Well, it went reasonably well.
There were about 10 members of the public present, about 7 parish councillors and about a dozen district councillors. Plus representatives from the police, county highways and local health bodies. Plus County Councillor Tracy Chapman.
Council leader Terry Cutmore chaired the meeting and asked for any questions on ‘tonights theme’ – community spending -but no one seemed interested. We then went onto a series of questions from residents and parish councillors on a range of issues, such as dispersal orders in Hockley, pothole repairs in Essex, anti-social behaviour from some residents of Hockley town centre, noise and pollution from the Purdey’s Way Industrial Estate, and local policing in Rochford.
The questions and answers will appear on the District Council website – we will link to them when they are there.
Residents, Parish Councillors and District Councillors all seemed to ask as many questions as they wished. Though there weren’t that many questions – the meeting was over in 58 minutes.
Within days of the meeting, it emerged that much/all of the local Police neighbourhood team are being transferred to Basildon. At a time of rising criome rates, it is very concerning that years of local knowledge are being wiped out. Policing was discussed at the meeting but this mass change was not mentioned. Very disappointing all round.
Given that anti-social behaviour is a concern of most people this must be challenged – Chris – can you talk to / lobby our MP Mark ?
RR: This is something I can certainly raise with Mark Francois. But it is not his responsibility. The challenge should really be coming from the District Council. Perhaps one of the cabinet would like to comment on this?
I have complained to the Chief Constable and copied the Leader of the Council and Mark Francois on this, but with predictable results so far. I certainly agree with RR and hope our council will support residents on this.
The Town Council has noted this and have written to express their concern on this matter.