forward six options including large scale redevelopment of theVillage centre and surrounding area. This included the change of use of current brownfield land at Eldon Way to additional housing. This would displace the existing businesses, relocating them to what is currently green belt land.
Why are the locals so upset. Anger at the way RDC managed the HAAP consultation phase led to an independent public meeting being held in Hockley on 19 April 2009. Here residents angrily voiced their concerns that RDC had failed to publicise the plan effectively, leaving them little time to respond to the formal consultation phase. Campaigners are convinced that many residents remain unaware of these plans.
Here’s why. Concerns from residents included the need to retain the Village character, not add any additional stress to the local infrastructure or amenities (buses, medical facilities, shops, etc.) and the need to fundamentally engage with local residents to develop a suitable and widely acceptable solution for any future redevelopment.
Who built the “HUT”? The meeting’s 400 strong attendees fully supported the formation of a new local interest group, the Hockley Under Threat Campaign (HUT), chaired by Ms Gabrielle Yeadell. This group’s aim is to increase public awareness of the HAAP, to engage them in understanding the contents and to work with other local organisations in making Hockley residents’ opinions known to RDC.
Determining policy before consultation. It has now come to light that RDC has made amendments to its separate Core Strategy (CS) which effectively implements a large element of the HAAP proposal without any additional consultation (Eldon Way redevelopment into housing). These amendments to the CS are expected to be approved by RDC on 9 September 2009.
Outrage that RDC appear to be ignoring its own consultation results. A spokesperson for the HUT Campaign revealed that they will be seeking to alert residents to the threat and to ensure that RDC takes due note of residents’ views. They asked “What is the point of having a consultation and then totally ignoring it? As a first step, we hope that RDC will urgently reconsider their Core Strategy plans!”
Read more. Further information can be found via the HUT campaign website: http://www.hockleyunderthreat.com/
Anne Skeet press@hockleyunderthreat.com
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Our Response to the RDC HAAP
In response to the RDC Hockley Area Action Plan we have put together our initial thoughts. We would like to retain the village feel but would also like to see some of the following gradual improvements to the village centre:
. The current shops remaining mainly as they are with permitted redevelopment where and when required. We do not believe a new and larger supermarket is necessary as it could lead to the closure of even more shops.
. Additional free village centre parking is required, maybe by purchasing the vacant Aldays area and building a free public car park on this site.
. Eldon Way to remain mainly commercial, light industrial and leisure. Moving Eldon Way businesses to an expanded Southend Airport commercial area off Cherry Orchard Way would be very expensive and create a lot of additional mileage for employees. There is also currently no public transport to this area. Getting additional public transport is not an easy thing as we have discovered with the number 8 evening service. Some redevelopment of the Eldon Estate with shops and flats could be built on the south side backing on to the current shops. This could be in a traffic free area with road access from the front part of Eldon Way. Eldon Way may require a traffic light junction with Spa Road.
. We are not sure that locating a large clinic in Eldon Way or at the Spa Junction is appropriate as this could generate a large volume of traffic and parking in the centre of the village. If one of these locations is chosen sufficient free parking should be provided.
. We do not believe relocating the sorting office is necessary unless the Royal Mail wants to move inside the Eldon Way commercial area. We are concerned that forcing the sorting office to relocate could lead to its closure. If they did want to relocate, the current site would be a good location for additional shops, flats and parking.
. If the current run down Foundry Estate wanted to relocate into upgraded units in Eldon Way it could be replaced with housing and flats in keeping with those already in this area. There would also be the future possibility to expand this area into the adjacent south east corner of Eldon Way without the need for access from Eldon Way.
. The entrance / exit areas north and south of the station need improving with better drop off, turn round, pedestrian paving, parking and taxi rank facilities.
. The junction of Station Approach and Station Road with Spa Road needs Addressing. We suggest a double mini roundabout may work.
. The Spa mini roundabout junction needs replacing. Although traffic lights were apparently used here over 40 years ago, traffic lights in use over 40 years ago would not compare with the traffic light computer controlled technology of today. One of the failings with this mini roundabout is that traffic coming from Spa Road is able to hold up the B1013 trough traffic from Rayleigh. This could be carefully controlled with modern traffic lights and they would have the added advantage of better pedestrian crossing. Also the junction needs to be widened out with an additional dedicated lane for traffic travelling from the west into Spa Road. We do not believe stopping traffic entering Woodland Road would be beneficial as this would make the already poor situation at the Main Road / Hockley Rise junction even worse.
. The proposed green walk through the church ground is a good idea if practical but it does not line up with the pedestrian crossing that is at present near the Spa Junction. To make this work the crossing would need to be moved to the car park / library area.
. Although many of the shops on Main Road at the west entrance to the village are empty, this location still suffers from a severe shortage of parking and unloading facilities. This may be a good opportunity to purchase the disused wood yard area and building a free public car park on this site.
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Our Response to the RDC JAAP Prefered Options
Any Southend Airport proposals should take into account the Rochford Core Strategy – we have not seen the final Rochford Core strategy and therefore we cannot weigh the pros and cons and develop a comprehensive response to you. A cynical view of this process would be that this proposal is going ahead no matter what the public say as it does not seek agreement only gives an opportunity to comment with no assurance that our views will be taken on board or at least ruled out by cogent argument. We are not convinced that there is any desire to limit the number of night flights. We are aware that flight paths, in certain circumstances, are over Hawkwell and therefore we are being subjected to additional noise and air pollution above the current levels, we should surely be looking to reduce current levels further not approving increases which will surely happen.
We accept that the airport as proposed in the JAAP will have an impact on traffic, but is totally devoid of any concrete proposals to minimise or even limit the additional traffic that must arise from the proposals. It is very worrying that this major issue is limited to a small paragraph in the report and is without any real proposals that would have impact on traffic volumes, in particular along the B1013. In particular the airport is not well served by public transport, so workers will “have to take to their cars”
We are totally opposed to the destruction of green belt land and areas that are prime agricultural land and should be retained as such. Using this land to provide space for new industrial sites on the basis of support for the development of an airport that will reduce the quality of life of our residents is unacceptable. So far this has not had any real environmental impact study published in an accessible format for resident to understand the effects of an airport operating at the proposed levels will be. If a brown filed site was to be used it would be of less impact to the countryside.
Our main concerns are the lack of real data in the public domain to enable us the public to have a reasoned discussion over the proposals put forward. We understand that passenger flights are to be allowed to fly for over 80% of the day. We understand also that freight flights will be in addition to this, so flights may be operating for up to 24 hours per day. We find this as unacceptable and consider there must be a longer “window” when no flights are allowed. In our opinion a TOTAL ban on all night flights between 22:00 - 07:00 should be imposed. We note that the routing of aircraft on both take-off and landing should be so organised to reduce noise and environmental impact. We note that there is no comment on the additional road traffic necessary to service the maintenance and servicing side of the airport. They will need parts etc and the majority of these will no doubt come by road.
We would like to have written restrictions on the following:
. Noise from engine testing, especially out of the working week - Monday to Friday.
. Pollution levels from aircraft
. Noise levels from aircraft
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Wyvern Community Transport
Are you unable to access conventional transport due to either having restricted mobility, temporarily unable to access public transport, living in an area not served by public transport or where your transport needs are not met by existing timetables. If you are a permanent resident of the our area then Wyvern Community Transport for Rochford District can help you. The scheme utilises drivers and the vehicles provided to meet the special transport needs of residents of Rochford District. To book the service phone 01702 544551 between 9.15am & 2.30pm (Mon - Thur) 9.15am & 12.00 (Fri). Email: manager@wyvernct.co.uk A yearly membership fee of £5 is payable and £2.50 per journey up to 4 miles. For journeys over 4 miles, 50p per mile is charged. See: http://www.rravs.org.uk/transport.html .
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Self Defence
Britka Karate is a professional karate club based in the Southend on Sea area. They run classes in Wado Ryu Karate for children from ages 5 up to adults. They have been running karate classes successfully since 1991 and have classes for beginners and advanced students in the Leigh, Hadleigh, Hawkwell and Shoebury areas. Chief Instructor of Britka karate is Sensei Russell Garrard 4th Dan. For their website click on: Britka Karate
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Astronomy from Rawal Pindi Nursery
Weather permitting, free observing session at the Astronomy Resource Centre, Main Road, Hawkwell from 9pm. Phone Royston Dean on 01702 206244.
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Ashlea Simpson an English lady living in the USA – See 'Good News' Below
Extracts from three emails we have received from Ashlea Simpson an English lady living in Idaho USA. Please Contact Us if you have any information that may help her:
(1) I am wondering whether you know how I might find out if my great-grandmother is buried at Hawkwell Church. She was 84, I think, and her name was Sara Ann Simpson (or Sarah Anne possibly). I used to stay with her at her home in Rochford during the 40's, and I remember going to see her on her deathbed (I lived in Brighton then). I believe I was 7 years old when she died, so that would have been in 1946+/-. I have a photograph of her standing by the front gate with the name of her home on the gate "ASH LEA". If I were in England I could perhaps research this myself but I moved to the US in 1958. I visited Rochford in 1978 and was floored by the changes - houses after houses, so many streetlights, etc. but her home was still standing then, as were the ones on either side. Thank you for any information you may have to help me in finding her final resting place.
(2) I believe my great-grandmother is not buried in the little church at Rochford (built, I believe, by King Canute of the Danes), which was across from the dirt road where she used to live (with the woods at the other end). Her home had the name ASH LEA on the front gate. Like a bungalow with a large front porch and just past her home, right next door, was a brick two-storey house. They were both still standing in the late 1970's. And I'm not certain whether her first name was Sara or Sarah and her middle name Ann or Anne. I'm trying to remember her husband's name and it may have been Albert. Where that dirt road met the main road (by a pub across from a farm and the "Canute" church, we would turn right onto the main road by the newsagent/tobacconist's shop and the vicarage on the other side of the main road, and walk quite a way and then turn right again down a road to another churchyard - possibly Hawkwell Church? This is going back 60+ years so I don't recall the names of the roads, unfortunately. I will try to dig out some more information but not sure of my chances. I think that buried somewhere here I may still have an Easter postcard mailed from my grandmother to my great-grandmother which may give a clue as to her address.
(3) I have now found out my great-grandmother's husband's name was Christopher (not Albert). Perhaps he is buried in the same churchyard as she is. I unearthed a letter from my mother dated June 21, 1982, with lots of family info but nothing re the correct spelling of my great-grandmother's first two names.
Good News
One of our local residents has now located Ashlea's great-grandmother's grave in Saint Mary's Churchyard in Hawkwell after reading our news item. From a list of graves we found that three Simpson are buried there. Sarah Ann Simpson died age 86 in 1947 is in grave 1149, John Thomas Simpson died age 53 in 2000 is in grave 2023 and Christopher Thomas Simpson died age 70 in 1925 is in grave 699 (U/K). We sent Ashlea some photos of the churchyard and Sarah's and John's graves. Unfortunately Sarah's husband Christopher's grave is unknown (U/K), which means it is in the graveyard but as it is unmarked (no grave stone) they cannot find it. As John has the middle name Thomas I believe he may be a relative and as he died age only 53 in year 2000 there are probably more relatives living in the Rochford area. If you have any information for Ashlea please let us know via Contact Us. I have included extracts from Ashlea's emails of thanks below:
This is a wonderful surprise. Only yesterday I was wondering if any records had been found about my great-grandmother and I also came across our previous emails. It's sad that I had no knowledge of John Thomas Simpson as he died so recently and it would have been wonderful if I'd had the opportunity to meet him; he was born only 8 years after I was. I have no idea whose son he was, which is a shame. Thank you so very, very much for including my inquiry in your news item, and please do convey to the resident who took the time to locate these graves my very deepest gratitude. That was an extremely generous thing for them to do for a total stranger. I have looked at all the wonderful photos you have been so very kind to send me. I want to thank you or whoever took all these photos for me it was so very, very kind. What a beautiful church - makes me so homesick. I do remember going to visit the grave with my grandmother some short time after my great-grandmother was buried there. I will treasure all of these and, of course, make prints of them. Please be sure to thank everyone involved, including yourself, for finding out all this information and going the extra mile for me. This has been like a journey back to a gentler time. Ashlea
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BEES IN AUTUMN
By David Blackwood our bee keeping committee member.
I have been asked to write something for the Hawkwell Residents Association website about bees. It is thought that I ought to know something about them as I have been keeping honeybees for many years and I am the honorary secretary of the Southend-on-Sea and District division of the Essex Beekeepers Association. Of course this is such a large subject that no one knows everything there is to know about bees.
By the time you read this Newsletter the beekeeping season will be practically over. All species of bees will have made their preparations for the coming winter. Yes I say species, because there are some approximately 230 different species and sub-species of bees in Britain. Ranging in size from very small 3-4mm solitary bees to the largest of queen bumblebees of nearly 2 inches (50cm).
The majority of bees that you will see in your garden are the bumblebees. These are round, furry insects that vary in size and colouration. A young mated queen comes out of hibernation from a hole in the soil in late January or early February, and this depends on the actual species of bumblebee and the weather. She looks around for a place to make her nest and as she is not capable of collecting nesting material herself like a bird does, so she looks elsewhere. Often she will choose a compost heap, a discarded bird’s nest or an old mouse’s nest, somewhere nice and cosy. She goes foraging to collect nectar and pollen for her own consumption and to take back to the nest. In the nest she constructs a heap of mixed pollen and nectar and lays eggs on it. This she covers with wax from her wax glands and with wax she also constructs a honey pot in which she stores nectar for a rainy day when she cannot get out to forage. After between 4-6 days the eggs hatch into larvae and they eat the food that mother has been placed underneath them. After another period during which they grow by shedding their ‘skin’ several times they spin a substantial cocoon of silk in an upright position. After about two weeks the adult workers begin to cut their way out of their cocoons using their mandibles. According to one source of information it takes about 5 weeks from an egg being laid to the emergence of an adult bumblebee from the pupal cocoon. Now the solitary existence of the queen is at an end and she has help with foraging and the looking after other larvae.
The colony develops with the queen foraging less as there are daughters to do this work Some species can build up to about 100 workers all working for the good of the colony. Later in the year eggs are laid that develop into males and future virgin queens. The males when they emerge from their cocoons spend about four days in the nest maturing and when they leave the nest it is considered that they never return to it. They patrol an area leaving a scent trail on vegetation and when a young virgin strays into their territory she is pounced upon and mating takes place on the ground or other flat surface. When young virgins emerge from their cocoons they mature and then go out to forage returning back to the nest at nightfall.
These young virgins soon meet up with their male counterparts and mate. Once mated these queens continue to forage for pollen and nectar, which they break down internally into chemicals for storage in their fat bodies in preparation for hibernation during the winter. The young mated queen then digs a small hole in the soil and lining it with a solution from her Dufoss gland and salvia settles down to ‘sleep’ through the winter. Her metabolism slows right down and because of the chemicals in her body that act as an antifreeze she is able to withstand very cold temperatures. When the weather warms up in the spring she comes out of hibernation and the life cycle starts all over again.
There are 23 different bumblebees in Britain; of these 6 are cuckoo species whose queens take over a different bee species nest similar to the cuckoo bird. But it is the cuckoo queen that kills the rightful queen. The cuckoo queen does not lay eggs that develop into workers, only males and future queens. The workers of the rightful queen look after the usurper’s eggs and larvae.
There are six main species of bees that are found in your garden, and they are Bombus lapidarius (Large red tailed bumble bee, black with a brick red tail); B. terrestris (Buff tailed BB with yellow bands and buff tail); B. lucorum (Common white tailed BB yellow bands and white tail); B. hortorum (Common garden BB with three yellow bands and white tail); B. pratorum (Meadow BB yellow bands and red tail); and B. pascourum (Common Carder Bee dark or light brown BB). As I wrote in the beginning all of these species should have completed their life cycle by the time you read this article.
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MISSING ROAD SIGNS
Missing and confusing road signs have been sorted out with new signs installed by Rocford District Council after requests to us from our members.
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SINGLE OCCUPIER COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNT
Did you know that if you are the only person aged 18 or over living in your property, you may be entitled to a 25% reduction in your Council Tax, see RDC Single Occupier Council Tax Information. You will need to complete an application form, available from the Revenues & Benefits Office. This information has been obtained from the Rochford District Council website.
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