The threatened second mass culling of our unique North Essex natural wildlife habitat failed to materialise. I like to put it down the level of vocal resistance that Wivenhoe locals laid upon the EA after the first wave of destruction.
It was probably more likely however that the bully boys of the EA are just biding their time until returning with the bulldozers. My message to dog walkers, do-gooders and general hippy green sorts such as myself is: now is not a time to drop your guard, Comrades.
I did spot a somewhat muted attempt by the EA to carry out further damage down towards the Hythe early one morning at the start of the month. Handheld hedge style trimmers were in place. It was all rather prim and proper, and a far cry from the February mass destruction of the sea wall.
Meanwhile, correspondence has reached me between various Wivenhoe locals and Richard Houghton, the Flood Risk Management Manager at the EA. It is a detailed (and ultimately flawed) argument offered up by Richard.
Essentially he is saying that a Middle England style rolling green grass lawn is the stated aim in all of this EA vandalism. To protect our habitat then we need to cut it down:
“The sea walls in Essex protect over forty thousand properties and a significant number of hectares of agricultural land from the devastating impacts of tidal flooding.”
Um, so does that brute of a flood barrier that was put up as part of a project that would allow the natural sea walls to continue to grow and add some unique natural local character.
Whoops.
Richards outlines in the letters that I have seen the exact cost of cutting back all that is green and good around these parts. It is enough to (hopefully) make a penny pinching Blue Rinse sort resort to traditional Conservative concerns about the public purse:
“The works are being funded from our routine maintenance budget for the financial year 2011-12. The total maintenance budget for flood risk management in Essex this year is £3.8 million, and for the whole Anglian region, this figure is £12.4 million.”
Woh. That’s some routine figures that we are talking here. The refurbishment of the flood barrier that is scheduled for the summer of 2013 is being undertaken with a budget of £500,000.
And speaking of the science, Richard explains the white lab coat reasons behind the destruction:
“We are advised by the Flood Hazard Research Centre on standards of service for man made flood defences and follow their recommendations. A good cover of grass or short vegetation provides valuable surface protection for earth embankments. It reduces or prevents slope erosion and helps extend the time that an embankment can resist erosion from over-topping and breaching during extreme flood events.”
It also allows the nearby cows to continue the grazing along the sea wall, as has been the case of late. A herd of yer finest Hereford Heifers, stomping and s***ing along the sea wall, ‘aint exactly going to build up the defences.
Turning Wivenhoe into the bowling green of North Essex is something which does indeed bring to mind visions of men in white lab coats flapping around.
Nurse!
Richard adds:
“Vermin and burrowing animals [cows?] are attracted to the habitat offered by scrub growth and low tree vegetation. Their actions can severely weaken man-made earth flood embankments that protect low lying properties such as those in and around Wivenhoe.”
Which begs the not unrelated question as to why the chuffers are we continuing to build properties such as these? At eighty years of age, Peter Green was wise enough to remind me during Wiv Chat that Cook’s Phase 3 is actually being built upon a flooded plain.
As for the “vermin and burrowing animals?” Wivenhoe News did an ACEinvestigative journo job in the last issue, becoming slightly obsessed, as one does, with badgers.
In a similar EA Q & A exercise, when pressed upon the badger issue (blimey) the response came back:
“No – there were no badgers found for the Wivenhoe work.”
Richard restates in the letters I have recently seen the guilt trip exercise of re-planting trees to make up for the vandalism:
“We have compensatory tree planting sites in Essex. Please see the documents on the enclosed disk.”
Back to Wivenhoe New once again, and we find that bugger all is planned for Wivenhoe:
“Q. Are any of the proposed sites for compensatory replanting located in the Wivenhoe area?
A: No. Wivenhoe Marsh has found to be unsuitable.”
Some superb questions have been directed at the EA in many of the letters of correspondence that I have now seen. When pressed to name an example of an Essex sea wall that has failed due to the presence of woody growth, Richard adds some historical (and flawed) perspective:
“Some Essex defences have been damaged due to heavy woody growth and needed repairing to ensure failures are prevented.”
And the last example of this was exactly when…?
“The last defence failures of the Essex Coast occurred during a surge tide in 1968. As the evidence is washed away when the wall breaches, we have no records as to the mode of failure of these sites.”
Which is all rather convenient, not to mention all rather pre-Wivenhoe Flood Barrier.
Areas where compensatory planting is taking place are then listed as Canvey Island, Althorne Lake, Brightlingsea East End Green, Burnham-on-Crouch, Little Oakley and Cattawade.
But not Wivenhoe. We are unique in oh so many ways. Which is why a singular, uniformed and one size fits all approach to flood management is so floored around the Colne estuary. What might work down the coast at Canvey bares bugger all resemblance to the changing coastline up towards North Essex.
If a rational, objective and scientific argument that is unique to Wivenhoe could be presented - and preferably before the bully boys move in again - then I believe that many Wivenhoe locals would be a bit more understanding when the bulldozers next turn up overnight.
Further dialogue with Richard Houghton is available via email at [email protected], or through a phone call on 01473 706720.
To the Town Council Offices on Monday evening for an eve of Solstice pagan sacrifice, aka as a Wivenhoe Town Council monthly meeting. Peace, love and understanding were in the estuary air, and so was a Conservative Borough Councillor.
Cripes.
Suited and booted (me, not the Conservative Borough Councillor) and arriving fashionably late as ever, it was standing room only around the top civic table. I perched my backside strategically on the edge of the Press table, sitting on the fence and waiting to hear all about parking problems and dog pooh.
Eleven fine members of the public were left scrambling for seats for THE hot ticket in town that night. Bell ringing practice in Wivenhoe is on Wednesdays, Comrades.
Joining the Little People was a rare and welcome appearance from LibDem Councillor Manning of the Cross ward, Conservative Councillor Quarrie of the Quay and the ever present, ever smiling Councillor Ford, Labour’s red flag waving #workingforwivenhoe Comrade also from the Quay.
It’s not quite Never the Twain, but the political hot potato that was on everyone’s lips was when the chuffers will the Borough Councillors get it on with the Town Councillors?
Concern has been expressed by the UNPAID Town Councillors that communication with the big boys and girls of the Borough is not flowing quite as frequently as perhaps it should.
With Section 106 wonga floating around in Wivenhoe - a classic you scratch my back brown envelope time - the Town Councillors want to make sure that Borough Councillors are singing from the same St Mary’s Wivenhoe hymn sheet.
“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always.”
And whilst yer at it, let’s chuck some cash from the Cook’s payback fund on a much needed new zebra crossing outside of the Co-op, Comrades.
It’s a fun filled life being a Borough Councillor. Sacrifices have to be made, and we’re not talking about the Solstice shindig on the muddy banks of the Colne either. Friday night has been put aside as a possible timeslot when Never the Twain will divvy up the local dosh.
Phew, rock ‘n roll.
A bit of local admin, and then we were straight in with Reports from the Borough and County Councillors.
It’s all about accountability, I tell ya…
Councillor Young, Labour’s representative on Essex County Council (seriously) was unavailable, but had kindly submitted a written report:
“New ways of working with Highways should make it easier for 20mph zones to be introduced around both schools in Wivenhoe. I have been in constant dialogue with Tracy Chapman, the Highways advisor on this.”
Sticking with the #workingforwivenhoe Comrades, and Councillor Ford of the Quay was next to address the meeting:
“I called in the planning application for Rectory Hill. I was unhappy with the visibility of the approach, and the drainage. Highways are happy with the visibility, and I have been advised that the drainage concerns are a civil matter.
My concern about the limited parking space was upheld. The developer has hastily added in four extra parking spaces. The planning application has now been passed.”
Up towards the Cross ward and our two LibDem representatives have also been busy with congestion. A rare absence from Councillor Cory (pressing matters on the Policy Panel) but a written submission instead:
“I have been pressing the University about fixing a date for the Clingoe Hill closure ahead of the start of the Knowledge Gateway development. This has now been moved to the start of the summer holidays, to try and limit the congestion. I still expect we will have one - two weeks of aggravation.”
And then some.
Defying the #workingforwivenhoe election period claims that *ahem* “no LibDems are in Wivenhoe,” the Love Me I’m a Liberal lot then had safety in numbers with Councillor Manning of the Cross ward offering up his report to the Town Council:
“I am now sitting on the Planning Committee at Colchester Borough Council. NOTHING will get through.”
Cripes.
“I also have a new notebook to keep track of all the potholes that continue to appear.”
Yeah, and possibly a pitch to become a Glum Councillor as well.
Fine work, though fella.
It’s not quite a case of shuffling the deckchairs on the Titanic, but Conservative Councillor Quarrie of the Quay reported:
“I have been moved off Planning and now sit on Licensing.”
Which must be bad news for the 24/7 nightclub that I had planned for the Quay.
“Parking around the Cook’s development remains a key issue. The road has yet to be adopted by the County Council, which causes problems when we are trying to police it.”
Eight years and counting, my good Councillor…
Also giving cause for concern is the re-routing of the 74 bus route. Peter Kay, the Public Transport Representative explained how First Group, the current franchise operator, has sneakily slipped in a new route, which completely bypasses the town, turning off for Clacton instead.
“How ridiculous,” commented Councillor Kraft. She wasn’t alone in her observations and a polite, but purposeful letter is probably being penned from WTC right now.
The concern is that the move has been poorly advertised. Yoof may catch the bus, expecting a journey into Wivenhoe. With the sudden turn off, they could be out of town and out of funds as they speed off for an impromptu away day at the seaside.
A lengthy conversation then followed about the 20mph zone along the railway bridge at the bottom of the town. I became completely lost; I wasn’t alone.
Speaking in relation to transport matters, Peter Kay then posed the question:
“What does Wivenhoe Town Council propose to do about the annual nonsense that is the Wivenhoe May Fair?”
Cripes.
Awkward.
Having had this curveball thrown at him from across the civic chamber, Mayor Needham composed himself and offered up the reply that the May Fair Committee are working with WTC on future solutions.
Moving on…
Perhaps a bit of Planning to get the party back on track? Former Councillors Liddy and Purdey have been granted special powers (oooh!) to continue the fine work that they have started in representing WTC when it comes to all things Cook’s.
As for that old family favourite of the planned new Wivenhoe Surgery? Councillor Lodge updated with news that the deal is “far from dead.” The PCT has put the plan to the Doctor’s at the old surgery to see if they want to move forward.
Having a pre-defined national NHS policy as a framework in which to make these decisions would be nice.
Hey hoe.
In WTC Personnel news - THIS JUST IN: New litter picker James has impressed so much that he has been awarded a permanent position after the successful completion of his trial.
Hurrah!
Handling the aftermath of May Fair must have been a stern test, and one that James handled magnificently.
Onto the best bit - the Best Value Committee (aka secretly as the pre-WTC prepping meet where the real Council business is decided - behind closes doors - or so the suggestion has been made to me…)
Anyone been to Stanway of late? Apart from offering up a most splendid jazz club, my knowledge of our Colchester near neighbours is somewhat limited. This is all about to change, with WTC proposing to adopt the Stanway system of committees for local governance. The buggers better have the ACE Working Woods Party.
Back to Wivenhoe however, and in a turkeys voting for Christmas move, WTC agreed unanimously to foot the bill to pay for Mayoral badges for ex-Mayor’s.
Mmm…
It’s a badge of honour, and probably on balance one that is a worthy memento for the UNPAID work of Wivenhoe Town Councillors during their hectic year of civil service.
A slight shuffle along the press bench, and it was here that I made my strategic switch to *shhh* the Conservative hot seat.
Cripes.
All the best parties finally kick into action as the night closes in, and as the public chamber emptied and m’Conservative friend departed to ponder why Wivenhoe still hasn’t got a new surgery under the inspiring leadership of the Coalition, I played musical chairs.
Mr Mayor updated WTC about his activities, in what has been a very busy first month in office:
“I have attended sixteen formal events in the past month. The highlights included visiting Wivenhoe Youth Hub [ditto] the parade of the 16 Air Assault Brigade through Colchester, the opening of the *shhh* Quiet Garden at Broomgove Shcool and the Helping Hands AGM.”
Pleased to report that Helping Hands appears to be in sound financial hands, thanks to some very generous donations locally.
Five points then came out of the Community Safety feedback:
(i) Inconsiderate parking remains an issue (even though WTC, after taking police advice, decided not to implement a considerate parking scheme within the town…)
(ii) The local crime figures are low. A slight increase in burglary however has been recorded. The police have suggested that this is possibly a local gang, with laptops and TV’s being the main items going missing.
(iii) Traffic routes to Cook’s Shipyard have deviated.
Eh?
It appears that companies that don’t take the designated route down Valley Road are in danger of losing their contracts. Keep yer eyes peeled around *cough* Queens Road, Comrades.
(iv) Ball games by the Medway are showing some signs for concerns. Elder kids are getting slightly enthusiastic, with the balls entering into the road.
(v) And finally Speed Watch - this is now being rolled out during the school run hours, with a focus upon Bobbitt’s Way and Elmstead Road.
A brief break for the passing around the chamber of the official civic spearmints (receipts available for inspection on request) and then whaddya know - apt timing and Finance.
Quotes are being sourced for a possible asbestos survey for the William Loveless Hall toilets. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it, etc.
In Correspondence news and an appeal for support from WTC for the emerging Radio Wivenhoe group has been received. This is not necessarily financial, but an endorsement.
Granted, with Mr Mayor proudly declaring:
“This is a positive feature for Wivenhoe. It is an aid for further communication and helps to promote the town. We earnestly support Radio Wivenhoe.”
Splendid.
Someone should sign that man up for a guest spot on Wiv Chat.
Oh, hang on…
A rallying call then went out for players to take part in the annual Town Cricket Match on the evening of 13th July at Rectory Road. The official civic quotation that came out on the evening is:
“WE WANT TO WACK THEM.”
Cripes.
Any Other Business?
With the Ten Acres development looking likely to start soon, a new access road will be in place within Wivenhoe. Peter Hill has formally suggested naming this in memory of Dr Ted Palmer.
Plus no WTC meeting can be complete without the perennial Engine Shed rumour.
HONK!!!!
Massive rumour alert: minuted, but not necessarily economical with the truth, the continual pub gossip of the old Engine Shed being bought up by a developer wrapped up the meeting.
Any views?
A stunned silence filled the chamber.
Time for that pagan sacrifice in the Network Rail car park, Comrades?
A weekend downpour of Biblical proportions, which can only mean that it’s time for the summer publication of Wivenhoe News.
Blimey.
Sea Defences Saga Flows On is the lead story.
See what they’ve done there?
“There has been much anger and dismay caused by the stripping of vegetation from the seawalls in Wivenhoe alongside our tidal river, both downstream and upstream from the flood barrier.”
The bad science justification that was bungled out by the Environment Agency is also re-published, as is a very kind plug for *cough* the Wivenhoe Forum thread.
What’s new here is the offer by the Natural England - the spineless body that rubber stamped the destruction - to re-plant 5,000 “compensatory trees” - you break our legs and we say thank you when you offer us crutches.
Eight hundred and fifty have been put aside for the North Essex estuary. Don’t go getting your digging spades out just yet, Comrades:
“In the Colne Estuary they [Natural England] have provided 850 small tress to Brightlingsea Town Council for a site to the east of the town.”
If you stand at White House Beach on a clear estuary morning, and then squint out over the water with one eye closed, you may just be able to see the benefits of the trees bestowed upon our beloved Brothers in Brightlingsea.
Cheers.
No worries. What we need is a smiling picture of a lovely local lady to add some cheer to the sea defence doom:
“Workers of Wivenhoe - Shelia Scammell, Lollipop Lady.”
Lovely.
Wivenhoe May Fair 2011 gets the p.2 treatment, in something of an after the Lord Mayor’s Show airing. Time to move on, time to plan and time to restore May Fair as a community event for 2012.
Speaking of Mayor’s, Cllr Sinclair is captured in one of his final acts of civic duty in what has been a busy year. The Guide’s Wedding Party is all part of wearing the Wivenhoe civic chains.
But it’s not all about the Brownies or Girl Guides. On a more serious note, there is a plea on p.2 for a new Scout Leader for Wivenhoe:
“Let’s not beat about the bush: twenty youngsters, full of energy and enthusiasm [and then some] raring to take up the opportunity offered by the Scouting movement.”
This is a BIG role that really needs filling. The Wivenhoe News editorial on p.3 plays with similar themes:
“Off the Rails seems to be looking for pretty much a whole new team, the Wivenhoe Society is limping along with no Secretary and a very small committee, the WEA has been without a Chair for a year and is about to lose its Secretary.
One of the things that you often here in praise of Wivenhoe is ‘there’s so much going on here.’ Well folks - things only happen because people organise them.”
Wise word, but maybe it is a reflection of the work / life balance? There are only so many hours in the day and bills still need to be paid. It’s no secret that I have had to severely cut back on my out of hour’s unpaid activity of late.
On a more lighter note and any news article that contains the phrase: “superb French folk music, played on hurdy-gurdies [geddin there!] and bagpipes” has to be a winner. The Town Meets Gown event gets a mention on p.3.
Dr Philippa Hawley and Halcyon Palmer pen a simply superb local historical account on the various Wivenhoe surgeries dating back over the past Century. It is apt timing, what with the STOP / START / STOP farce of the new Wivenhoe surgery by the Fire Station continuing to stall.
I’m not going to re-publish any of the copy here - this article is worthy of your purchase of Wivenhoe News alone. More of the same please.
The Two Ronnies of Wivenhoe local politics, Cyril Liddy and Dave Purdey, are given the It’s Goodbye From Me, and It’s Goodbye From Him headline.
With sixteen and eight years respectively serving as unpaid Town Councillors, both Cyril and Dave are rightfully given a short column to say a fond farewell.
Of sorts…
Along with Sheila Scammell and her lovely Lollipop Lady tales on p.8, Alison Kent also carries an ACE interview with Ray the Rubbish, the retiring litter picker of Wivenhoe:
“I think you should try to keep the front of your property clean, like the old days. Have pride in where you live.”
Hear, hear.
I didn’t realise that the job was only fourteen hours a week - Ray has seemed to be ever-present during my short stay here. Good luck to James, Ray’s replacement.
Aquatic matters are the concern on p.11. Lifeboat Week gets a deserved plug, as does the Wivenhoe branch of the Royal British Legion:
“Remembrance is a very large part of the Legion’s ethos. Those who attend the Legion Wednesday evenings will know that those who have given their lives in Afghanistan and other places in the service of their nation are individually remembered.”
The building fund for the Legion has been boosted by a donation of over £2,000 from the Boxing Day walk staged by WORC. £690 was also raised at the ACE fireworks display. October 29th is already in the calendar for one of the best nights that Wivenhoe is able to offer.
Next door but one at The Nottage and there is a plug for Water Marks - the Summer Exhibition, featuring local artists Alison Stockmarr, Barbara Peirson and Pru Green.
The exhibition is open on Sundays from 2pm - 5pm until 11th September, and on Regatta Day on 23rd July. It is VERY good. There’s a blog post already being lined up…
Speaking of the Regatta, Wivenhoe News reports:
“There will be the usual wacky races and about thirty stalls and a brass band. The pram race will take place on 22nd July.”
Wivenhoe Youth Hub continues to grow and develop new ideas and partnerships. Page 12 updates with reports on the gig at the Philip Road Centre by local band Rising Soul, a go-karting event organised with Brightlingsea’s 4Youth (reckon we got the better name…) as well as the ACEarchery and rowing evening.
What is rather humbling about The Hub is that those involved offer so much more back into the community. There was a considerable presence at the WivSoc riverbank clean up, help offered at May Fair, as well as support for the Crabbing Competition next month down by the Quay.
Likewise good news coming out of the ADP Theatre School:
“Angie Diggens has booked the Colchester Charter Hall for a show with her Wivenhoe students, combining the best of her last two shows at Clacton.”
Saturday 25th June at 7:30pm, £12 a ticket, details on 282020.
Helen Chambers writes a review of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society production of Oklahoma! at the Loveless Hall:
“The singing was faultless, the whole cast strong and talented.”
And keeping with the Wivenhoe artistic feel, Andy Brooke writes a well-deserved homage to Moving Image:
“It’s great to see people you know in the audience and have a genuine community atmosphere, rather than renting a DVD at home.”
Further details of the Moving Image summer schedule are up on m’blog over here.
The rock ‘n roll rollicking rollercoaster ride that is Radio Wivenhoe (blimey) get a plug on p.14, as does a call for “journalists, bloggers and poets” for Off the Rails. The Wivenhoe Poetry Prize looks forward to the 2011 results as part of the poetrywivenhoe evening at The Greyhound on the 23rd June. Meanwhile a new University of the Third Age art group is starting at the Loveless Hall on 14th September.
All ‘appening - all ‘appening I tell ya.
The good folk of Wivenhoe Bookshop have an entire page to plug future activity, such is the depth of the programme that is on offer. Too much to condense into a throwaway blog paragraph - my suggestion would be to head to the Bookshop for a perusal and a polite chat.
Open Gardens on p.16 is caught between the publishing deadline and the sheer splendour that was the most splendid event this spring. It remains the highlight to date of My Year in Wivenhoe - wonderful, wonderful community spirit and pleasure.
Keeping it green fingered and Wivenhoe Bloom explain a little more about the brilliant use of dead space on the Wivenhoe Triangle that is overlooked by the Co-op, the opticians and Jardine:
“The site belongs to Highways - it’s classed as a verge - but WTC has a licence to plant. Jardine has contributed a very generous donation of £250 towards the cost of materials and plants.”
I have no shame in plugging local businesses that put something back into the community. An excellent gesture and kind contribution, Cristian. Jolly good work, Jardine.
The Parish Paths Partnership column penned by Helen Evans on p.16 puffs out a huge PHEW after finding out that Essex County Council continues to support the hyperlocal initiative.
Three Wivenhoe rights of way have been worked on by P3 to day: the side of Broomgrove Schools, the back of the houses in Broome Grove and the path along the top of the sea wall - you might have already heard about the latter…
So successful is the Wivenhoe P3 project that the group has now become a roving project. It is the A-Team of parish paths partnerships. If you have a problem with some overgrown bramble around the North Essex estuary, this crack team of cleaners should be first on your To Call list.
Cripes.
The joyous news coming out of p.17 and the WAGA update is:
“Spring is finally here.”
Hurrah!
Mayor Needham (woh!) explains more about the recent Beating the Bounds walk around Wivenhoe:
“The tradition of beating the bounds came from a time when no one, except the rich, could leave the parish without permission. It was a method of ensuring that local youngsters knew the limits of their parish.
It involved choir boys, the Parish Clerk and clergymen, leaving from the church armed with wands or sticks.”
Splendid. Soft lot, nowadays. The tradition was restored on 5th June this year. No young child was hurt in reviving this most excellent local tradition.
Wivenhoe bird watcher supreme Richard Allen explains very helpfully the difference between swifts, swallows and martins on p.18. Recent local sightings include:
“Nightingales have arrived in good numbers with a particularly vocal bird near the railway underpass along the Trail. Butterflies have enjoyed the good early weather.”
The ever-observant @AnnaJCowen (blimey) has also spotted a Jay along the Trail.
It all gets rather saucy at the foot of p.18 with Spoons, Spurtles and Spatulas.
Oh Lordy.
“Members of the Wivenhoe Woods Working Party recently attended a day’s course in green woodworking. Instruction was given on how to turn wood on a pole lathe and make spoons and other utensils using knives and a shave horse.”
Phew.
A Personal View of Transition Town Wivenhoe by the good Bob Mehew on p.19:
“I considered Wivenhoe a good place for a Transition Town: strong community spirit; a great awareness of climate change, environmental and sustainability issues; a willingness to get involved, to learn, to educate, to participate.”
TTW continues to grow and innovate. Wivenhoe is all the better for it.
The Wivenhoe Townscape Forum (*not* the Wivenhoe Forum…) gets a deserved article on p. 19:
“There is much in Wivenhoe of historic interest. There are 73 buildings in the town which are included in the English Heritage list of buildings of national interest.
The local list of historic assets is being carried out with the support of WTC and WivSoc, in order to list some of the best historical features of Wivenhoe which have not yet been recognised so that they do not become forgotten in the huge amount of new building and development.”
Bill Ellis writes a brilliant personal account of life at Cook’s Shipyard when the order books were full, with comparisons of the modern day site. Photos of the new jetty accompany this on p.22.
We return to the seawall clearance on p.24 with Peter Kennedy, the esteemed Editor of Wivenhoe News, explaining the depth of debate that this has delivered:
“We have received many pages of emails and submissions, and I shall attempt some sort of overview.”
A summary of comments and complaints follow. The consensus is that the Environment Agency has been crap at communication.
Fine work then from Wivenhoe News, which has put some direct Q’s to the EA, and received some rather direct answers:
“Q: Were any badgers found during the Wivenhoe work?
A: No - there were no badgers found for the Wivenhoe work.
Q: Are any of the proposed sites for compensatory replanting located in the Wivenhoe area?
A: No. Wivenhoe Marsh has found to be unsuitable.”
That’s what happens when you rip the entire natural habitat out, fellas.
Whoops.
The Surgery Saga Grinds On is the p.25 message from Bernard Jenkin, MP. Nothing to do with your national coalition NHS policy, I trust, Sir?
To be fair to the MP for Harwich and North Essex, our Conservative colleague airs a sense of frustration over the continued delay:
“The Government’s decision to review its health legislation raises the immediate concern that the new Wivenhoe GP surgery will be beset by even more uncertainty. There is no case for this. There is no excuse for further delays, and I have made this clear to the CE of the PCT.”
Speaking of the impact of coalition policies on a hyperlocal level, p.26 explains more about the £9k (!!!!) tuition fees that @Uni_of_Essex proposes to introduce.
Some PR fluff from the University is then re-printed. Twenty-one summers ago and I was fishing around for a University place. £9k (or the inflationary equivalent) would have put me off considerably. I wouldn’t have heard of Wivenhoe. I wouldn’t have moved here.
Oh how fickle is the Invisible Hand that pushes and prongs us through the life’s great adventures.
Blimey.
Town and Gown fiscal relations are restored with news of the £2,200 raised at November’s dinner at the Nottage, and now handed over as a bursary to five grateful local Wivenhoe students.
Broomgrove Infants updates on p.28 with reports of the Royal Wedding celebrations; Broomgrove Juniors explain more about the Outside / In project with Slack Space in Colchester.
Celebrations also at Millfields - a fond farewell to Angela Eglington after twenty-five years of teaching, as well as the school’s very own 30th birthday.
WivSoc rightfully reflects on the success of the riverbank clean up, with seventy volunteers stepping forward to help clean up the Colne. The sad winding up of the Wivenhoe Youth Theatre is lamented, with more positive news coming from the Colne School Choir’s recent performance in Wivenhoe.
Councillor Sinclair reflects upon his past year of civic service wearing the gold chain on p.30:
“I would have like to have seen a healthy election this year as we are entitled to 13 Councillors. Sadly there were only eleven candidates, hence no WTC election.”
Plus:
“A planning application has been lodged to demolish the St John Ambulance Hall for replacement with a privately owned project. I am part of a project to save the building. A group of people have come together, with funds, to keep it as a usable community facility.”
Mayor Needham writes on p.30 about the challenges that lay ahead for his administration:
“The proposed medical centre, a future for the former police station; reaching a satisfactory conclusion to the planning gains associated with the Cook’s Yard development and keeping an eye on the gains that maybe derived from any further development.”
The local politicos were caught cold ahead of publication deadlines. Columns from Essex County Councillor Julie Young, Colchester Borough Councillors Steve Ford and Mark Cory, were all penned before the re-election of the latter two.
Great fun to watch from the sidelines, mind.
On the sporting front and Wivenhoe Tennis Club has a call for new members; Andrew Nightingale, the Chair of the Wivenhoe and District Sporting Facilities Trust is also asking for help - financial help - for Broad Lane. Anymore updates on the mystery Mr X and his millions?
And to finish on some hyperlocal happiness - Wivenhoe Helping Hands publishes a rather humble piece, explaining more about the volunteer work of this organisation and how it is genuinely helping folk around the town.
Wivenhoe News is sold at the Co-op, Crossways, the Post Office, Bryans Newsagents and the lovely Wivenhoe Bookshop.
Jeepers creepers - Phase 3 at Cook’s is starting to take shape with some speed. This property seems to have sprung up from nowhere within the past couple of weeks.
I trust a suitable approach road is in place? You wouldn’t go building a brand new estate for the 2.2 cars without thinking about the transport infrastructure now, would you?
To the Nottage on Wednesday evening for the monthly meeting of the Wivenhoe Society committee. Our usual reading room setting had been shifted to the front of the building, providing a panoramic view of the Quay and the rainfall coming up the estuary.
Pretty and being p***ed on from up above - it’s not quite the perfect metaphor for the problems that a local society supportive of a town encounters, but with issues such as planning, the Environment Agency vandalism and the Colchester City status bid, the view from the Nottage fitted the themes of the evening.
We had the pleasure of the company of the good Councillor Needham, the newly installed Mayor of Wivenhoe. De-chained and looking lean and mean (just give the fella three months into the hectic civic schedule…) Mr Mayor updated the committee on the main points from the Wivenhoe Town Councilmeeting held on Monday.
The WTC adoption of the Wet Dock in the Cook’s Development is an area that concerns Cllr Needham:
“This will be a millstone for all of Wivenhoe if we proceed with it. The upkeep of the dry dock from incoming silt will be costly; there are also insurance worries. The developer wanted us to have unlimited insurance. WTC has taken legal advice and we have been advised not to proceed.”
The possible purchase of the now empty police station and police houses is also still on the agenda:
“We need to get a move on - WTC was in purdah when the correspondence went out. We were restricted in what we could do because of the protocol of electing a new Council.”
A private planning matter down at Alma Street was also raised, with Mr Mayor simply alerting WivSoc to an area that the committee takes an active interest in.
Don’t forget my personal policy of not commenting in public on private planning applications. Still holding out for that nightclub at the bottom of the garden…
Worthy of a sneering comment however is the Planning Application in Retrospect that has been put in for a property up at Cracknell Close. This is a building that has a very valid use in housing disabled residents, yet still the planning laws need to be observed - or not, as the case appears to be here.
Having been turned down in February with an original application for the extension of the living accommodation, the exact same application has now been re-submitted “in retrospect.” Which is formal talk for saying: whoops - we’ve done the building work anyway and we want to try and formalise it now that the horse has bolted.
It makes a, um, ass of the law, Comrades…
Sticking with Planning and HONK!!!! MAJOR RUMOUR ALERT!!!!
The Engine Shed is gonna become student accommodation. You heard it here first (or probably in The Greyhound / Station / Black Buoy etc.)
No documentation has been presented to justify this rumour, but apparently it is doing the rounds, no doubt crossing over with that *cough* well reasoned rumour about Bowie headlining May Fair.
In what was something of a shorter than usual WivSoc meeting, the social calendar was next up for consideration. Forget al those student parties in the Engine Shed to celebrate the purchase of the police station, the schedule looks something like this:
21st and 22nd May - Open Gardens
17th July - Crabbing Competition
23rd July - Wivenhoe Town Regatta (and the intrigue of the Pram Race on the Friday evening…)
10th September - WivSoc Fun Day
2nd October - Riverbank clean-up
12th November - Craft Fair
18th November - Wine Tasting
We had the esteemed company of Queen Crab at the Nottage to update the committee with the well-organised plans for the Quayside competition this summer. In a shift back to the more traditional July date, the plan is to catch the kids (catch the crabs) before the little darlings disappear on their summer holidays.
Sunday 17th July has been identified as the most appropriate high tide, with the crabs of Wivenhoe (steady) up for inspection from 12:30 - 2:30.
And that was more or less yer lot for this month. I departed the Nottage with the drizzle disappearing and the light early summer evenings still fighting off the descending darkness.
A bit like WivSoc, really.
Wivsoc - Disclaimer: I am a member of the Wivenhoe Society, although not a committee member. All views expressed within this blog post are mine alone, and not that of the committee, or the Society in general.
To the Town Council Office on Monday evening for the first formal meeting of the new Wivenhoe Town Council administration. With four new Councillors sitting around the top table, the pub pecking order etiquette was observed for the seating arrangements:
“Oooh - you can’t sit there, m’ lovely. That’s old Alfie’s seat.”
But old Alfie [MADE UP NAME] is no longer with us, so dip yer bread, young blood.
I strategically took up my place sitting right by the door. You never know when you might want to make an early exist to watch #nffc’s season implode yet again.
Elsewhere around the chamber of fun and it was pleasing to see that all seats in the public gallery were taken. I say ‘public gallery,’ but I of course means the liberal (steady) scattering of chairs around the perimeter of the room.
Was an anarchic late spring Wivenhoe revolution uprising in the air? Um, nope - just the rightly proud family and friends coming along to support the new administration.
D-mob happy and ready to take a well-deserved back seat, Mr Mayor apologised for the non-appearance of the Lady Mayor (impending music duties - that’s fine, Madam) and then listened to a glowing eulogy from Councillor Needham, praising the civic year just passed:
“We made a wonderful decision twelve months ago to elect Councillor Sinclair as our Town Mayor.”
A bottle of something slightly stronger than the Adam’s Ale on the top table was handed over, which will hopefully be sufficient to see Councillor Sinclair through those long Wivenhoe winter nights. A bouquet then followed for the music making Lady Mayor.
It’s a rank old world, this business of local politics - now take up yer seat, kind Sir, back at the opposite end of the table.
In a game of grandee musical chairs, Councillor Needham then took up his place at the top of the table, and the formal handing over of the chains and the Mr Mayor title took place. I have a feeling that the “We made a wonderful decision…” speech will deservedly played out again this time next year.
Continuing the procession of politico titles, behind every great man there has to be a great woman. The new Mr Mayor has two - blimey.
With the (new) Lady Mayor also looking resplendent in the gallery, it was soon time to endorse Councillor Kraft as the new Deputy Mayor for the duration of the political calendar.
A local Wivenhoe league system of sorts is in place, to decide who gets to rise (and fall) with the civic chain. It is almost on par with the election of a new Pope, with the high and mighty having to come to an agreement to endorse a candidate.
It wasn’t quite smoke signals wafting down the High Street and high jinks and rejoicing all the way down to the Rose and Crown, but a three endorsements, one against and “a number of abstentions…” completed the process.
Civic duties complete, back to Civvy Street and the complexes of Town Council business. It is around this point in the evening when a young (ish) blogger usually loses the plot and fails to follow the thread.
I tried to keep up with the constitutional discussion about the Community Working Party, but to be honest, my mind (and iPhone) was elsewhere. Two quick first half goals for Swansea and I trust none of the esteemed Councillors noticed the whispered profanities that almost delayed the important business of the Community Working Party.
As I understand (actually, I don’t) and the issue here was one of adopting a new way of working with committees, chairs and communication. It wasn’t quite as severe as Forest going in 2-0 down at half time (seriously,) but the Town Clerk did interject with:
“What is being proposed is not a valid procedure and I would like this minuted please.”
Blimey.
For the record I also DIDN’T swear in the Council chamber when the second Swansea goal went in, but I wouldn’t mind if that was minuted.
With the WTC constitution changing in June (I think) Councillor Kraft raised concern that three committees are currently without Chairs, following the introduction of a new administration.
Straight off the subs bench and the abundance of new local political talent within Wivenhoe soon served as a stopgap. I don’t suppose any of the four new Bright Young Things of WTC could play up front for Forest whilst they are at it?
As with all new organisations, roles and responsibilities need to be carefully laid out. What followed was a shuffling of the WTC pack, and the allocation of representation on various local and civic organisations. Ah - but who is the joker in the pack, Comrades?
The Colchester Association of Local Councillors role went to Councillor Lodge; Civic Protection was taken by Councillor Needham. Our Public Transport Representative remains the good Peter Kay, Community Safety is covered once again by Councillor Lodge and Councillor Needham will continue his good relations with WivSoc.
Wearing his nautical hat and Councillor Sinclair will represent WTC on the Colne Estuary Partnership. The Wivenhoe Housing Trust will have the fine company of Councillor Needham, the District Board and Facilities Trust role fell to Councillor Lodge, Councillor Kraft sticks with NAP and Wivenhoe in Bloom will have the green-fingered representation from Councillor Richards.
This was very much a putting your house in order meeting for the new administration. Subscriptions were up for renewal next. I thought that the ever keen and eager WivSoc had the tin rattling down to a fine art, what with a door knock and a kindly “pay up, pal” request earlier in the month.
WTC agreed to renew the following subscriptions:
The Essex Association of Local Councillors - £824 per annum - ouch! In return, Mr Mayor stated that WTC gains many official documentation templates that are most useful.
One would hope so, at just under a grand.
Essex Fields and Trusts - £35 pa
The Institute of Crematorium Management - £90 pa (deadly silence…)
The Society of Local Council Clerks - £120 pa
Essex Regional Employers - £130 pa
Direct Information Service (nope, me neither…) £90 pa
Community Management Association - £116 pa. This is the body that grants a licence to enable the running of the Community Mini Bus.
The Council for the Protection of Rural Essex - £29 pa (I wonder which side they bat for as the Environment Agency continues to vandalise our locality?)
The Council for National Allotments - £25 pa and
The Friends of Historic Essex - £10 pa.
Not a great deal of overall expenditure, but there are a lot of local bodies that are making money out of local government. Meanwhile, the Association of Nerdy North Essex Semi-Politico Local Bloggers is about to go back in the red, Comrades - and I’m not talking metaphorical, either.
The minutes for the Annual Town Meeting were then adopted. A lengthy discussion followed about Section 106 money, what it means and why it is important. My understanding is that it is essentially the classic local authority you scratch my back argument: yep, you can build yer mega superstore, but give our community a brown envelope stuffed full of grubby fivers first.
For administrative, political and possibly hyperlocal territorial reasons, the dosh for Wivenhoe is split between the Quay and the Cross. The former obviously benefited greatly with the Cook’s redevelopment 106 money; the latter looks like coming out rather nicely after the University has finished making a mess of Wivenhoe Park with the Knowledge Gateway nice little earner. WTC is in favour of being able to distribute this money WHEREVER it sees fit in the town.
Reports from local political representatives followed. Councillor Julie Young, the Colchester Representative on Essex County Council spoke first.
“I am now no longer the only Labour member at ECC - we have formed a group with the election of another Labour member. I have taken up the position of the Leader of the Labour group.”
Cripes, Comrade: We are all equal, but some are more equal than others, etc.
The hard-working Councillor Young updated with plans for a public footpath leading from Broadfields towards the Football Club:
“This is now the third highest Highways priory in all of Essex. It will be a slow process, but discussions are already in place with the landowner. I am happy to report that relations between the Trust and the Football Club are now much better. The Football Club is welcoming a group of disabled young adults into the clubhouse to use the space as a social area.
Other items updated by Councillor Young included the building of a shelter for students waiting for the Colne bus, congratulating the 20 students volunteers from the University who took part in a recent litter pick, and the promise to look at the faded zebra crossing at The Cross - a point that was raised by a resident at the Annual Town Meeting.
Councillor Young then risked the wrath of the entire Tendring Peninsula by bringing up the Clingoe Hill and the disruption that the Knowledge Gateway is about to bring:
“We are still unsure when the roadworks will begin. It is hoped that these will be completed by the start of the new academic year, which indicates that they should be imminent.”
The newly re-elected Councillor Steve Ford, one of Wivenhoe Quay’s representative at Colchester Borough Council, then addressed the chamber:
“I personally take the Mayor Making process very seriously. Wivenhoe is very lucky in consistently having excellent candidates to fill this role.”
With the past month (and more) spent on the stump, Councillor Ford had little political content to add, although he did remark:
“I thought that my election campaign was going to be dramatic, but it wasn’t so, as it turned out…”
Ouch.
The #workingforwivenhoe fine fella did update on the planning update for nine flats along Rectory Road:
“I have concerns over parking and draining, and have raised these with the Council. The Planning officers agree, and this application will now be heard in front of the Committee.
Valley Road to Bobbit’s Way continues to suffer from potholes and more serious infrastructure damage. I will keep on reminding Highways of this.”
A quick race through the various WTC committee reports, although being a new administration, there was little to report back on. A new picnic bench has been installed in the wood, to replace the one that was sadly vandalised.
Likewise a bench has now been placed on the sea wall, looking out to Rowhedge (although why anyone would want to sit down and actually look out towards Rowhedge is beyond me.)
Councillor Sinclair then reminded WTC about the official confirmation received regarding the continued vandalism of our unique local environment by the Environment Agency:
“We have heard that this work will now be ongoing, with the diggers arriving sometime over the next two weeks. I am sure that our phones will be ringing and WTC will have plenty of complaints from residents.
The work by the EA is an approved policy - all we can do as a council is to refer any complaints to the official literature that we have received.”
Mr Mayor added:
“The EA knows what it is doing.”
Here’s hoping…
A quick refresh of the iPhone, and yep - Forest were still trailing 2-0. Time for a pick me up - time to conclude the first meeting of the new administration with news of what Mr Mayor has planned during his Wivenhoe civic year:
“A tea party (July) Wivenhoe’s Got Talent (cripes - February) and a Tramp’s Supper (come as you are - October.)”
Civic representation is promised at all three events. The tea party sounds charming; Wivenhoe’s Got Talent equally excites and worries me. The Tramp’s Supper is tailor made for many folk around these parts.
To the Wivenhoe Pier on Thursday afternoon for the grand civic opening of our latest tourist attraction. Except the grand civic opening took place over Thursday lunchtime, the tourist attraction is more geared towards locals and we aren’t calling it a pier.
Whoops.
To Wivenhoe Jetty then on Thursday, to politely ask the very good Mr Mayor if he would mind awfully re-creating the photo opportunity from an hour earlier. The plan was of course to video the official opening; I thought I was pushing my luck slightly to ask the chained up town civic elders to run through their pomp and pageantry once again.
The jetty really is rather ace. I understand that it has been something of local political hot potato (geddin there!) with regards health and safety, access and official openings etc. But all of that is now in the past, and with perfect early summer timing, Wivenhoe has a pier!
Um, I mean jetty.
Hurrah!
High tide on Thursday was conveniently arranged to coincide with the opening - or was it the other way round? Either way, it really was rather wonderful to stroll out at high tide and look upstream towards the town from a new perspective.
A beautiful barge sailed through the barrier and past my vantage point, shortly after the re-staging of the civic pleasantries. I was able to greet a grand Wivenhoe HELLOOOO!!! to the skipper, shortly before he took a swift starbound to avoid the local nutter.
The new public space is a little barren, but that’s not the point. My hope is that it will be used and adapted by locals to become something of a genuine community meeting point.
Garden space is short in supply down towards the front. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if folk thought nothing of just pulling up their deck chairs on a summer’s evening and shared some social time together. A stiff G & T would of course help, but just don’t overlook the various H & S notices.
I think that just about covers me…
Plus there’s also the corporate plug for Taylor Wimpey, the developer of Cook’s Shipyard which has very kindly donated £1,000 towards the upkeep of the swimming pool at Broomgrove School. It is no coincidence in the charity of choice and the NO SWIMMING signs that decorate the jetty.
I’m personally looking forward to the Kiss Me Quick hats appearing along the pier / jetty. That’s something I certainly won’t be late for.
To The Nottage once again on Wednesday evening for a committee meeting with the lovely WivSoc folk. With the smell of yacht varnish in the barn below being mixed up with the aroma of booze from the Rose and Crown along the Quay, this was something of a Wivenhoe moment.
There is always a sense of great history in entering the Nottage. You feel that you are truly experiencing something of Wivenhoe’s past - and hopefully the future, with WivSoc pushing forward a positive agenda for the town.
Of course you could always replicate the experience by brewing yacht beer and drinking it in your garden shed on a Wednesday evening once a month. But that would mean that you would miss the WivSoc stories. These blog posts don’t write themselves, y’know…
As ever, a varied agenda of the serious and trivial was in store. Off the Rails was up first. A request for assistance has been made by the local arts groups that is responsible for putting in place public art at Wivenhoe Station.
Off the Rails has been officially adopted by Network Rail as the organisation in which to promote art along the platforms. The potential problem is that Off the Rails may be ace at art, but has little experience of organising. WivSoc has been asked for advice.
Although not really coming under the WivSoc remit, it was agreed that conversations with Off the Rails should continue, with a view to helping the group become more self-sufficient. Another suggestion was to steer Off the Rails with the recent moves to re-start the legendary Wivenhoe Arts Club.
I’m not quite sure how this happened, but the debate then somehow let drop that the Station Master’s House has had something of a roof falling in on the world moment: THE ROOF REALLY HAS FALLEN IN, apparently, with the first floor coming crashing down.
Whoops.
Exactly where this leaves the fine Transition Town Wivenhoe and the ambitious (and ace) plans to turn the building into a sustainable community centre remains to be seen. TTW has a war chest of community goodwill, but sadly not a blank cheque to re-build Wivenhoe.
Sticking with matters fiscal, and it seems that WivSoc has saved the UK economy.
Cripes.
Recent changes in tax and insurance law means that the Chancellor has been presented with an extra £3.10 to help reduce the deficit.
We’re all in this together, Comrades.
Planning looked at the proposed development of nine new properties along Rectory Road. I still don’t quite get this ‘development’ terminology; it seems to suggest moving forward, an advancement, a development, if you will. But what if the development [urgh] is actually a step back?
They usually are…
Record Road has been previously submitted, and then withdrawn. It is now back in the hands of Colchester Borough Council. WivSoc has no formal objection, apart from a passing comment on the access road planned. A letter is being drawn up to put this point across. Town planning speak for re-wording of the phrase “jolly nasty design” were then discussed.
It is at this stage in the development (aha!) that it is perhaps worth reminding folk of the recent changes in the CBC planning application process. New applications will by-pass the Committee and go straight to council officers, UNLESS two formal objections are made. These need to be put in place through your local CBC ward councillor.
A hop, skip and a jump down Rectory Road, via an afternoon bender at the Rose and Crown (steady) and we’re at Cook’s. We’re also at the point that no WivSoc committee meeting would be complete without: the development [urgh, urgh] of the old shipyard.
A diligent spot on the CBC database by our esteemed Queen of Planning, and it seems that a variance in use has been put forward for the commercial developments along from the Quay.
The units were originally intended for commercial use for home workers as a business unit. The suggestion now is that they will be able to open up on Sundays and Bank Holidays, and also have the option to serve refreshments outdoors.
With On the Corner (nee the Corner House) now focussing on the evening economy, having one more place to purchase coffee in Wivenhoe during the daytime has to be seen as something worth welcoming.
Keeping with the public space theme, it seems that the old St John’s Ambulance building has become embroiled in a bit of a local tug of law. Time to repeat my personal mantra of not commenting in public on private planning applications. Still holding out for that nightclub at the bottom of the garden…
With Moving Image finding funding problems for the long-term purchase of the building, a local artist is interested in taking over St John’s for studio space. This includes the possibility of opening up for exhibitions.
*Some* members of Wivenhoe Town Council though are unhappy with this move. They see the building as one of the few remaining possibilities to keep it as a shared community resource. Booking a public venue in Wivenhoe is becoming increasingly difficult. *Some* members of WTC would like to keep all options open.
I wouldn’t stretch it out as far as calling it a rival bid, but a second group is in the running to try and restore the building for community use. A figure of £25,000 has been quoted to carry out repairs. It appears that the second group already has this capital.
I’m not ruling out a *ahem* THIRD bid, should my application for the nightclub in the back garden be turned down.
Keeping it social and the WivSoc is genuinely overjoyed with the tremendous success of the recent riverbank clean up. This was the most successful yet, with 80 volunteers turning up on a Sunday morning to help make the Colne a little bit cleaner.
The results are there to see - a tidal litter free stretch, all the way down to the Hythe. WivSoc was particularly happy to see young volunteers from the Hub and the Scouts and Guides coming out to help.
Cleaning up the Colne has become something of uniting community issue (or maybe not…) with some lovely plans to stretch out across the other side and involve our friends from Rowhedge.
It has been suggested that WivSoc twins future clean ups with the Rowhedge lot. We can even wave to one another from the other side. I know which half of the great divide I’d wager has the greater amount of mess to clean up.
Other social news includes a welcome return of the WivSoc wine tasting evening, taking place this year on the 18th November at the Congregational Hall. Our friends from the Co-op are once again very kindly providing the booze.
Chin chin.
But try and keep it sober - here comes that nice Mr Mayor with his formal report from the recent WTC meeting. I say formal, but the Dress Down Wednesday and affable approach of our civic leader, kept it all rather light-hearted.
A fair few serious issues however:
The proposed new Health Centre behind the Fire Station has seen considerable movement in recent weeks. As previously reported, Mr Mayor has held a meeting with the PCT, leaving Councillor Sinclair:
“More positive than at any stage before.”
Basically the PTC wants a decision imminently, ahead of the proposed national government shake-up of the NHS. A meeting of the Executive is being held next month, where a final decision is expected to be made.
Mr Mayor reported that the site itself is now ready for construction. The last remaining planning hurdle (a stray tree root) has now been resolved. Slight cynicism though from some sections of WivSoc, with mumblings of we’ve been here before…
Mr Mayor then spoke of his personal quest to:
“Bang a few heads together to try and get some co-operation from our local councillors.”
Cripes.
Not in the literal sense of course, but with currently two LibDems, One Tory and one Labour councillor, Mr Mayor is concerned that possible Section 106 funds coming out of the Knowledge Gateway might get lost in the political fog of tribal party politics.
The Cross ward has been singled out as being in most urgent need of new funds. A hit list of possible projects has been drawn up by WTC. I’d personally like to see a tag team-wrestling contest featuring all four councillors.
“Most town councillors are on board with the concept. There is a feeling that this is a one-off opportunity to keep these under public use. We dare not let go of them.”
The police apparently quoted a figure of £400,000 four years ago, although WTC holds strong that this was never put forward in writing. It is expected that a similar figure will remain the market value today.
Which is slightly steep for a local town council that has just had a significant funding cut from the paymasters of CBC. The plan is to approach the Municipal Loan Board, and then rent out the properties to service the loan.
We finished off with My Mayor updating on the #hyperlocal political process:
“We have four new councillors, and four retiring councillors - which leaves us two short of our quota. I would have LOVED for this to have gone to election - it would have done WTC a world of good.”
I still reckon mud wrestling is the way to go, Comrades.
See ya next month…
Wivsoc - Disclaimer: I am a member of the Wivenhoe Society, although not a committee member. All views expressed within this blog post are mine alone, and not that of the committee, or the Society in general.
To the Town Council Office on Monday evening for the final meeting of Wivenhoe Town Council - nope, we’re not about to surrender citizenship to the impending city status of Colchester - there’s some serious spunk inside the folk of Wivenhoe, and then some, Comrades…
But with the ballot box looming (or not…) then this was the final farewell for the current administration. It was to be a meeting where the words “emotional“, “cowslips” and “bottoms” would all appear in the official minutes.
Blimey.
Chomping at the bit and ready for the off (and the electoral door knocking) was LibDem Councillor Cory, representing the folk of Wivenhoe Cross at Colchester Borough Council. The good councillor had very kindly given up his evening of ear bending to update WTC with recent #hyperlocal matters around his patch.
“Dog fouling behind Chainee Road has been a problem. Wivenhoe Town Council helped to re-surface this recently. Sadly some dog walkers are not so respectful.”
Rather than finger point, I rather like Cllr Cory’s approach in accentuating the positives here:
“The solution has been to approach the nearby Broomgrove School and ask if the children would like to help to make No Dog Fouling signs to put up.”
Alternatively I feel duty bound to remind you that the charming Pet Shop Girls down at Wivenhoe Pets supply dog poop bags.
Other Cross issues from Cllr Cory included drainage problems around Broomgrove (sorted) potholes (reported) and the possibility of introducing streetlights at the Elmstead Road / Brightlingsea Road junction by the football club.
A cheeky grin and a smile towards the top table, and then the good councillor reminded WTC that he was up for re-election, and he hoped to continue the pothole and dog pooh conversation next month.
Safety in numbers, etc and so next up it was fellow LibDem colleague Councillor Manning, also of the Cross, also providing an update.
“I’ll keep this very short - I have been making sure that residents in my ward have enough black bin liners.”
Bravo.
One would hope that there is a little more meat on the bone, so to speak, in some of the election literature heading our way over the coming weeks
Peter Kay, the Public Transport Representative, then filed his report. There is the possibility of the 61 and 62 bus timetable changing in the afternoons from September through until the end of winter. This is to take into account increased public transport use during this period.
Speeding through the agenda faster than a juggernaut down Valley Road (steady) and next we were on to Planning. The lease issue continues to dominate the ongoing Cook’s Shipyard business. Progress is slow.
Something slightly more positive however when it comes to the much delayed new Health Centre for Wivenhoe. Mr Mayor updated WTC that he has held a meeting with the PCT this week, amid growing concerns that national government NHS policy changes may have a serious impact on the future of health provision in Wivenhoe - all in a non-party political sense, of course.
The outcome is something extremely positive:
“We are gathering momentum over this issue. After much delay over this project, we are hopeful of having a definitive answer in May. All is not lost and it even looks rather positive.”
That’s something to tell the electorate on the doorstep, and with immaculate timing, it was back to the day job, and back to the door knocking from our good LibDem Councillor friends.
Um, good luck with that one, fellas.
The Personnel Committee confirmed that Ray, Wivenhoe’s Litter Picker Supreme, has now formally retired. A much-deserved formal presentation will take place at the Annual Town Meeting next month.
Meanwhile, we have a replacement in James, who has already been busy going about his business. Mr Mayor is extremely happy with the appointment, and encouraged that we weren’t short on applicants for the post.
A lengthy debate then followed all about the Best Value Committee. This *isn’t* about umm-ing and ahh-ing over the price of a Pot Noodle at the Co-op, but as the name suggests, how WTC can make the most of the little dosh that comes our way.
As ever, I became slightly lost in the finer detail. The allocation of Section 106 funding was at the core, and with perfect time, Colchester Borough Council is about to introduce some training in how to understand 106 arrangements.
Sign me up now, Comrades.
But back to the finer mechanics of Best Value. The discussion continued, with great debate about definitions within the WTC constitution. Words such as “emotion” were erased, and “code of conduct” inserted instead. There was even an on the record “bloody hell!” moment, but one wouldn’t expect to see this appear within the WTC letter of the law.
You say tomatoe, I say tomato, etc. Actually, I say can we move on please?
Bloody hell, etc.
Never one to stick to the formalities of the agenda (and hurrah for that,) and a fashionably late appearance from the good Councillor Steve Ford, Labour’s representative in the Quay ward, then lit up the Council chamber.
Councillor Ford played it cool, not wanting to talk about potholes and dog pooh, but simply taking the time out from the election stump to thank and praise the work of the retiring Wivenhoe Town Concillors.
Some very honest and humble words were spoken about Councillors Iacovou, Fox and Liddy, the latter of which is stepping down from UNPAID civic service after sixteen years in the chamber.
Working Party Reports then followed. Any party that involves work is usually one that I would give a wide berth - a bit like the Wivenhoe Community Mini Bus, which has been experiencing a few navigational malfunctions with some drivers. Rest easy, Comrades - the verges causing the minor traffic woes have now been trimmed.
Speaking of minor gardening mishaps, Mr Mayor reported that an official complaint has been received by a resident about the premature cutting of the cowslips in the cemetery, before they had the chance to bloom. You may smirk, my friends, but such issues have been known to bring down governments.
The Wivenhoe Wood Working Party (or www.p for the cool kids by the Co-op) extended an open invite for any local folk who want to find out what the WTC group with the BEST name actually gets up to. There is an Open Day on 15th May, meeting by the picnic benches in the wood.
www.p <3 lol, as we like to say wit da yoof.
Speaking of which, the Youth Facilities Working Party perhaps provided the most controversial moment of the meeting. It is a sign of the economic times when WTC is considering future funding arrangements for the ACEHub down at the Philip Road Centre.
No need to run for office on a Yoof ticket just yet - simply that WTC would like to see the balance books of the group, ahead of awarding a further £1,000 annual contribution to help support the Hub.
It makes economic, if not social sense. The overall aim of the Hub is to be self-sufficient. The initial grant was just that - a means to an end. It now seems that the end may be closer than was first thought. One to watch for the budget review in the autumn…
Members’ Individual Reports included a humble, honest and glowing tribute from Mr Mayor towards the three councillors that are stepping down. Mr Mayor also updated the meeting with his civic engagements over the last month - EIGHT events have been attended by the nice man with the bling. That’s an awful lot of Mr Sheen to account for in the town budget.
I believe the children are our future, treat them well and let them lead the way, etc… Mr Mayor highlighted the recent Colne Fusion concert at the Congregational Hall, the Youth Council visit to the chamber and a visit to the nature garden at Broomgrove as his personal best bits from the past month.
Community Safety and Police Matters (replacing the old Neighborhood Watch Scheme) offered feedback on the recent move of our local police team to the fire station. There is slight concern about contact details. A mobile number is available (07966 197245) as well as a non-emergency contact line on 0300 333 4444. WTC resolved to help publicise these more.
As for the recent NAP meeting? I refer my honourable colleagues to the blog post blah blah blah…
The good Town Clerk reported on the town council business of one burial grant being approved, the second grass cutting in the cemetery (watch out for those cowslips - whoops) and the brilliant news that the bumblebee springer in the KGV has been given a new head.
Blimey.
“Caution needs to be exercised” when it comes to Finance. There is a “substantial surplus” in the WTC coffers, with a recommendation to re-assess the budgets that were cut at the start of the financial year. £3,000 will soon be needed for urgent chapel repairs; a matching figure is being put aside as an emergency legal fighting fund. Presumably the two aren’t linked.
Letters of Correspondence to WTC included a rather sad update that the Wivenhoe Youth Theatre has been wound up. After sixteen years of working with young folk around the town, recruitment has become something of a problem.
It’s not that Wivenhoe is short on young theatrical talent - witness the booming ADP Theatre, and the fine talent on show in the Pantomime - it is simply that many other local groups now offer a similar service.
Mr Mayor personally pledged to write a letter of thanks to those involved in keeping the Youth Theatre running, and congratulating them on what has been achieved within the town.
A notice of the Annual Town Meeting was formally read out. Wednesday 11th May in the Loveless Hall is THE social event of the year. Or something. It certainly is for Mr Mayor, who came as close as is constitutionally possible in asking for a cross party whip. Shirt and ties would be nice as well.
Highways confirmed that the 20mph speed limit for lower Wivenhoe would be formally adopted by Essex County Council on 25th July. A new bus shelter is now in place outside Cedric’s. Civic pride was taken in announcing that it can “accommodate four bottoms.” That all depends on the size of bottom, surely…
Never mind the length, feel the thickness.
Which in a round about way brings us back to the final meeting of this administration. WTC is a few sandwiches short of a picnic hamper - only eleven names have stepped forward for civic duty, leaving two co-opted vacancies.
The role of a Town Councillor is unpaid, but you do get to enjoy the civic bowl of sweets that is passed around the chamber once a month.
There’s nothing like the Notice of Annual Town Meeting from Wivenhoe Town Council to get the heart rate pumping as you skip along the High Street and go about your morning errands.
Oh Lordy.
“All residents are invited to the Town Meeting that will be held in the William Loveless Hall on Wednesday 11th May, 2011 at 7:30pm.”
Wouldn’t it be ace if ALL 10,000 residents of Wivenhoe were to turn up at the Loveless on the evening of the 11th? Whaddya reckon the first item agenda would be? Ah, that old chestnut of time to build a new town hall…
Rest easy, Comrades:
“The following is the agenda for the evening:
1. Distribution of Mayor’s Charity Fund.
2. Minutes of the last annual meeting.
3. To receive the annual report of the Town Council and financial statement.
4. To discuss any specific points which residents which to raise.
5. To consider any resolutions which may be proposed.”
4 and 5 could be lively. I’m looking to point 6 - booze in the back room of The Greyhound. I trust the retiring Mr Mayor can stretch to a round for the 10,000 townsfolk.
Resolutions need to be formally submitted before Tuesday 3rd May, addressed to the Town Clerk at the Council Offices.
The Annual Report itself makes for interesting reading - if your definition of interesting incorporates Planning, Policing and Town Council Public Access. I’m sure there’s a Wivenhoe based crime thriller just waiting to be penned along these themes.
Reading between the small print (and there is a hell of a lot of detail) and it seems that financially this has been a successful year for the Town Council. Cuts are coming, we all know that. This isn’t the place to lay the macro political blame game.
Wivenhoe however seems well placed for the economic challenges that will no doubt be presented to the new WTC administration when it sits down for the first meeting in the chamber next month.
“In view of the current economic climate, the current Town Council continues to be committed to maintaining the current level of services to local residents, and this year in particular is delighted to say that it has managed this and also kept the precept below average, despite a 50% reduction in the Parish Grant.
This is mainly due to careful husbandry and grant sourcing. The Town Council’s policy to fund major improvements by grants will continue in the same vein over future years.”
And hurrah for that - you can’t go wrong with a bit of careful husbandry on the domestic front.
The reports outlines ongoing developments at Cooks (concerns) Millfields Open Space (granted) Cemeteries (dog pooh) Highways (potholes) Street Cleaning (Ray retires) the Hub (successful) Play Areas (vandalism) the William Loveless Hall (new lady loos) Diamond Jubilee (apathy) Christmas Lights (what a turn on) Wivenhoe Woods (sea wall vandalism) Allotments (thriving) New Health Centre (stagnating) Policing (station closed) Safety (crime falling) Communication (helloooo!) Munty Bus (new cam-belt, natch) Mayor’s Charity (£3k - ace) Finance (£55ish per resident) and Public Access (do come to meetings.)
Phew. And relax.
For more meat on the bone (steady) then I’d suggest an evening at the Loveless Hall on 11th May.
RT @cllrstevereed: Leaving Rochdale. Successful launch of Coop Councils Network. New agenda for Labour local govt <- Nu agenda, same danger. 38 mins ago
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