Comment
Town Centre Masterplans
Representation ID: 927
Received: 06/05/2008
Respondent: Mr E Brenchley
Thank you for your letter dated 21st April 2008. I welcome the opportunity to offer my suggestions for the improvement of Rochford Town Square. As my wife and I have been here for only five months, I hope I have been able to approach this subject with an open mind.
I have to say that on arrival, my first impression appearance wise, was one of disappointment but I soon realised that Rochford does have character borne of age. It is unique in its own way and has an interesting history. Even so, it has to an extent an air of neglect. Major expenditure, in my opinion, is necessary and justified. For financial and practical reasons and to mitigate the burden on the taxpayer, I suggest such extra cost should be spread over, say, four to five years.
I learn that Rochford has been a market town for many centuries, and long may it continue. I am sure the locals would not agree to the termination of the Tuesday market, and I presume that the Disctrict Council has no such intention. Therefore, my conclusions and suggestions emanate from that.
In my opinion the most effective improvement of the Square would be achieved if the whole area, not including West Street, was transformed into a pedestrian preccinct. I think that in the course of time the people would appreciate this, but to maintain the historical aspect of the Square I suggest that modern style stone cobbles should be laid in preference to slabs or concrete. Presumably creation of a common level throughout would be the intention. Stall holders would encroach onto the pavement if allowed.
I see no reason to remove the pedestrian island in the Square, nor the old water pump or horse drinking trough; all of which are reminders of the past. However, I would like to see the present dilapidated seat replaced with a sheltered seat for people awaiting a taxi.
If a majority is proved in favour of pedestrianising the Square, then before work can proceed alternative car parking space must be offered. The large car park adjacent to Back Lane is available but would not be popular as it is further away and payment is required. Inevitably unauthorised parking would increase in Roche Square. The mini car park at the rear of The Old Ship Public House would provide limited alternative parking but again, subject to charge. Undoubtedly parking costs would influence public opinion.
There is an alternative move, and that is to purchase The Old Ship Public House and then demolish it. A good size area would be opened up to be added to the existing mini car park, thus creating adequate parking for town centre needs. Also the erection of new public toilets on that site might be feasible. Entry would be gained from East Street and all vehicles would exit into North Street. I fht enew North Street toilets were available then consideration could be given to closing down the Back Lane toilets and to the re-allocation of some of the parking area to other Municipal use.
Before leaving the subject of vehicle parking, I have one other suggestion to make. I hear that Sainsbury and Tesco wish to move into the area. If that is true and they succeed, then the small shops in the Town Square will suffer a loss of trade. Therefore it is imperative that drivers should be encouraged still to use the town centre shops. Why not discontinue chaerges for car parking in the town, especially after having parked freely in the Square for so long. You can be sure that the big boys will not start off by charging for parking. This suggestion would not benefit me as I no longer drive. We moved from Frinton where car parking is free.
Before closing I have three more suggestions to offer. I consider that there is a real need for shelter for persons waiting for No. 7 and 8 buses. There is not sufficient width of pavement in West Street outside the Kings Head Public House but there is at the bus stop in East Street, opposite The New Ship Public House.
I cannot see any operating necessity for No. 8 buses to pick up in West Street. Both No. 7 and No. 8 buses would pick up at the East Street stop. It should be possible to dovetail bus timings but, in any case, there is sufficient length of kerbing to facilitate the odd simultaneous arrival of the two routes. From East Street both routes could continue down South Street and at the lower end turn left and right respectively. I consider that re-routing the No. 8 bus away from West Street would help to smooth the traffic flow in that single line, one way road.
I notice that excess speeding is frequent in all four main streets of the town centre and I would suggest that the "reminder" figure of "30" should be painted on the road surface at the beginning of each road. In my driving days I always noticed the painted figure, a simple but effective measure which nullifies any defence for exceeding the speed limit. If this is done, why not at the same time give the town centre a new look by re-painting all road markings.
My third and last suggestion once again concerns the town square which, to my mind, lacks one particular feature normally to be seen in a town centre. Why not install a War Memorial or a statue in honour of a notable person who, in his/her lifetime, was dedicated to Rochford. Alternatively, there is the poor soul who in 1550 was burnt at the stake for maintaining his religious belief. I would like to see the Memorial placed at the east end of the Square.
I conclude by saying that it has been an interesting exercise which has increased my knowledge of the area, and I should be pleased therefore if you would favour me by presenting this paper to your Planning Committee.
Thank you for your letter dated 21st April 2008. I welcome the opportunity to offer my suggestions for the improvement of Rochford Town Square. As my wife and I have been here for only five months, I hope I have been able to approach this subject with an open mind.
I have to say that on arrival, my first impression appearance wise, was one of disappointment but I soon realised that Rochford does have character borne of age. It is unique in its own way and has an interesting history. Even so, it has to an extent an air of neglect. Major expenditure, in my opinion, is necessary and justified. For financial and practical reasons and to mitigate the burden on the taxpayer, I suggest such extra cost should be spread over, say, four to five years.
I learn that Rochford has been a market town for many centuries, and long may it continue. I am sure the locals would not agree to the termination of the Tuesday market, and I presume that the Disctrict Council has no such intention. Therefore, my conclusions and suggestions emanate from that.
In my opinion the most effective improvement of the Square would be achieved if the whole area, not including West Street, was transformed into a pedestrian preccinct. I think that in the course of time the people would appreciate this, but to maintain the historical aspect of the Square I suggest that modern style stone cobbles should be laid in preference to slabs or concrete. Presumably creation of a common level throughout would be the intention. Stall holders would encroach onto the pavement if allowed.
I see no reason to remove the pedestrian island in the Square, nor the old water pump or horse drinking trough; all of which are reminders of the past. However, I would like to see the present dilapidated seat replaced with a sheltered seat for people awaiting a taxi.
If a majority is proved in favour of pedestrianising the Square, then before work can proceed alternative car parking space must be offered. The large car park adjacent to Back Lane is available but would not be popular as it is further away and payment is required. Inevitably unauthorised parking would increase in Roche Square. The mini car park at the rear of The Old Ship Public House would provide limited alternative parking but again, subject to charge. Undoubtedly parking costs would influence public opinion.
There is an alternative move, and that is to purchase The Old Ship Public House and then demolish it. A good size area would be opened up to be added to the existing mini car park, thus creating adequate parking for town centre needs. Also the erection of new public toilets on that site might be feasible. Entry would be gained from East Street and all vehicles would exit into North Street. I fht enew North Street toilets were available then consideration could be given to closing down the Back Lane toilets and to the re-allocation of some of the parking area to other Municipal use.
Before leaving the subject of vehicle parking, I have one other suggestion to make. I hear that Sainsbury and Tesco wish to move into the area. If that is true and they succeed, then the small shops in the Town Square will suffer a loss of trade. Therefore it is imperative that drivers should be encouraged still to use the town centre shops. Why not discontinue chaerges for car parking in the town, especially after having parked freely in the Square for so long. You can be sure that the big boys will not start off by charging for parking. This suggestion would not benefit me as I no longer drive. We moved from Frinton where car parking is free.
Before closing I have three more suggestions to offer. I consider that there is a real need for shelter for persons waiting for No. 7 and 8 buses. There is not sufficient width of pavement in West Street outside the Kings Head Public House but there is at the bus stop in East Street, opposite The New Ship Public House.
I cannot see any operating necessity for No. 8 buses to pick up in West Street. Both No. 7 and No. 8 buses would pick up at the East Street stop. It should be possible to dovetail bus timings but, in any case, there is sufficient length of kerbing to facilitate the odd simultaneous arrival of the two routes. From East Street both routes could continue down South Street and at the lower end turn left and right respectively. I consider that re-routing the No. 8 bus away from West Street would help to smooth the traffic flow in that single line, one way road.
I notice that excess speeding is frequent in all four main streets of the town centre and I would suggest that the "reminder" figure of "30" should be painted on the road surface at the beginning of each road. In my driving days I always noticed the painted figure, a simple but effective measure which nullifies any defence for exceeding the speed limit. If this is done, why not at the same time give the town centre a new look by re-painting all road markings.
My third and last suggestion once again concerns the town square which, to my mind, lacks one particular feature normally to be seen in a town centre. Why not install a War Memorial or a statue in honour of a notable person who, in his/her lifetime, was dedicated to Rochford. Alternatively, there is the poor soul who in 1550 was burnt at the stake for maintaining his religious belief. I would like to see the Memorial placed at the east end of the Square.
I conclude by saying that it has been an interesting exercise which has increased my knowledge of the area, and I should be pleased therefore if you would favour me by presenting this paper to your Planning Committee.