The Association wrote to Laing Homes Limited on 17 December 1997 asking them to stage an exhibition, in the library, of their development proposals for St Andrews site, similar to the presentation given by Kiafield Properties for their development of the Fold for the Waitrose store. They responded on 19 December saying they would be delighted to prepare such an exhibition following the consultation period which could give rise to some changes or amendments and that the library was considered an excellent venue. We contacted the firm again in January 1998 and on this occasion their manner was rather guarded giving the impression that the Association was not the flavour of the month and should be treated with caution. However we were told that Basildon Council had agreed to the exhibition which would be held in either the library or on St Andrews site commencing 23 February. Perhaps we have upset the Council in pushing for a public exhibition since I understand that there are still problems concerning traffic flow through the site, the County Council, in a letter to the Town Council, has said the study is not yet complete but the final report will be made available in due course. Nevertheless I think that the people of Billericay should know the likely effects the recommendations resulting from a traffic management study would have upon their daily lives. For instance there have been reports in the local press which would suggest that the traffic situation would be improved as a result of the redevelopment. The argument being that the majority of the new houses would be occupied by commuters who consequently would not be using their cars at peak times. Stands back in amazement!!! If there were to be no additional traffic generated by the new development the number of vehicles using Stock Road is still in excess of its designed capacity. Causing motor vehicles to pass through St Andrews site to join Stock Road at a roundabout must surely make matters worse if only because that traffic should give way to traffic coming from the right, that is, from Chelmsford. Don't misunderstand me I am still pleased that there will be houses on the site and not a retail outlet but I would like to understand the problems and the likely solutions.
Just drifting off on another tack for a moment. The Association is still pursuing Great Eastern Railways (GER) in an attempt to have a lift for the disabled installed on Billericay station and we have been informed that a feasibility study is being carried out and that Essex County Council and the District Council have been approached to make a contribution to the cost. Thinks, why should the ratepayer have to contribute to the cost of an asset which will belong to GER? I digress. In the course of discussions with GER, the development on St Andrews site was mentioned and much to our surprise GER were unaware that more houses were to be built so close to the station. Now, since it is anticipated that most of the new house owners would be commuters, should not the providers of transportation have been advised so that plans could have been made to accommodate the increase in "customers". Just a suggestion!!!
So by the time you read this newsletter the exhibition should be open, although at the time of writing I have seen nothing in the press to suggest that it will take place, and if this Association has embarrased the District Council it was not intentional. I have for some considerable time as a member of the Residents' Association and more recently as a Town Councillor been of the opinion insufficient information is made available to the residents of the town about matters which are of concern. By the time we are aware of a particular planning application there is little time to form an opinion based on facts and to voice that opinion in such a manner as to have a serious effect on the outcome. Of course we are our own worst enemies the NIMBY principle applies and divided we have little hope of achieving anything.
Our thanks to the businesses listed below who gave a donation to the cost of installing the Christmas Lights but were not included in the list shown in the February issue of The Resident: Anthony Hire, Ian Brown Insurance, Gary Marsh Dry Cleaners and Mayflower Butchers.
BAS/0099/98 - Erection of a part single and part two storey Community Centre and accesses. Land adjacent to Brightside School, Rosebay Avenue.
ABAS/145/98 - Two non-illuminated fascia signs. Prestige Freight, Prestige House, Radford Business Centre, Radford Way.
TELBAS/0148/98A - Erection of 15 metre high telecommunications tower and equipment cabin. Land south of Hamber Safes, Radford Way.
BAS/0163/98 - Demolition of 6 Lion Lane and erection of 2 detached houses and garages.
BAS/0178/98 - Change of use to A3 (Hot Food). 92 High Street.
Many people have asked who is my Town Councillor, so to answer the question here is a list of Councillors by ward, all you have to know is which ward you live in:
WARD COUNCILLOR TELEPHONE
Billericay North Peter Bench 01277 651164
Peter Clark 01277 659700
David De'ath 01277 658995
Craig Hands 01277 630643
Trevor Stansfield 01277 623519
Billericay North West Geoffrey Galer 01277 655703
David Pugh 01277 623345
Rod Rapley 01277 622125
Horace Wilkins 01277 622907
Billericay South East Rodney Brooks 01277 622224
John Buchanan 01277 656715
James Edwards 01277 625560
Peter Greenwood 01277 654879
Moira Taylor 01277 624008
Elsie Harrison 01277 631429
Billericay North East John Cockcroft 01277 632181
Marion Wilson 01277 626321
Michael Haynes 01277 652746
Billericay South West Pat Banks 01277 625746
Anthony Curtis 01277 626207
If you are unable to contact your councillor then ring the Town Clerk, Mrs Gwynneth Moylan, on 01277 625732 and leave a message.
Worthwhile income from a worthwhile activity. Become a DKFL Independent Advisor.
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For more information please call Sandra Sparrowhawk on 01245 461643
ACCENT DESIGN CONSULTANCY is a newly established interior design company in Billericay. With less overheads than other local designers our qualified interior designer can transform your home into a show house for less than you thought. If you hate decorating or just don't have the time we can provide a full project management service, using only fully qualified local contractors, so you can concentrate on your day job without having to worry.
From Scandinavian to Mediterranean, Traditional to Victorian, Accent Design Consultancy can help you create a particular theme in one room or your entire house. For a free consultation ring 01277 634744.
RAMSDEN COMPUTERS is a small family business which has built up a sound reputation based on careful assessment of customers' needs. We build to their exact requirements, load software, test thoroughly and install the system at their home or office and make sure they do not buy a Ferrari when a Fiesta will be perfectly adequate. After that we are always around to help and we often sort out computers which have not been supplied by us. The essence of the business is local, personal service - you can always call John, Reg or Shirley on 01268 711711 - there are no telephone keypad-activated recorded messages or premium rate helplines.
JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT will be presented by Cerberus Productions at the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster on SATURDAY 9 MAY 1998 at 4.00pm & 8.00pm. This show celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first production of the work and will be the only amateur one allowed this year. The lead and soloists will be professional singers and the supporting cast will consist of singers from local amateur operatic societies and choirs. Billericay residents may be interested in the show both for its musical content and the fact that the Producer, Director, Musical Director and some of the cast are members of The Billericay Operatic Society. Tickets may be obtained from FirstCall on 0171 420 1000 and cost between £14 and £26 for the matinee performance and between £20 and £32 for the evening performance. Profits will be donated to The Friends of Saint Francis Hospice of Havering-atte-Bower.
ANVIL TRUST are having a Charity Musical Evening BARBERSHOP with the Chelmsford Star Chorus at CHRIST CHURCH, PERRY STREET on SATURDAY 25 APRIL 1998, commencing at 7.00pm. Admission £5 including refreshments. Tickets available from: Christine Pugh - 01277 623345, Thelma Green - 01277 840577, Mary Ware - 01277 658659.
QUILTERS INFANT & JUNIOR SCHOOL, LAINDON ROAD - CRAFT FAIR - SATURDAY 21 MARCH. Open 10.00am until 4.00pm. Admission 50p. Lots of different crafts, hot and cold refreshments will be available throughout the day.
The Air Cadets need adult volunteers to be civilian instructors for a few hours a week on a regular basis to help out at the Squadron. They meet twice weekly at Squadron Headquarters in Laindon Road, but attendance would not necessary on every parade night. If you are interested further details are available from their Commanding Officer Bill Hunt who can be contacted on 01268 526359 or 01268 418858.
NATIONAL CHILDBIRTH TRUST - TUESDAY 7 APRIL. Children's Easter Party at Steeple View Community Hall, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Entertainment provided by The Skittle Man and competitions with an Easter theme. Refreshments will be on sale, tickets £2.50 available from Kay Parr - 01268 414577.
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