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Post by rosegriffintwidell on May 15, 2015 10:06:32 GMT
Your letter has been passed on to our ward councillors and MP
Several other people have raised the exact same and similar issues. I have spoken to council officers. Stephen Ward has responded and suggested a way forward. Here are the contact details if you wish to contact them direct
Stephen Metcalfe MP, House of Commons, London SW1 0AA Stephen.metcalfe.mp@parliament.uk
Stephen Ward, stephen.ward@members.basildon.gov.uk 07908 439441 Aidan McGurran aidan.mcgurran@members.basildon.gov.uk 07710 613928 Amanda Arnold Amanda.arnold@members.basildon.gov.uk
All ward councillors can be written to at Basildon Council, The Basildon Centre, St. Martin's Square, SS14 1DL
You can all contact Emma Spurr, our excellent and hardworking, Community Police Officer by calling 101 and asking to speak to her. She is lovely and very sympathetic to the problems which arise here.
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on May 14, 2015 10:25:10 GMT
There appears to be an error on the above matrix. I think (sincerely hope) there has been an error in the response from Essex County Council. Under item they say that they are going to carry out jetting under the A130 to help resolve the flood problem at the end of Pound Lane and Burnt Mills Road. They must mean the A127.
ECC also states that it has issued enforcement notices to riparian land owners with regard to ditch maintenance. However, I am informed that part of the problem in Burnt Mills Road is that the road is crumbling away into the ditches.
I note that parts of Burnt Mills Road have been resurfaced.
As stated I was not able to attend the 30th April meeting but will follow up at the next.
Rose
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on May 9, 2015 11:39:10 GMT
Please would the person who sent the anonymous letter to me phone me on 0780 804 1825
I promise to keep your identity anonymous. If you prefer you could use a "number withheld" service and need not tell me who you are.
I share your concerns and can assure you that action has been and continues to be taken. These matters have been raised with the council previously and I am sorry that they remain unactioned.
These and other issues have now been raised with Stephen Metcalfe.
With very best wishes Rose
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on May 7, 2015 12:09:37 GMT
Not sure if you can follow the items below. It is actually an excel spread-sheet summarising the meeting between the Flood Risk Action Groups set up by local villages and all the local council e.g. Basildon, Rochford, Rayleigh, Castle Point, Essex Highways, Essex Water Regulation etc. plus Anglian Water (AW), Environmental Health (EH). Peter Plummer represented both Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet. if ANYONE WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE SPREAD-SHEET PLEASE LET ME KNOW - IT'S A LOT EASIER TO FOLLOW. Anyway, I've tried to highlight the BG& NB issues covered but other items also effect us as a blockate in one area will
Photos of flood areas in Osborne Road, Pound Lane, Burnt Mills Road, Lower Road and Westlake Park were some of those included in the display - and were subject to some interest by the agencies who were quite unaware of the problems until these meetings began.
1. Can we please have some guidance on how to put together the document on Groundwater flooding issues? ECC Send links to Sue with advice on groundwater flooding. By the next meeting 2. a) What are the maintenance schedules for the ditches, brooks, and rivers for our area? b) What do the maintenance schedules involve? c) We are aware many areas have riparian owners. Please can we be advised on what can be done to ensure riparian owners carry out their responsibilities of maintenance? EA
Basildon Borough Council - to send the list of which ditches they maintain and what the maintenance involves by next meeting
ECC - To be provided before the next meeting.
Rochford District Council - The maintenance schedules and detail of works conducted by the EA are published online. The maintenance is due in this area between July and December every year. EA to send website address of the maintenance schedules to Sue.
ECC advised that the flood group could help raise awareness of riparian owner’s responsibilities. ECC to send literature to the flood group (Sue) so the group could distribute information.
If the group has any problems with riparian owners in Rochford, contact Shaun Scrutton (shaun.scrutton@rochford.gov.uk) Before the next meeting.
EA to resend website addresses of maintenance schedules to Sue. By the next meeting. Group (Peter and Sue) to send photos to EA of Rawreth Brook at the EON energy site. By the next meeting. To be done at the next meeting.
ECC to resend the documents to Sue by the next meeting. 3. The Bridge at Church Road (Rawreth, grid reference TQ 776 934) is a catalyst for flooding for the following reasons: the bridge is low and silts up, and is a pinch point for when the tidal and river flow meet. We welcome thoughts on what can be done to mitigate the flooding. For example, could there be clap/ flap valves installed to ensure water doesn’t go into the nearby properties? EA
ECC Highways -
Rochford District Council EA to provide an update at the next meeting on when the river was last maintained.
Next meeting. Completed- see discussion point 1.
Richard to speak to Andy Withers on this. Update at next meeting. A Rochford District Council (RDC) engineer will investigate the ditch. RDC will determine who owns the ditch. Sue to send map location to RDC in advance of engineer carrying out site visit. All to be done by the next meeting. 4. a) At the Fairglen’s interchange (Junction of the A127 and A1245) a pumping station was built to alleviate flooding. Where does this pumping station discharge water to? b) There are discharges related to the A130 which we are concerned about. Could we please have ways forward on the following: - Should the water come out the storm drain (opposite the brook that comes out of Church Rd, Rawreth)? - From the A130 there is a pipe which runs along a ditch in a field opposite Church Rd (Rawreth). What can be done to ensure this pipe does not cause the field the flood? - During a flood event, the subway under the A130 is pumped and we are concerned about where the water is pumped to. We feel the water runs into the balancing pond and contributes to highway flooding on the continuation of Old London Rd which leads to Southend Rd. - Could there be a store of water to ensure the pipe which leads into the Benfleet Brook (it is a large pipe at the bottom of the field on Academy Football Field) controls the flow of water? ECC Highways ECC: Sue and Peter to send photos to Karl, and to have a site visit with Karl or an appropriate colleague to identify sites and look for solutions for these points. Next meeting.
5. What can be done to mitigate the flooding at the Junction of Pound Lane and Burnt Mills Road (grid reference TQ 742 905)? ECC Response - ECC Highways Ditches and maintenance have been identified and enforcement has been taken. Jetting under the A130 to be done.
6. We have a problem in North Benfleet and Hullbridge that rainwater off the buildings goes into the sewerage system which causes the system to be overwhelmed. Are there any plans to deal with this? For example, could there be any future plans to add drains and ditches? Anglian Water (AW) AW to send a list of the schemes and the details of the schemes which are going on in North and South Benfleet to the group (to Sue). AW to provide literature to the group on what individual property owners can do to manage their surface water. AW advised if a foul flood event occurs, contact Rob Figg to ensure clean-up happens appropriately (rfigg@anglianwater.co.uk) please copy any correspondence relating to North Benfleet to ChairResidentsAssociation@outlook.com Before the next meeting.
Anglian Water to resend updates to Sue before the next meeting.
Completed (received at the meeting). 7. Have there been any flood risk assessment calculations at Battlesbridge Lockgate? If so, could we please have a copy? EA Carrying out a flood risk assessment for Battlesbridge Lockgate is on the EA’s programme of works. (Please note that this effects Bowers Gifford & North Benfleet in as much as if the floodgates are closed then water accumulates at the end of Pound Lane because it cannot be released quickly enough under the A127 - if the flood gates are not opened floods also occur under the Rayleigh Weir roundabout and the old A130 roundabout under the A127)
The flood group (Peter or Sue) to send photos to Environment Agency (Roger Webster) to include in the assessment.
Before the next meeting. Study completed. Three members of the flood group to meet with Environment Agency outside the meeting to have a consultation on the findings of the assessment. AOB Nicola China (ECC) to send details of flood action groups who have taken part in the surface water scheme. Details to be sent to Sue. Flood group agreed to take part in ECC Surface Water scheme.
Peter to send pictures and details to Fire and Rescue (Duncan Lewis) of a ditch to be dug out.
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Apr 24, 2015 7:55:49 GMT
Didn't realise that there was so much buzz on Streetlife about the litter pick. Many thanks to those who made such nice comments.
On Sunday I noticed that a leaflet distributor had dropped about 20 leaflets at the end of Pound Lane. I phoned the advertiser and complained (mobile phone. didn't hear back but I hope he gave the distributors a good telling off - after all he paid for those leaflets to be printed and delivered - and we don't rubbish on our main street.
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Apr 23, 2015 16:28:30 GMT
If anyone is interested in looking around Page Woods I am willing to take a group around on Saturday 16th May at 10.30 a.m. (with the owners permission).
Bowers Gifford & District U3A - 19th May at 10.30 a.m. NOW FULL a walk around Page Woods (with the permission of the owners)with a little of the history of the woods and an opportunity to tell people about our proposed project. We hope to persuade U3A, as a local community organisation, to provide a letter of support for our project. A few other local people are welcome to join us but I cannot take too many at one time.
A third walk is now arranged for 19th May at 2.30 p.m.
We now have maps of the area going back to 1895 and, with the help of the experts, we have managed to piece together some of the history.
Please contact me on 0780 804 1825 or email ChairResidentsAssociation@outlook.com if you would like to join one of these events.
Please wear stout shoes as the ground is uneven.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PAGE WOODS IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC ACCESS WITHOUT PERMISSION.
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Apr 23, 2015 16:22:24 GMT
Bowers Gifford & District U3A - 27th May 2.00 p.m. Benbow Club - Simon Dinsdale, a former Essex police inspector will tell us about his sightings of the Loch Ness Monster. It was Simon's father who shot the famous film footage of Nessie in the 1960s. Don't believe in monsters? Make your own mind up by joining us and hearing what our speaker has to say. Guests Welcome - £2 including refreshments.
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Apr 22, 2015 7:41:13 GMT
The Residents Association is making a community bid to buy Page Woods.
This small piece of woodland has been enjoyed during living memory by local people as open land. Last year the owner died and local business people bought the land at auction. The woods are now up for sale again and the Benson family has kindly agreed to sell it to us for a figure which basically covers the purchase price plus costs. Despite receiving a higher offer from another organisation the owners are willing to sell Page Woods to us at this price, and keep the offer open until the first week in August. They realise how much this little woodland gem means to local people. We are very grateful to them. A Basildon Council officer has looked around the area with us and given helpful advice . We intend making a grant application for 70% of the cost and are asking local people to donate or to help carry out fundraising events to raise the balance plus costs of about £12k. Several people have already indicated their willingness to help but at this stage we require pledges to donate rather than actual money. As we are asking for money for a specific purpose it will have to be held in a separate bank account and if we do not raise sufficient funds then any money collected will have to be given back. We will contact people who make pledges in due course.
The Benbow Club has said that it will write a letter to support our grant application :)and we are hoping that Bowers Gifford & District U3A will do the same - to this end Rose will be walking around the wood with some U3A members at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday 19th May. If you would like to join us then please let Rose know by leaving a note on the Forum or contacting via 0780 804 1825 or ChairResidentsAssocition@outlook.com.
Stephen Metcalfe MP is also supporting us. Last Saturday we showed Cllr. Aidan McGurran and another potential council candidate around the wood and we have already received lots of good advice on funding etc.
We are also looking forward to showing a representative around from the Wilderness Foundation who we also hope will advise and support us.
Please note that the wood is privately owned and access is only available with permission from the owners.
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Apr 22, 2015 7:28:09 GMT
Many thanks to everyone who came along to help tidy up our village last Saturday. I received several texts and comments on how clean everything looked afterwards. What a great job was done by everyone. I feel guilty that I did so little myself as Ispent half my time taking councillors around (the cleaned up) Page Wood. We collected 31 bags which were left at my place and about 6 more that were left in Page Woods. I don't know how many bags or what happened to the rubbish that was collected at Church Road. It's been suggested that if we do it again we have some sort of social function afterwards e.g. ask the Benbow to letus make tea and coffee there, or try to get more children involved by having a bouncy castle afterwards - not sure if thel atter is cost effective but if we can get enough children interested and involved then maybe. p.s. I have complained to the paving specialists whose distributors dropped about 20 leaflets at the end of Pound Lane after the litter pick. Rose
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Apr 10, 2015 12:28:42 GMT
Also received phone calls from Daph,Chris and Joan who will also be there. Also possibly some others but they can't get here till 10.00 a.m.
Several other people have phoned now so there should be a nice little (or even quite big) group of us!!!!
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Apr 4, 2015 11:19:56 GMT
Rumour has it that Aidan McGurran and David B-S will be joining us!!!!
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Mar 25, 2015 19:27:54 GMT
This is a copy of the email I received today from ECC Highways.
I am going to try to attach the drawing but if I cannot do so please email ChairResidentsAssociation@outlook.com for a copy
Rose
The consultation period that started on 26th January 2015 for the Proposed Build out in Pound Lane has now ended but I have attached a copy of the drawing for your information. Consultation periods on this type of proposed works are normally over a duration of 21 days.
As a result of the consultation ending we are not looking to make amendments other than those comments that have already been received. Should you have comments though please feel free to forward them on.
Below is an extract from the letter which explains the proposal put forward;
PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME POUND LANE, BOWERS GIFFORD.
As part of the Section 106 agreement for the Development in Courtauld Road a review of potential traffic calming measures in Pound Lane has been carried out in order to deter heavy goods vehicles from using this route due to the existing 7.5 ton weight limit in Burnt Mills Road.
The result of the review has proposed that a build out should be installed in Pound Lane approximately 90m south of the junction with Harrow Road. It is also proposed that advanced weight limit signage on the A127 and in Pound Lane on the north bound approach to Burnt Mills Road should be installed to improve awareness of the weight limit.
Also the existing 7.5 ton weight limit signage around the Burnt Mills Industrial estate has been reviewed to make sure that the existing layout is signed correctly.
A plan (DC1-1462-01-001) showing the proposed traffic calming measures has been produced for your information.
Regards
Clint Nicholls IEng | Design Engineer
Highways
Ringway Jacobs | Essex County Council
Childerditch Hall Drive, Unit 36, Brentwood, CM13 3HD
E: clint.nicholls@essexhighways.org
W: www.essex.gov.uk/highways Attachments:DC1-1462-01-001.pdf (347.56 KB)
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Mar 24, 2015 9:33:45 GMT
Right!!!!
Arranged for Saturday 18th April. Meet at my place "Rosedell", 31A Westlake Avenue at 9. 30 a.m. (Westlake Avenue is accessed via William Road, that's the road beside the pet shop).
I'm picking up the litter pickers and bags on 17th April but not really very keen to do any trimming in case there is an accident. However, if anyone is really desperate to get to grips with trimming, and takes responsibility for themselves, then please let me know and I'll pick up some trimmers too.
Please would anyone interested in coming along let me know either by leaving a message on the Forum or by phoning 01268726475 or phone/texting 0780 804 1825. Let's get as many people together as possible and make it a fun morning.
On a personal basis I'm really keen to get out there clearing Pound Lane and London Road. Derek and I have just come back from Dorset where there's not a KFC wrapper or Coca-Cola bottle in sight in the local hedgerows. Coffee and tea provided afterwards at my place.
Best wishes Rose
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Mar 24, 2015 8:35:24 GMT
This link was sent by one of our twitter followers. It helps to identify wild flowers which grow in March. However, many of these only just seem to be "springing" up:
www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/documents/March_spotters_sheet.pdf
Spring has sprung! Need an excuse to get out & enjoy it? Try our ID sheet buff.ly/1C6bVQE #firstdayofspring
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Post by rosegriffintwidell on Mar 18, 2015 11:59:09 GMT
Sounds Good!!!!
Let's have a think about it.
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