I write to give my comments about the proposed Hockley Plan.

Although I would like to see some improvements to the centre of Hockley. I do think that some of the proposals are too drastic in the extreme.

The siting of a huge supermarket at the end of Bramerton Road seems disastrous with huge vans coming and going at all times and a busy carpark will cause huge traffic problems in Spa Road, not to mention the hassle given to local residents. I would urge you to witness the chaos caused in Spa Road when deliveries are made to Sommerfield. How about a new supermarket on the industrial estate at Eldon Way?

I like the idea of a linking path between Southend Road and Spa Road but not at the expense of the local Catholic community losing their garden which was given to them by a benefactor.

The suggestion of one way traffic for Woodlands Road will ease some of the hold-ups at the Spa corner, but what about the heavy load of vehicles cutting through the smaller roads leading to Woodlands Road. To my way of thinking the traffic problems at the Spa will be transferred to the junction of Hockley Rise and Southend Road.

I wonder about the publicity given to this project. Why were the plans displayed at Rochford and Hullbridge but not Hockley? Why was the Action Plan called a Consultation Document, I have yet to meet anyone who was consulted.

I like the idea of Eldon Way being used for youth-related projects, and empty buildilngs being reused. I am however concerned at the large influx of housing in the Plan and the effect on traffic, schools and medical facililties. I am also concerned for the local tradesmen many of whom are leaseholders who have spent many years building up businesses and will be adversely affected by compulsory purchase orders.

I do hope the Council will give careful regard to what the local residents think, and perhaps arrange a meeting with them.