BDRA - "The Resident"

A few years ago when the mobile phone industry was in its infancy the Government decreed that the mobile phone operators no longer required planning permission to install their telecommunications masts. Whether this decision resulted from an in-depth consideration of the likely effects is open to debate but the results were predictable - a proliferation of masts. Now masts less than 15m high are considered "permitted development" under the terms of the 1995 Town & Country (General Permitted Development) Order (GPDO) and operators must apply to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) for a determination to decide whether their approval of the details of the siting and appearance of the development is required.

As the number of mobile phones has increased, and consequently the number of masts and aerials, so has the public's concern about the possible adverse effects, on their health, of electro-magnetic radiation. The level of public concern has been such that the Minister for Public Health, Tessa Jowell, instructed the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), a statutory body which advises the Government on radiological issues related to health, to set up an Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, including base stations and transmitters, "to conduct a rigorous assessment of existing research and to give advice on the present state of knowledge".

This expert group issued its report (Stewart Report) in May of this year and in essence concluded that "it is not possible at present to say that exposure to RF radiation is totally without adverse health effects and that gaps in knowledge are sufficient to justify a precautionary approach. Additionally the balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near base stations on the basis that exposures are expected to be small fractions of the guidelines. However there can be a detrimental effect on their well-being in some cases".

The group recommended that "for all base stations, including those with masts under 15m, permitted development rights for their erection should be revoked and that the siting of all new base stations should be subject to the normal planning process. Also that a robust planning template be set in place within 12 months of the publication of this report. It should incorporate a requirement for public involvement, an input by health authorities/health boards and a clear and open system of documentation which can readily be inspected by the general public".

Perhaps if more attention had been paid to the public's perception of the possible adverse effects of radio-frequency radiation when deciding to remove the requirement for planning permission for mobile phone masts then a more balanced conclusion may have resulted. As it is it would appear that more attention was paid to the requirements of commercial enterprises than the well being of private citizens. True there are benefits to be gained from good, reliable and instantly available communication systems but the time to discover that there maybe adverse effects from their use is before the systems are used by the public.

It is to be hoped that it will not be too long before the Government implements the recommendations of the Stewart report in such a manner that LPAs are sufficiently enforced to prevent the siting of masts in sensitive places.

A Road Rep is required to deliver the newsletter to 35 houses in Hillside Road. You will appreciate no doubt that positions such as this are rare and for that reason we need a special person.

We also need someone to collect the subscriptions from 40 houses in Potash Road. This is a once a year job which gathers together the lifeblood of the Association without it there would be no Christmas Lights, Coach Trips or newsletter as a matter of fact nothing. So on our collectors we rely a great deal.

If you feel that either or both these tasks are for you then please contact Jo Evans on 01277 659823

All General Practices in England became members of a local Primary Care Group (PCG) about the middle of 1999 succeeding the fundholding scheme which in some circles was considered costly and bureaucratic. Primary Care Groups comprise of local health and social care professionals who together with patient and Health Authority representatives take devolved responsibilty for the healthcare needs of local communities. In particular they - "contribute to the Health Authorities Health Improvement Plan (HIP), promote the health of the local population, commission health services, monitor performance against the service agreements they have with NHS Trusts, develop primary care and better integrate primary and community health services".

Level 1

Supports the Health Authority in commissioning care for its population, acting in an advisory capacity.

Level 2

Takes devolved responsibilty for managing the budget for healthcare in its area, formally as part of the Health Authority.

Level 3

Is a free standing body accountable to the Health Authority for commissioning care.

Level 4

Is a free standing body accountable to the Health Authority for commissioning care and with added responsibilty for the provision of community health services for its population. In fact an independent Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The degree of financial control that the PCG has over its budget depends upon the level at which it works. However the Accountable Officer is the Chief Executive of the Health Authority and he is responsible for ensuring that the PCG maintains the appropriate financial system and controls.

By removing the artificial barriers between these budgets and lumping them together it has been possible to use the available resources more effectively to meet local needs.

Unfortunately lack of space prevents a more in depth explanation of the way PCGs function but it maybe possible to include more information in future issues of the newsletter.

SATURDAY 8 JULY at 8.00pm in the MAYFLOWER HALL, CHAPEL STREET, BILLERICAY. The Cantabile Singers present their Summer Concert "Strawberry Fayre" which will be followed by strawberries and cream and light refreshments. Guest artists will be the Chelmer Quartet.

Admission £4.00 by programme obtainable from "Book Nook", High Street, Billericay, the "Billericay Music Academy" or by ringing 01277 624437. Please apply for programmes as soon as possible so that the number of people attending can be determined.

SATURDAY 22 JULY at 7.30pm in The COURAGE HALL, MIDDLETON LANE, BRENTWOOD - THE HOWARD WALLACE 20^th ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT, featuring the FESTIVAL BRASS QUINTET.

The programme will be comprised of music from the repertoire of the Chorale over these twenty years as well as some new items specially prepared for this anniversary year - music from South Pacific, a couple of beautiful folk song arrangements and plenty of other toe tapping pieces - Rhythm of Life, Granada, Sing Joyous Bird.

It should be an evening of music to remember with some well known soloists such as Gwilym Thomas (Bass), Marion Davies and Angela Rose (Sopranos) singing well known items.

Tickets £6.00, Children (14 and under) £5.00 can be obtained by contacting Mrs E Williams, 45 Ayr Way, Rise Park, Romford. Telephone 01708 767961.

The Billericay Society with the Mill Meadows Society invite all residents to enjoy an evening stroll through Mill Meadows. Meet at the Chapel Street pedestrian access to Waitrose Car Park at 7.30pm.

The Open Garden Weekend organised by Gene and Norman Turner on 13/14 May raised £645 for the Remus Horse Sanctuary and they wish to thank all the people who gave their support.

SATURDAY 5 AUGUST - from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. The 9^th BOOTHAM FETE. Once again this popular fete will be held this year on the green in Bootham Close. There will be all the usual stalls and entertainments - Tombola, Bric-a-Brac, Tea Garden, Cakes, Goldfish Race, Books, Darts, Plants, Treasure Hunt and much more. This is an event you must not miss.

SATURDAY 8 JULY at 8.00pm in the CANON ROCHE CENTRE, LAINDON ROAD, BILLERICAY - THE CHOIR FOR ALL SEASONS presents LONDON PRIDE, a capital entertainment in words and music, to Celebrate Their Silver Jubilee and the Millennium with a guest performance from St Peter's R. C. Primary School Choir. Tickets £5/£4 available on the door, from "Presence", High Street, Billericay, or Tel 01277 656935.

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER - 10.00am to 3.00pm FRIENDS OF ANVIL HOUSE ANNUAL FETE at ANVIL HOUSE, 199 PERRY STREET, BILLERICAY. Stalls, Crafts, Gifts, Games and Refreshments. Free Entry. All welcome.

L. A. FITNESS of Radford Way, Billericay is now offering a prime time membership for the OVER 55s This includes yoga, relaxation and lavender classes, social events and use of the swimming pool. For more information on this and other memberships please ring Dean on 01277 633633.

Many people, past students and local residents, visited this exhibition held in the Buttsbury Infants School, Perry Street to make the event a happy and nostalgic occasion. Several photographs and much information about the locality was given to the organisers who intend to exhibit it in the future. In the meantime should anyone have photographs and history of the area north of the railway line perhaps they would send it to:-

BILLERICAY TWINNING ASSOCIATION - COACH TRIPS - TO BOOK PLEASE RING 01277 623519

WEDNESDAY 12 JULY - THAMES RIVER TRIP. FULL. Another identical trip has been booked for 26 July 2000 Depart GG 8.45am, OA 8.50am, LR 8.55am, SG 9.00am. Back in Billericay about 6.30pm. Cost, coach/boat/meal - A £24.50, SC £20.00, C £16.50. Greenwich only - A £15.50, SC £12.50, C £10.00.

SATURDAY 22 JULY - BLETCHLEY PARK (STATION X). FULL. Depart GG 9.00am, OA 9.05am, LR 9.10am, SG 9.15am. Back in Billericay about 6.30pm.

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER - THE DOME, GREENWICH. The press slate it but visitors praise it. Come and see for yourself whilst you have the chance. Coach plus entrance to The Dome - Adults £23.00, Senior Citizens £17.50, Children £19.50. Please book before 3 August. Depart GG 9.00am, OA 9.05am, LR 9.10am, SG 9.15am. Back in Billericay about 6.30pm.

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BILLERICAY DISTRICT RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION - COACH TRIPS - TO BOOK PLEASE RING BILLERICAY 626287.

PAYMENT METHOD - by cheque made payable to BDRA and sent to D Osborn, 22 Raven Lane, Billericay CM12 0JA. NO COACH BOOKINGS WILL BE TAKEN BY ANSWERPHONE. DEPARTURE POINTS FOR ALL TRIPS:- GG - Gooseberry Green, bus stop on roundabout. OA - Orchard Avenue, approaching Stock Road. LR - Laindon Road, bus stop near Sun Corner. SG South Green, bus stop to Wickford, opposite The Plough.

Depart GG 8.00am, OA 8.05am, LR 8.10am, SG 8.15am. Back in Billericay about 8.00pm.

Depart GG 8.00am, OA 8.05am, LR 8.10am, SG 8.15am. Back in Billericay about 8.30pm.

WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER - LONDON PALLADIUM THEATRE - THE KING AND I. MATINEE 2.30pm Rogers and Hammerstein's dazzling production of the time-honoured classic starring Elaine Paige. Rear Dress Circle seats. Time, about 2 hours, available for evening meal.
Inclusive cost

Depart GG 11.30am, OA 11.35am, LR 11.40am, SG 11.45am. Back in Billericay about 9.00pm.

SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER - PICCADILLY THEATRE - SPEND SPEND SPEND. - MATINEE 3.00pm.

The riveting new musical charting the tragedy, comedy and love story that is the legend of Viv Nicholson - starring Barbara Dickson. Mid Dress Circle seats. Time, about 2 hours, available for evening meal.

Depart GG 12.00noon, OA 12.05pm, LR 12.10pm, SG 12.15pm. Back in Billericay about 9.30pm.

THE RESIDENT is published by Billericay District Residents' Association Editor - Trevor Stansfield, 174 Perry Sreet, Billericay, Essex CM12 0NX. Tel: 623519 E-mail:vice.chairman@bdra.org
Printed by New Realm Design, Fortune Works, Wash Road, Laindon, Basildon, Essex

Level 1	Supports the Health Authority in commissioning care for its population, acting in an advisory capacity.
Level 2	Takes devolved responsibilty for managing the budget for healthcare in its area, formally as part of the Health Authority.
Level 3	Is a free standing body accountable to the Health Authority for commissioning care.
Level 4	Is a free standing body accountable to the Health Authority for commissioning care and with added responsibilty for the provision of community health services for its population. In fact an independent Primary Care Trust (PCT).

JULY/AUGUST 2000