330 reasons to object to new houses in Hawkwell
November 14, 2008 by Editor · 4 Comments
160 residents from Hockley and Hawkwell went to the Rochford District Council Meeting held at the Hawkwell Village Hall to protest against the proposal from the Council to build 330 new houses between Thorpe Road and Clements Hall Way.
Independent District Councillor John Mason for Hawkwell West spoke at the end of the Meeting at the request of a resident to explain whether he was against the proposal.
Rochford to Southend Relief Road - Is it Back?
July 5, 2008 by Editor · Leave a Comment
There were renewed calls in the Echo on 4 July for a Southend Relief Road because of recent closures of the A127. Southend notables were interviewed and they saw no point in road improvements in Southend which would link up with the A127. A suggestion was of a new road going North of Shoebury. Nobody actually said that there should be a Rochford Southend Relief Road but how long will it be before this gets back into play following the retirement of Southend MP Sir Teddy Taylor who campaigned relentlessly for a major road through Rochford District.
Meeting with Chief Inspector Andy Prophet
June 27, 2008 by Editor · 3 Comments
As your representative on the District Council, John Mason met with Chief Inspector Andy Prophet and PC Steve Joynes at Rochford Police Station on Thursday afternoon.
They gave him the opportunity to talk in depth about the problems that residents have been experiencing and the concerns that they have. John emphasised that if Essex Police see Clements Hall as a good place for the young people to congregate and they support the Teen Shelter then Essex Police must be resourced both for supervision and action to be taken about under age drinking and drinking anywhere in that area because it is banned.
Public Cash Spent on Hotels
June 24, 2008 by Editor · Leave a Comment
In the Echo on Monday, Terry Cutmore, Conservative Leader of Rochford District Council said “there is nothing wrong with the council’s practices. The whole council is involved - not just the Conservative Members”
RDC spent £4000 including £1395 spent at the Western Ivy hotel and restaurant in Margaretting.
Whilst these are working away days for all Members, I have always declined to go because the Council already has adequate premises and I see no reason to waste council tax.
So it is not true, The Rochford Independent, aka Councillor John Mason, is not involved but FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD, Conservative and Lib Dem Members are.
New Hawkwell Housing - How to Protest
June 22, 2008 by Editor · Leave a Comment
Having seen the huge turnout at the Hawkwell Action Group’s Public Meeting many of you asked how you could object. Rather than wait for an official public consultation you can protest now especially as it is known that the Planning Policy Committee has reviewed the sites.
Here is the draft of a letter you could send to the Council, Click here.
Housing Allocations - Who does What?
June 21, 2008 by Editor · Leave a Comment
The Liberal Democrats have published an article called A “Presidential-style” Council but The Rochford Independent would like to share with all residents just how this new BASIS for Rochford District Council will directly affect one of the big decisions that are made in the next few months. We don’t think that the public appreciates that the new cabinet members are in a very powerful position. So how will this impact on the allocation of 3700 new houses across the District? This is how it works…………and if you wish to get your views known before the policy is made then write to Councillor Hudson now rather than later. We feel that although there is a public consultation period it will be so much harder to get big changes once it has been published so do it now ……..
Hawkwell says it does not want 365 houses on green belt
Residents at the Public Meeting arranged by the Hawkwell Action Group said “No !”
Please protest about this here

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No more homes for Hawkwell - The Rochford Independent’s Letter in the Echo
February 8, 2008 by Editor · Leave a Comment
As a District Councillor for Hawkwell West I have a duty to represent my Ward as well as the District. I am not doing this to preserve my re-election chances. I promised residents that I would protect green belt and I will do my best.
No more homes for Hawkwell
I am campaigning against the housing allocation for Hawkwell.
If an additional 365 homes were to be built in the village the road infrastructure in would have to be improved to cope.
In addition there are many more homes to be built in Rochford district where car movements could cause those people to travel through Hawkwell.
Would Rochford Square Pedestrianisation Close Shops?
February 8, 2008 by Editor · Leave a Comment
Echo Story - Rochford Market Square pedestrianisation hope
Council leader Terry Cutmore said: “In Rochford, many people would like to see a central area free from traffic and we are looking to pedestrianise Market Square.
The Rochford Independent Comment
Residents to Give Evidence on Climate Change to Council Committee
October 24, 2007 by Editor · Leave a Comment
The Rochford District Council Review Committee is to take evidence from the public following the intervention of independent councillor, John Mason.
Officers presented a project plan to the last Review Committee which had not been tabled on the Agenda. One Tory Councillor was concerned that this had not been drawn up by Members and the obvious unseen nature of the proposals.





