So much for local consultation - Ignored !!

The Central Area Committee on 20 September in Hawkwell Village Hall considered a request by Hawkwell Parish Council for a Teen Shelter to be sited on the field adjoining Clements Hall Leisure Centre.  No details had been submitted before the meeting but the Central Area Committee was supposed to recommend this in principle to the Executive Board.  A large number of residents from Hawkwell West, my Ward, attended and some spoke out very strongly against this proposal.  Because no details had been submitted before the meeting no one knew if it required Planning Permission or not.  If it did not then the Chairman, also a Member for Hawkwell West but a Tory (Executive Councillor Derek (Steve) Stansby), said that the Executive Board would approve it.  Not so said an Officer and indeed Councillor Hudson, Deputy Leader of the Council, but the Chairman, wishing to push this through regardless of local opinion, the people he represents, insisted otherwise.  Under the circumstances I publicly voted against because it went against the views of residents and I had not even seen the details.  So much for local consultation.  Indeed I discovered in the Minutes of Hawkwell Parish Council that only 6 adults had attended their public meeting - so the rest,54,were young people and Parish Councillors.

Overworked Rochford Police are asking public for help

POLICE officers are searching for volunteers to give up a few hours of their time to help free up police in their area.

Chief Insp John Walker, of Rochford police, said civic-minded people of all ages could make the most of their skills, whether they are in accountancy, human resources or manual labour, by helping police with small tasks.

They could even spare just a few hours to water the window boxes, wash police cars or help with administrative tasks.

Mr Walker said: “One of our big drives is about engaging with the general public, making sure we work closely together to improve the community.

Breaking News Feeds for South Essex, Rochford District & Hawkwell

You can keep up to date with breaking News from South Essex, Rochford District & Hawkwell by clicking on the links below and choosing the subject you want to know more about.

These news feeds come from a diverse series of sources and we hope that you find it both interesting and informative. 

• News from BBC, Essex
• News from the Evening Echo
• News from Essex Police
• News from Rochford District Council
• News from the Liberal Democrat Party, Rochford District
• News from Rochford District and Hawkwell  

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Today’s Articles from THE ROCHFORD INDEPENDENT

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News from Essex Police

• Brentwood residents happy with local police
• No bullies allowed in Maldon
• Essex Police supports local businesses
• Crime prevention takes to the streets
• How safe is your purse this Christmas?
• 80 wish lists posted in Basildon
• Soccer team lose, but achieve real goal
• Rochford officers show evidence of soccer skills
• Do you recognise these concrete blocks?
• Over 120 Colchester residents wished away!
• Police band to perform Christmas songs
• New dogs with new tricks
• Basildon district pledges their services to public
• Recognising and rewarding unsung heroes

News from Essex & Rochford District

You can keep up to date with breaking News from Essex, Rochford District & Hawkwell by clicking on the links below and choosing the subject you want to know more about.

This News Feed comes from a diverse series of sources and we hope that you find it both interesting and informative. 

• News from BBC, Essex
• News from the Evening Echo
• News from Essex Police
• News from Rochford District Council
• News from the Liberal Democrat Party, Rochford District
• News from Rochford District and Hawkwell  

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New Youth Centres possible in Rochford District

There appears to be a general consensus both from the general public and youngsters that designated meeting areas, which are supported by all, are preferred to ad hoc gathering points on street corners or other inappropriate venues. Consultation with youths across the District has already confirmed their perception that they have nowhere to go.  It therefore appears that we are all united in recognising the need to identify suitable locations for youngsters to meet up.
 
I was actually referring to some preliminary discussions about re-establishing a youth club at Rocheway, Rochford and in proposals for a new youth club in Eldon Way at Hockley.
 
In summary the police would support buildings and locations that diverted the prospect of anti social behaviour away from more residential areas, but we will do no more that support the general principles.  It is very much in the hands of local residents and councils to determine whether specific locations are deemed appropriate.

Hawkwell/Hockley Anti Social Behaviour Reduction Plan

Anti Social Behaviour : Matter of Concern Number 1, Residents Survey - Hawkwell West 2007

So the Police want the Youth to congregate at Clements Hall Leisure Centre. Not good news for Hawkwell residents living nearby.  But the Police want the Youth to be able to use the facilities.

So will Virgin Active and RDC offer the use free or subsidised?

I have written to a senior officer of RDC to ask how this Police request will be actioned. Read more

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Rochford District Council - Central Area Committee 12 June 2007

Rochford District Council - Central Area Committee 12 June 2007

NO members of the public attended.  Why?

But there were 14 paid employees of RDC present (cost?).  And at least 7 paid employees of Essex County Council who were not presenting (cost?).

RDC Executive Councillor Mavis Webster was down to present on Tourism but she did not turn up nor send apologies.

Neighbourhood Action Panel (NAPs) - Essex Police

This is a Panel of Residents put together by Essex Police.

The names of the members are not published and will change from time to time as it would be pointless to always have the same voices. It is not open to Councillors or people with any particular political view.

The agreed priorities will be published in various ways, initially on web page http://www.essex.police.uk/hockley

Where it says Hockley the Police mean Hawkwell/Hockley (it says Hockley because that is the name of their team!!)

The Neighbourhood Action Panels (aka NAPs) are intended to set the Neighbourhood Policing Team priorities ie speeding, nuisance, youths etc.,

Rochford District Residents - Democracy Direct

DEMOCRACY DIRECT because I have no committee which funds, owns or directs me.

THE ROCHFORD INDEPENDENT is owned by John Mason who is the Editor.

John sponsors Rochford District Residents (a local registered political party for Rochford District, Essex). Hawkwell is our base but we cover the whole of the Rochford District.

If you raise something with me then it goes DIRECT to Council or the alternative responsible organisation like the Essex Police or the Primary Care Trust. DEMOCRACY DIRECT !! Anything else is not Democratic.

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