Draft Ward Patterns Submission

Rochford District Council September 2014

Rochford District Electoral Review

Warding Patterns Submission

www.rochford.gov.uk Rochford District Council – Rochford District Electoral Review – Warding Patterns Submission

Contents

Page

Introduction ...... 3 Rochford District Proposed Wards – Tabled Summary ...... 6 Rochford District Proposed Wards – Mapped ...... 7 Rochford District Proposed Wards – Overlayed with Parish Boundaries ...... 8 Appendix 1 – Ward 1 Foulness and the Wakerings ...... 9 Appendix 2 – Ward 2(a) Roche South ...... 11 Appendix 3 – Ward 2(b) Roche North ...... 14 Appendix 4 – Ward 3 Rochford Central ...... 17 Appendix 5 – Ward 4 Hawkwell East ...... 19 Appendix 6 – Ward 5 Hawkwell West ...... 22 Appendix 7 – Ward 6 Hockley and Ashingdon ...... 25 Appendix 8 – Ward 7 Hockley ...... 28 Appendix 9 – Ward 8 Hullbridge ...... 30 Appendix 10 – Ward 9 Downhall and Rawreth ...... 32 Appendix 11 – Ward 10 Sweyne Park and Grange ...... 34 Appendix 12 – Ward 11 Wheatley ...... 36 Appendix 13 – Ward 12 Trinity ...... 38 Appendix 14 – Ward 13 Lodge...... 40

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Introduction

Rochford District Background Information

The District of Rochford is situated within a peninsula between the Rivers Thames and Crouch, and is bounded to the East by the North Sea. The District has land boundaries with Basildon, Castle Point and Southend-on-Sea Borough Councils. It also has marine boundaries with Maldon and Chelmsford Districts. It is located within south Essex, with linkages to the M25 via the A127 and the A13 and direct rail links to London. The majority of London Southend Airport lies within the District.

The Rochford District covers an area of 65 square miles and is home to around 83,000 people. The District is one with an ever-increasing percentage of older residents. It is predominantly rural with three larger urban areas and a number of smaller settlements. The District’s towns and villages are diverse in character reflecting their history, location and size. The character, layout and form of groups of buildings, streets and spaces make a significant contribution to providing a sense of place and adding to the quality of life in town and country. Residents have a strong sense of identity with their own settlement. The District is considered to be reasonably affluent and has, relative, to other areas in the County, few issues affecting it.

Council Size

On 15 April 2014 Full Council agreed the recommendation from the Working Group to propose to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (“LGBCE”) that the Council size remains at 39 Councillors. On 22 July 2014, the LGBCE formally confirmed they were minded to recommend this number.

Electoral Review Working Group and Wider Council Involvement

A Member Working Group was set up by Council on 28 January 2014 with the purpose of making recommendations to Full Council in relation to the electoral review of the District. The group comprises representative Members from all political groups and has met on several occasions in order to make recommendations to Full Council on the issues of Council size, proposed Warding patterns and Ward names. Working Group Members have been fully involved in determining the proposed Warding arrangements in a positive, collaborative fashion and were able to reach consensus in recommending their proposal to Full Council.

Save for one Member who has put forward their own proposal to the LGBCE, all Members of Full Council approved the recommendation of the Working Group on 4 September and this forms the basis of the Council’s submission within this document. There has been a generally consensual approach to this task from its inception and the Council is proud of the fact the all groups have put aside political differences to propose Wards which make sense for the electorate and local communities.

Members, by virtue of their roles and backgrounds have very good knowledge of the District, particularly the areas they represent. The proposal within this document is very much a reflection of that local knowledge and seeks to create new Wards which provide excellent levels of electoral equality, whilst also maintaining existing community ties.

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Parishes and Community Identity

A Parish is the embodiment a local community. It is for that very reason the Council decided to use Parish Council boundary lines as its main building blocks for proposing new Wards. It is clear from the attached proposal plan that divisions of Parishes have been kept to an absolute minimum. Given the criterion of electoral equality, it was evident that some splits would occur due to electoral numbers being too low or too high by for example using one or more entire Parishes as a building block to create a new Ward. This would have been the case for example if the Parish of Hockley were to be used as a building block for new Ward which alone would have a forecast of 8,042 electors; well in excess of the permitted electoral tolerances.

The Council (in collaboration with the LGBCE) has endeavoured to keep Parish/Town Councils and other groups fully engaged with the electoral review process. As well as the LGBCE attending public committee meetings at the start of the process, a Parish focussed meeting was arranged on 5th August 2014 which was attended by the majority of Parishes across the District. Given the District Council’s proposals are predominantly based on Parish boundary lines, it is hoped that this will be acceptable to Parish Councils whose local communities are for the most part being kept entirely intact.

Electoral Equality

Excellent levels of electoral equality have been achieved for the immediate and longer term. It is only in one proposed Ward where electoral equality has not been achieved for the present electorate, namely Ward 3 Rochford Central. This is because of a major housing development of over 500 dwellings being forecasted to be delivered within six years. As such, it is unavoidable for the present electorate to be over-represented by 20% but is forecast to improve to a level of -2.20% by 2020 and hence the Council is of the view that this is considered acceptable and in line with LGBCE guidance. Save for that isolated example, all other Ward proposals are all well within tolerance and allow considerable room for manoeuvre in the event of population changes which are not quite in accordance with the forecasted figures.

Three-Member Wards Approach

As the Council operates a system of elections by thirds, it has where practicable proposed Warding arrangements of three Member Wards. This is with the exception of Wards 2(a) Roche South consisting of 1 Member and Ward 2(b) Roche North consisting of two Members. The Working Group and then Full Council determined that for the reasons of effective and convenient local government it would be better to arrange the Wards in this fashion. If the Ward were to be proposed as a single three-Member Ward it would have been by far the biggest Ward in the District and very difficult to represent from a practical point of view. Furthermore, as a three Member Ward it would contain a higher number of distinct Parish Councils/Communities which would potentially lead to increased workloads for those Members. In addition, given the relatively large distances between those communities (as one Ward) there would be little connection between some of those communities, particularly those furthest away from each other.

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New Ward Names

In accordance with LGBCE guidance the proposed Ward names are considered to be distinct and easily identifiable. For example, the split Wards discussed above are named “Roche North” and “Roche South” which is a reflection of geographical features in the areas and very easy to distinguish by the electorate. These names were deliberated upon by the Working Group and Full Council, namely by Council Members who have excellent local knowledge and appreciate the subtleties of prosing apt names for their areas.

Post Full Council agreeing the names as shown within the summary table on the following page, a further Member suggestion was put forward in respect of Wards 6 and 7 for the names Hockley East & Ashingdon and Hockley West respectively which the Boundary Commission is asked to note as part of their considerations.

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Rochford District Proposed Wards – Tabled Summary

Ward No. for Forecast Variance No. of Reference Ward Name Electorate by (%) from District Councillors with Maps 2020 Average of 5,445

1 Foulness and the 3 5,700 + 4.68 Wakerings

2(a) Roche South 1 1,822 + 0.39*

2(b) Roche North 2 3,613 - 0.47**

3 Rochford Central 3 5,325 - 2.20

4 Hawkwell East 3 5,177 - 4.92

5 Hawkwell West 3 5,310 - 2.48

6 Hockley and 3 5,489 + 0.81 Ashingdon

7 Hockley 3 5,235 - 3.86

8 Hullbridge 3 5,627 + 3.34

9 Downhall and 3 5,483 + 0.70 Rawreth

10 Sweyne Park and 3 5,319 - 2.31 Grange

11 Wheatley 3 5,763 + 5.84

12 Trinity 3 5,361 - 1.54

13 Lodge 3 5,568 + 2.26

* This variance is from the figure 1,815 (per Member average).

** This variance is from the figure 3,630 (Member average x 2).

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Rochford District Proposed Wards – Mapped

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Rochford District Proposed Wards – Overlayed with Parish Boundaries

Note: Black boundary line = proposed District boundaries Blue boundary line = existing Parish boundaries

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Appendix 1 – Ward 1 Foulness and the Wakerings

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Ward No. Forecast Current Forecast (for cross Number of Current Electorate Evidence and rationale that the proposals meet the Ward Name Electorate Electorate in reference Councillors Electorate Variance in three statutory criteria set by the LGBCE Variance 2020 with maps) 2020

1 Foulness and 3 5,344 + 4.72 5,700 + 4.68 The Ward name represents the geographical areas the Wakerings covered within and incorporates elements from each contained Parish.  Existing Parish boundaries form the North, East and South of this Ward, with a split in the Barling Magna Parish creating the western boundary and effectively expanding the size of this Ward.  Foulness Island and Great Wakering Parishes are each wholly retained.  The Barling Magna Parish split boundary follows a natural divide down the creek and through Little Wakering Road, incorporating the areas of Potten Island and Little Wakering, to join the Great Wakering Parish boundary in the South-West corner.  In keeping the top part of Little Wakering Road separate (in its neighbouring Ward) this recognises Little Wakering and the strong ties between itself and sister community Great Wakering below by the natural absorption into this Ward.  Many community buildings and facilities are shared between Little Wakering and Great Wakering, such as child care and Great Wakering Primary School.  Most residents within Little Wakering and Great Wakering move freely between the two villages.  St Mary the Virgin church is included from Little Wakering.

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Appendix 2 – Ward 2(a) Roche South

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2(a) Roche South 1 1,781 + 4.70 1,822 + 0.39 The Ward name identifies that this area sits South of the river roach.

 It is felt justified that this area be treated as an exception to the three-Member approach, as this would otherwise entail adjoining with its rural neighbour above (Ward 2(b)) as one extremely large area. In respect of the criterion ‘effective and convenient local government’, geographically it would be difficult for Councillors to fairly facilitate and represent the area of 2(a) and 2(b) together and so it is better to use the river roach as a divide between, which with electorate and geography results in 2(a) one Member Ward and 2(b) two Member Ward.

 Existing Parish boundary forms the Southern line of this Ward and natural boundaries form the North (following the river roach), East (following the creek, as described in Ward 1) and West (following the railway line).

 Sutton Parish is wholly retained in this Ward, together with the Barling area from Barling Magna Parish and part of Rochford Parish (split of Eastwood Ward).

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 It is considered that the part of Rochford Eastwood included in this Ward is a natural fit with Sutton and Barling, and the line drawn across Southend Road keeps this community (which sits adjacent the railway and airport) together whilst creating a sensible North-West corner and path to the river roach boundary coming down

 Historically, Rochford Eastwood has close connections with neighbouring Sutton Parish and was part of Sutton in the past.

 Good road communication links Rochford Eastwood with Sutton and Barling.

 The rural agricultural setting of Barling from Barling Magna Parish is distinguished and kept together in this Ward. This encompasses Barling Magna Primary School, All Saints Church, Bluehouse and Stonebridge farms as some examples of local community features.

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Appendix 3 – Ward 2(b) Roche North

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2(b) Roche North 2 3,329 - 2.15 3,613 - 0.47 The Ward name identifies that this area sits North of the river roach. This Ward covers a large rural area and four different Parishes and so it is felt that this name neatly encapsulates this geographically. It is felt justified that this area be treated as an exception to the three-Member approach, as this would otherwise entail adjoining with its rural neighbour below (Ward 2(a)) as one extremely large area. In respect of the criterion ‘effective and convenient local government’, geographically it would be difficult for Councillors to fairly facilitate and represent the area of 2(a) and 2(b) together and so it is better to use the river roach as a divide between, which with electorate and geography results in 2(a) one Member Ward and 2(b) two Member Ward.

 Existing Parish boundaries form the North and West of this Ward, with a natural boundary following the river roach to the South-East and part -inclusion of Rochford Parish (split of Eastwood and Rochford Roche Wards) in the South-West.

 Canewdon, Paglesham and Stambridge Parishes are each wholly retained.

 The split of Rochford Roche Parish Ward includes roads to the South-Eastern side which directly adjoin their rural neighbour of Stambridge and naturally lead into and blend with.

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 There are close community ties between Stambridge and this part of Rochford.

 The split of Rochford Parish continues on into a small area of the Eastwood Ward, which is linked by a main road and within a short walking distance.

 The Ward proposed has natural connections and good communication links between all the communities in this area and is mostly rural with scattered pockets of population, with the exception of the built-up Rochford Parish area.

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Appendix 4 – Ward 3 Rochford Central

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3 Rochford 3 4,060 - 20.44 5,325 - 2.20 This Ward name identifies the Rochford area of the Central District and also allows for the fact that some of the Eastern side has been put into its neighbour Wards.

 Existing Parish boundaries form the North, South and West of this Ward with a new boundary to the Eastern side which follows the railway line and rural area of Rochford.

 Whilst Rochford Parish has been split, this has a large population and is a vastly spread out area. The new proposed boundary clearly defines an Eastern/Western divide which works for both sides.

 The central area of Rochford is kept together and encompasses the main routes of Ashingdon Road and Hall Road linking this.

 The railway line used as part of the Eastern boundary forms a natural line and keeps London Southend Airport and railway station and line within.

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Appendix 5 – Ward 4 Hawkwell East

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4 Hawkwell East 3 5,073 - 0.59 5,177 - 4.92 The Ward name denotes that this area is the East of Hawkwell Parish.

 Existing Hawkwell Parish boundary forms the East of this Ward with a northern point which incorporates a small part of neighbouring Ashingdon. Borders in the South and East divide the Parish with its neighbour Ward Hawkwell East.

 Hawkwell Parish is retained by dividing between this and the Hawkwell West Ward.

 A small split in Ashingdon Parish is caused by pulling current polling District RCU2 into this Ward as its neighbour. In terms of community and locality this area sits naturally here and keeps the population and road connections in this close vicinity together. This also avoids land-locking, which would otherwise occur.

 There are strong links between the current Hawkwell Parish Wards and despite the railway bridge crossing Rectory Road, Hawkwell as a Parish shares many facilities.  The Number 8 bus runs from Southend, via Golden Cross, through Hawkwell and into Hockley.

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 Hawkwell features many churches; Hawkwell West has St Mary’s and Emmanuel Churches while the North has the Methodist and Baptist Churches and the North the Catholic Church. Hawkwell Parishioners can be seen walking and cycling along Rectory road in both directions to attend Services. The interwoven nature of the community is perhaps well demonstrated by various religious centres attended.

 Whilst Clements Hall Leisure Centre is a District resource it is regarded as a “Hawkwell Parish Centre” and links all parts of Hawkwell as a community in sport. Likewise Spencers (West) and Magnolia (South) open spaces provide facilities that are used by all of Hawkwell, for example Hawkwell Village Fete is held in Magnolia.

 Hawkwell used to be split on an East/West basis for District Wards in the past so the newly proposed Wards here (4 and 5) only reinstate that sister relationship in the Parish of Hawkwell, albeit with a slightly different boundary than before in order to deliver three Members Wards and acceptable voter equality.

 The boundary has been chosen to try and minimize the unfortunate necessity of splitting roads to keep a balanced three Member Ward model and we foresee no problems with this as Hawkwell is generally perceived as one area and is not generally described or polarised by the Ward names.

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Appendix 6 – Ward 5 Hawkwell West

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5 Hawkwell West 3 4,755 - 6.82 5,310 - 2.48 The Ward name denotes that this area is the West of Hawkwell Parish.  Existing Hawkwell Parish boundaries form the North, South and West of this Ward, with a border on the Eastern side to divide the Parish with its neighbour Ward Hawkwell East.  Hawkwell Parish is retained by dividing between this and the Hawkwell East Ward  Hawkwell Residents Association delivers to and draws members from the whole of Hawkwell.  Hawkwell also has an Action Group that does not only concern itself with Hawkwell West but bases its activities on planning across the whole Parish.  Belchamps Scout Camp is a major feature of Hawkwell and whilst this attracts international scouts it is also a focal point for the scouting fraternity in the area.  Residents of Hawkwell West frequent Golden Cross Parade shopping probably more than the smaller Hawkwell Parade shopping that lies in West and some families have relatives in all parts of Hawkwell.

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 Although Westerings School caters for children from both Hockley and Hawkwell some of Hawkwell children fall into the catchment area of Holt Farm which is located in Hawkwell North Parish Ward. These children would generally attend King Edmund School and can be seen walking to school along Rectory Road towards King Edmund School in the mornings.  See supporting narrative within Ward 4 to further explain this area.  Despite Hawkwell West Parish Ward and Hockley blending into one another in some respects and having close association between the two areas (Hockley and Hawkwell both have long standing and active Residents Associations which work together and the Police NAP covers both Hawkwell West and Hockley), it is felt that there are far stronger links within Hawkwell Parish itself to divide this area in two without the need to expand Westwards.  There is absolutely no sustained connection between residents of Rochford and Hawkwell West. No public transport links the two communities other than traversing through Hawkwell South and North. Neither is there any footpath and the distance between the two conurbations is relatively large (one mile plus).

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Appendix 7 – Ward 6 Hockley and Ashingdon

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6 Hockley and 3 5,376 + 5.35 5,489 + 0.81 The Ward name identifies that this area is made up of Ashingdon both Hockley and Ashingdon and covers each respective Parish named likewise

 Existing Parish boundaries form the North and East of this Ward, with a small split to Ashingdon Parish caused in the South and split to Hockley Parish creating part of the Western boundary.

 Ashingdon Parish goes far into what is considered Hockley and it would be hard on the ground to say where one ends and another starts. The relationship between the two areas is, therefore, almost seamless.

 The current RDA2 and RDB2 polling Districts are in the current Hockley North District Ward, but are in the Ashingdon Parish.

 Ashingdon Primary School serves as one of four feeder schools to Greensward Academy.

 The Number 7 bus route runs between Ashingdon and Hockley.

 Some members of Ashingdon Church reside in Hockley.

 The railway line has been used as part of the proposed split in Hockley Parish as a natural boundary, with the area merging into Ashingdon lying North of this.

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 East of Greensward Lane (current polling Districts RDA and RDA2) makes up the Broadlands Estate, which is felt is one community and should be kept together.

 The small split in Ashingdon Parish is caused by removing current polling District RCU2 into its neighbour Ward below (Hawkwell East). In terms of community and locality this area sits well with its counterpart and keeps the population here together. This also avoids land-locking, which would otherwise occur.

 The hamlet of South Fambridge which nestles close to the River Crouch is kept in this Ward, as it sits currently within Ashingdon Parish.

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Appendix 8 – Ward 7 Hockley

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Ward No. Forecast Current Forecast (for cross Number of Current Electorate Evidence and rationale that the proposals meet the Ward Name Electorate Electorate in reference Councillors Electorate Variance three statutory criteria set by the LGBCE Variance 2020 with maps) in 2020

7 Hockley 3 4,991 - 2.19 5,235 - 3.86 This Ward name mirrors that of the Parish which this area solely covers.

 Existing Hockley Parish boundaries form the North, South and West of this Ward, with a new line drawn on the Eastern border which in effect reduces the size of this area.

 The split to Hockley Parish is described in Ward 6 narratives in terms of part going into its neighbour Ward Hockley and Ashingdon, which works well.

 What would be considered the central area of Hockley is kept together in this Ward.

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Appendix 9 – Ward 8 Hullbridge

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8 Hullbridge 3 5,511 + 8.00 5,627 + 3.34 This Ward name mirrors that of the Parish which this area solely covers.

 Existing Hullbridge Parish boundaries form the entire perimeter of this Ward on all sides.

 Hullbridge Parish is wholly retained within this Ward.

 This is a distinguished community and there is no valid reason to make any alteration to the current District Ward pattern.

 The Dome is an integral part of Hullbridge community and is preserved within this Ward.

 The school bus to Rayleigh starts at the Dome and goes through Hullbridge to Rayleigh Sweyne Park.

 The Arriva Bus route to Hullbridge is via the Dome.

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Appendix 10 – Ward 9 Downhall and Rawreth

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9 Downhall and 3 4,959 - 2.82 5,483 + 0.70 This Ward name represents the geographical areas Rawreth covered and names of Parishes contained within.

 Existing Rawreth Parish boundaries form the North, East and Western sides with the Southern boundary encompassing part of Rayleigh Town Council.

 Rawreth Parish is wholly retained in this Ward and a split is created in Rayleigh Town Council by including the Downhall Ward and part of the Sweyne Park and Grange Wards.

 The split of Rayleigh Town Council links the rural area of Rawreth with its built-up Parish neighbour. Whilst the population make-up in this region of the District necessitates this in terms of electorate equality, this does work well in respect of community ties with main routes through and amenities to connect each part.

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Appendix 11 – Ward 10 Sweyne Park and Grange

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Ward No. Forecast Current Forecast (for cross Number of Current Electorate Evidence and rationale that the proposals meet Ward Name Electorate Electorate in reference Councillors Electorate Variance in the three statutory criteria set by the LGBCE Variance 2020 with maps) 2020

10 Sweyne Park 3 5,199 + 1.88 5,319 - 2.31 The name of this Ward distinguishes the part of and Grange Rayleigh that this covers. The name also mirrors that of the Parish Wards here. Sweyne Country park and Sweyne Park Comprehensive School bring identity to the name for this part and the term Grange is supported by Grange Church and Grange School and reflects historical considerations for this area. Due to Rayleigh being a densely populated area it is necessary to divide Rayleigh Town Council accordingly to achieve electoral equality. This said, the only split caused is that described in Ward 9, but otherwise the Parish boundaries are themselves retained. The railway line neatly distributes Rayleigh Town Council into two Wards in the West from the three in the East of the town. With minor exceptions such as local shopping and doctors etc., in Grange and to a lesser extent in Downhall, the people of Rayleigh tend to make their way to the Town Centre for their Social and Entertainment needs and local shopping. Geographically the proposals are entirely logical and represent the South Eastern corner of the District. Existing Parish boundary forms the West of this Ward, with a natural line following the railway line to the South and East, and boundary to the North that creates the Rayleigh Town Council split. This area comprises the existing Parish Wards of Rayleigh Sweyne Park and Rayleigh Grange.

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Appendix 12 – Ward 11 Wheatley

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11 Wheatley 3 5,553 + 8.82 5,763 + 5.84 The name Wheatley has historic connotations going back a number of centuries and having been recognised by Sir Bernard Braine when he received his peerage. The Parish Ward name that this area predominantly covers is also the same. Due to Rayleigh being a densely populated area it is necessary to divide Rayleigh Town Council accordingly to achieve electoral equality. This said, the only split caused is that described in Ward 9, but otherwise the Parish boundaries are themselves retained. The railway line neatly distributes Rayleigh Town Council into two Wards in the West from the three in the East of the town. With minor exceptions such as local shopping and doctors etc., in Grange and to a lesser extent in Downhall, the people of Rayleigh tend to make their way to the Town Centre for their Social and Entertainment needs and local shopping. Geographically the proposals are entirely logical and represent the South Eastern corner of the District.  Existing Parish boundary form the South and West of this Ward, with a natural line following the railway line to the North, and boundary to the East created by using and adjusting current Parish Wards.  This proposed area covers the existing Parish Wards of Rayleigh Wheatley and parts of Rayleigh Whitehouse and Rayleigh Central.

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Appendix 13 – Ward 12 Trinity

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Ward No. Forecast Current Forecast (for cross Number of Current Electorate Evidence and rationale that the proposals meet the Ward Name Electorate Electorate reference Councillors Electorate Variance in three statutory criteria set by the LGBCE Variance in 2020 with maps) 2020

12 Trinity 3 5,247 + 2.82 5,361 - 1.54 The name of this Ward distinguishes the part of Rayleigh that this covers. The name also mirrors that of a Parish Ward here. Due to Rayleigh being a densely populated area it is necessary to divide Rayleigh Town Council accordingly to achieve electoral equality. This said, the only split caused is that described in Ward 9, but otherwise the Parish boundaries are themselves retained. The railway line neatly distributes Rayleigh Town Council into two Wards in the West from the three in the East of the town. With minor exceptions such as local shopping and doctors etc., in Grange and to a lesser extent in Downhall, the people of Rayleigh tend to make their way to the Town Centre for their Social and Entertainment needs and local shopping. Geographically the proposals are entirely logical and represent the South Eastern corner of the District.  Existing Parish boundary forms the North and East of this Ward, with a natural line following the railway line on the Western side, and boundary to the South created by using and adjusting current Parish Wards.  This proposed area merges the current Parish Wards of Rayleigh Trinity and part of Rayleigh Central together.

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Appendix 14 – Ward 13 Lodge

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13 Lodge 3 5,447 + 6.74 5,568 + 2.26 The Ward name of Lodge is appropriate from a historical perspective for this area. This also picks up the Parish Ward name that the Ward predominantly covers. Due to Rayleigh being a densely populated area it is necessary to divide Rayleigh Town Council accordingly to achieve electoral equality. This said, the only split caused is that described in Ward 9, but otherwise the Parish boundaries are themselves retained. The railway line neatly distributes Rayleigh Town Council into two Wards in the West from the three in the East of the town. With minor exceptions such as local shopping and doctors etc., in Grange and to a lesser extent in Downhall, the people of Rayleigh tend to make their way to the Town Centre for their Social and Entertainment needs and local shopping. Geographically the proposals are entirely logical and represent the South Eastern corner of the District.

 Existing Parish boundaries form the East and South of this Ward, with West and North borders created by using and adjusting current Parish Wards.

 This proposed area comprises of the current Parish Wards of Lodge and parts of Whitehouse and Rayleigh Central.

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