Rochford Town Centre

A Mr L Carter called on the 13th February.
He lives in Rochford and does not think it is a very good idea because:

Lots of people use the square to park as it is so popular
Not enough parking in Rochford
More convenient if parking there for short visit
More convenient for disabled and people with other needs
More parking in Rochford needed

I would like to object to the pedestrianisation of the Rochford market square. There are only a small number of shops in the market square, and so to make a brief visit to the shops you need somewhere where you are able to park for a short period of time just outside. Otherwise people will be tempted to go elsewhere.

Regarding the pedestrianised Market Square;

I think this is a very good idea, but perhaps it might be taken further;

There is urgent need for a reduction in traffic- especially heavy goods, in South Street. At the lower end, opposite the Police Station, the road is extremely narrow, and the pavement is not wide enough to walk in safety- Perhaps a weight restriction, plus 20 mph speed limit might help? A much better alternative would be an 'access only' restriction.

We have a perfectly good by-pass in place, which could be made more 'user friendly' by re jigging the one way system.

Having read the article on the front page of the Standard W/E Friday, February 15, 2008, I thought I would take up the suggestion to register my views in relation to proposals such as 'to pedestrianise Market Square' in Rochford as well as regarding a 'makeover' for Hockley. I had hoped to find a page or two of further information on such proposals without trawling through menu after menu and page after page on the website. If the district council truly is interested in 'consulting residents' to 'find out how much redevelopment is needed in Rochford and Hockley and what would be appropriate', I really think the information and options to respond should be more readily accessible in order to reflect the views of a true cross-section of the community.

My views: Firstly, I think it would be a bad idea to pedestrianise Market Square, Rochford, as it's a central hub of activity that could become too static and possibly less attractive to many, especially at less busy times of the day, if one didn't have the flow of traffic passing by. Secondly, if Hockley has been earmarked for a makeover, then I believe that as many people as possible in the immediate and neighbouring areas should be provided with information on any proposals and be included in surveys, as soon as possible, to find out what really is needed, as I believe only residents and regular visitors to the area know best.

I do hope any consultations/proposals will take into consideration the needs of us residents,

With reference to the article in the standard news paper refering to the plans to change Rochford square into a fully pedestrian and asking local tax payers what their views on the subject might be I would like to give the opinion of my family which would cover three generations from the ages of 12 to 65 years old so i thought it would give you a good all round view.

From the point of view of my two sons a pedestrian area would be good as far as safety goes they could be dropped off to shop without the worry of cars being parked. Although they do say that they can do this anyway as they can visit all the shops without having to cross any roads so they could then not see any advantage to the plans at all. They did think that it would encourage ore youths to the area but they think that from the youths they have seen hanging around the area recently that would probably not be a good thing.

As there father I personally would not my children hanging around in the square and I see the main problem in the square that stops trade is the problem with the youths/thugs that hang around smoking and drinking and being rude to passers by. If anything would help the traders in the area it woudl be to put something in place that would deter these youths from using the area as a meeting place. Personally they do not intimidate me but my wife will not shop there after dark an neither will my parents. A fully pedestrian area would turn into a football pitch or bike park in a very short time and encourage more youths who have no money to spend there anyway. The youths that do hang around there go there to shop lift and cause trouble I have known of at least two occassions when the shops have had to close early just to keep them out and stop them causing grief. I have also seen that once out they use the area as a public toilet. As far as the daytime goes if I could not park there to just pop into the shops quickly and ended up with the choice of paying in the car park close by I would probably just go somewhere else like Ashingdon Road, Golden Cross.

When asking my parents their views they do not see any point to your proposal at all they have lived in Rochford for many years and my mum has slight trouble walking and hates the idea that she will have to wlak further to the shops that she has used for many years with no problems during the day. Both my parents would not go to the square after dark due to the youth problem.

Overall I believe that making fully paved would mean less people woudl visit to go shopping as they like to park close to shops, pop in quick for what they need and go. I thinkg alot of the trade these shops get is from people using the parking area that is provided. I also think that the main problem in the area especially in the evening and after dark is with youths who bring very little or nothing to the area in way of profit for the shops and if the area was fully paved it would encourage more problems.

I hope the views of my tax paying family help in your future plans, after all I am sure that it will be the tax payers money that funds the changes if they continue to use the square or not.

MARKET SQUARE
I really don't understand what is wrong with Rochford Square as it is, there is no need to pedestrianise it at all, even with a small child it is perfectly safe and provides quick parking for people who just want a few bits of shopping on the way home. We need the shops we have and they rely on the passing trade of these people. Don't destroy the town centre for the sake of a few councillors who want to make it more upmarket - without the town centre as it is, the town will lose it's sole as Southend already has! Let's not be as short sighted as they were.

Cannot believe that RDC are even considering making Rochford town square pedestrian only. What a ridiculours idea, parking is a big enough problem already. If you think that making it pedestrian is going to make it more attractive to visitors, think again because without the parking no one will visit and the shops will suffer. Since the council in their infinite wisdom decided to change the square parking by swapping the in & out entrances, all they have managed to do is create total havoc with cars waiting nearer to the junction and holding up traffic. Why couldn't you just leave things alone, as they say if it aint broke, don't fix it. And here you go again! Are you trying to bankrupt all the shops and businesses in Rochford? Put it back to how it used to be several years ago and there won't be a problem. And if you think that people will park in the public car parks, most of the time they are full anyway. Leave our square alone!

It has been reported that there is a proposal to pedestrianise Rochford Square. I believe that it would be necessary to reduce the impact to local business by changing the current town parking from pay to park to free for up to two hours, this would stop rail travellers from taking advantage.

Your comments would be very much appreciated along with timescales to implement this pedestrianisation scheme.

Rochford Town Centre Masterplan Consultation

Thank you for allowing the Chamber to respond later than the closing date. We met yesterday evening and would like to submit the following points for the Consultants to consider. We acknowledge that the plan is mainly concerned with spatial issues and that some of the points refer to policy changes, but they all fall within the powers of the RDC, and we feel, therefore, they remain valid.

1. The town centre needs a focal point to attract visitors and new businesses. Although the Square is attractive enough, it is blighted by the '60s development on the east side of the Square. Photographs of the original buildings give a flavour of what has been demolished. We recommend a policy aim should be to replace it with a landmark building which will enhance and attract people back to Rochford. (At this time there are noises that the continuation of the new Somerfield supermarket is in doubt.) From experience, we know that the London-based owners are not interested in the site other than for its rental income. However, the RDC does have powers under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act to be proactive, perhaps with private sector partners to support this.

2. There needs to be better footpath access to the Square from the north and west. From the Dalys Road side, one has to walk on the very narrow pavements between Weir Pond Road and the west end of Malting Villas. A route needs to be developed linking directly into the new Barratt development. Similarly, from Union Lane to the new supermarket along the southern edge of the NHS car park. Both these links would make the centre more accessible for daily shopping. We fear that what is happening is that shoppers are using their cars as foot access is not safe/convenient, and then go to Tesco on A127.

3. There has been much concern recently following the Council Leader's remarks in the Echo on pedestrianising the Square. The Chamber is strongly against this as a strategic aim at this time. If points 1 & 2 are put in place, plus a parking regime that allows 1 hour free parking in the Back Lane car park, then we would hope that the town centre could become sufficiently robust to reconsider the proposal. The thought of relaxed continental-style living is appealing, but many of the less respecting inhabitants would ruin these aspirations.

4. There need be only 2 taxi spaces in the Square. Most are in radio contact with their controller and few collect fares directly from the Square. Another, less intrusive site should be found, perhaps at Freight House.

5. To facilitate the potential change of use applications from retail to residential, we recommend that an inner ring close to the Square and North, South, East and West Streets should define what can/cannot be permitted.

We hope that the Consultants will find these points of value. Should they wish to meet with us, our members will be happy to attend.

Further to your letter of 28 January 2008 concerning Urban Initiatives for the development of Rochford and Hockley town centres, whilst I appreciate this initiative is for the development of the town centres to restrict green field development, I would ask you to continue to bear in mind the real and urgent need for a safe and effective alternative access to The King Edmund School site.

Re:- Proposed Pedestrianisation of Market Square, Rochford

I refer to the above proposal which I read recently in the local newspaper.

As a small business owner operating in Rochford Square I am slightly anxious as to what effect this will have on my business and other businesses in the area once and if the parking in the Market Square is reduced or removed.

I would be grateful if you could answer the following questions for me:-

1. Is this proposal likely to go ahead
2. If it does go ahead what impact will it have on local amenities and businesses
3. Will alternative FREE PARKING be provided as it is at the moment in the square.

As a resident and business owner in Rochford you can obviously see my concerns, I would be grateful if you could answer the above three questions for me and supply me with any other information in respect of this that you feel is relevant.

Thanking you for your kind assistance in this matter and I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

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.