Woodham Ferrers & BicknacreBicknacre ParishParish CouncilCouncil Newsletter DecemberMarch 2020 2012
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PARISH COUNCIL OFFICERS/REPRESENTATIVES—2020-2021
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT CLLR. JUNE SALTMARSH
Change is forever with us – and our Parish has / is seeing some changes for 2020 and beyond.
Now looking forward - lots of things are happening......
Welcome to the new Parish Councillors – Cllr. Cathy Amos and Cllr .Mary Shay both of whom have joined the Parish Council very recently.
Whilst we’re still on the subject of Councillors and the service they give to the Parish, I would especially like to give a special mention to Cllr. Sandy Sinclair who has been responsible for the VERY successful and flourishing Bicknacre Friendship Club. This initiative has been acknowledged by the United in Kind group for Essex which aims to reconnect neighbours and communities to help overcome loneliness. Sandy has championed this initiative here in Bicknacre and the success of this group has been spread far and wide – all the way to the USA would you believe. Well done and thank you Sandy!
Unfortunately, I have to confirm that we have one Councillor who has resigned from the Council. Raymond Blanks has served the Council for many years but took the decision recently to give up this role. He has been a constant support to the Council over several years but we respect the decision and wish him well for the future. The vacancy has been formally advertised and we await the appointment of a new Councillor in the near future.
There are some other very exciting / varied events for the community that Karen will tell you about in her report.
Duffield Bridge—we have received a petition from residents and have sent this together with a strongly worded letter to Cllr. Kevin Bentley @ ECC referring to the unacceptable length of time for the works to be completed.
The new, Liberal Democrat, administration at Chelmsford is rightly concerned about limiting the supply of single use plastic but this needs more consideration. Initially it was said that this was the reason for discontinuing the supply of dog waste bags despite the fact that in seeking an alternative supply dog owners will still need plastic bags in which to 4 dispose of waste. www.wfandbpc.org.uk
The City Council is under considerable pressure to cut costs. The cost to the Council to supply the whole of the Chelmsford district is £5,000 per annum. This is peanuts. Despite making strong arguments I have not been able to persuade the elected administration to change its mind. Green plastic dog bags will no longer available from the Parish Council or elsewhere. However many local Parish Councils are very concerned about this and it may be that their joint representations will make the City Council change its mind.
Have you recently moved into the Parish? Then you might like a little bit of history which I’ve lifted from the PC website:
“1972 a scheme was initiated by Essex County Council to develop the area into a ‘New Riverside Country Town’ and South Woodham Ferrers became a standalone Parish and Bicknacre and Woodham Ferrers were subsumed into the SWF Parish Council. Bicknacre, Woodham Ferrers were represented by a subcom- mittee, the Bicknacre contingent of which was largely made up by members of the then Bicknacre Village Hall committee. Just prior to this, in the early 1970s, Bick- nacre too started to develop reaching its current size in the late 1970s. May 1987 an all new Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre Parish Council was formed consisting of 9 members, 3 to represent the Woodham Ferrers Ward and 6 to rep- resent the Bicknacre Ward. Eight councillors were elected unopposed and the ninth councillor was co-opted shortly afterwards. There have been 6 Clerks, Ka- ren Kuderovitch being the current Clerk since December 2005!! The Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre Parish Council currently serves an elec- torate of approximately 2400 people living in 1200 dwellings being divided ap- proximately 400 electors and 200 dwellings in Woodham Ferrers and 2000 electors in 1000 dwellings in Bicknacre.”
Help us please: We are looking at ways to reduce the amount of paper being used and Par- ish Councillors are looking at ways achieve this. For instance: If you would be happy to receive this Newsletter electronically – can you please let the Clerk know at: [email protected]
The links provided on our webpage assists residents to make contact via the Internet. However, if you are not connected to the internet, you should find a lot of the same contact telephone numbers somewhere in this Newsletter including those of the Parish Councillors and our Clerk, Karen Kuderovitch.
Both our Chelmsford City Councillor (Cllr Richard Poulter) and our Essex County Councillor (Cllr Ian Grundy) contribute to the Newsletters and can be con- tacted with issues related to their particular responsibilities. As always, a big THANK YOU to all those fantastic volunteers within the Parish of Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre. 5 www.wfandbpc.org.uk
CLERK’S REPORT KAREN KUDEROVITCH
As we move into Spring, we have so many exciting projects and positive news to bring you.
New Parish Council Office The office will be relocating to White Elm Garden Centre at the end of March 2020. The decision was taken for two main reasons; mainly financial and also the desire for the Parish Council to be more accessible to residents. We will have a unit in the retail area and will have allocated times of the day where residents can pop in to see the Clerk about any issues/or seek information, or by appointment to meet with a Councillor. We are very excited about the move and the opportunity to better connect with residents. Our thanks to the Woodham Ferrers Village Hall for the last 12 years. The telephone number for the PC Office will be changing—to be advised.
Annual Parish Meeting—Friday 15th May 2020 –doors open 7pm We look forward again to a great line up of speakers and encourage you to attend. We will have lots of local organisations with stands and an opportunity to come and share your views.
Local Council Accreditation Scheme—Foundation We are currently re-accrediting to the scheme and once we have achieved the Foundation Level we will seek to apply for Quality. New Equipment We have recently installed a set of gym equipment, a Basketball (£500 grant) and fenced off the smaller children’s play area at the Hooe. At Lodge Road we have installed a second set of gym equipment. We continue to work hard to improve our open spaces and are seeking funding opportunities to improve the Bicknacre Village Green footpath with something more sustainable/hardwearing.
6 www.wfandbpc.org.uk New Bus Shelter Essex County Council will shortly be installing an new bus shelter on the Main Road near Trio Lodge. This comes free of any charges.
Petanque Please let the me know if you would be interested in having a court in the Parish. Petanque is a type of French Boules and a great outdoor game for all to enjoy.
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Tackling anti-social behaviour We have recently installed a gate separating the Priory School Car Park with the Parish Council owned top car park at Bicknacre Playing Fields. We are also looking at upgrad- ing the current outdated CCTV system as well.
Woodham Ferrers Xmas Lunch A great time was had by all and we will repeat this again for 2020. Our thanks to Emma Hunnable for allowing us to use the Chapel, Cllr. Amos & Molly Kuderovitch for giving their free time to serve, Cllr. Sinclair for making the table gifts and Vikki Seaman of Aquila Catering for providing an excellent lunch.
Christmas Carols Event December 2019 Again another successful event enjoyed by many. Our thanks to the Priory Primary School for organising the hymns and hosting the after event.
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DATE EVENT LOCATION TIME INFO
FRI 27TH MARCH QUIZ NIGHT BICKNACRE 7.30PM FRIENDS OF VILLAGE HALL PRIORY FIELDS
MON 6TH APRIL BICKNACRE THE BELL 12,30PM BOOK FRIENDSHIP WOODHAM 01245 320443 CLUB LUNCH FERRERS £9 2 COURSES SAT 18TH APRIL LITTER PICK PRIORY CAR PARK 10AM—MIDDAY REFRESHMENTS AFTERWARDS
FRI 24TH APRIL FOPF AGM BICKNACRE 7.30PM FOPF VILLAGE HALL
FRI 1ST MAY AFTERNOON TEA BICKNACRE 1PM—3PM FUNDRAISING VILLAGE HALL ESSEX & HERTS AIR AMBULANCE SAT 16TH MAY OUTDOOR BICKNACRE 7PM—8.30PM BRING OWN CINEMA PLAYING FIELDS FILM START RESFRESH- MENTS/CHAIRS SAT 20TH JUNE DOG SHOW/ LODGE ROAD PLAY- MIDDAY—4PM PARISH COUNCIL VILLAGE FETE ING FELDS EVENT
www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online/report-a-crime/
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CLLR. RICHARD POULTER CHELMSFORD CITY COUNCIL
Chelmsford City Council has a policy of requiring that on all new housing developments of over ten homes at least 35% have to be affordable. We hear a lot about affordable hous- ing but what exactly does it mean? It does not include the purchase of open market hous- ing although there are incentives for first time buyers.
There are three types of affordable housing: affordable rent, social rent and shared own- ership. The 35% contribution will be approximately 23% rented and 12% shared owner- ship. The usual practice of developers is to sell the properties designated as affordable housing to a social housing provider such as Chelmer Housing, which will then make them available for rent or shared ownership. In the vast majority of cases Chelmsford City Council will have nomination rights for the rented accommodation and will offer this to applicants from its housing register.
Affordable rented homes must be provided at rental levels that are at least 20% below local market rents (including service charges). This is the most common form of afforda- ble rent (as compared with social rent). It should not be assumed that all properties will be let at the 80% figure and I know of a property let at around 60% of the local market rent.
Social Rented housing was introduced by the Government in late 2017 as a tenure eligi- ble for funding in areas of high need. It now concentrates on areas that can demonstrate high affordability pressures. This includes Chelmsford. Social rents are up to 50% lower than affordable rents but the amount of discount will vary according to the number of bed- rooms required and a prospective tenant’s income.
The third option is shared ownership where part of the property is rented and the remain- der is bought with the help of a mortgage. The purchased part can start as low as 25% and can be increased in stages known as stair casing. The subsidy comes in the form of a reduced rent.
There is increasing recognition that what is required in rural areas is to help those with a local connection to continue to live in their own communities. Some affordable housing is now being provided through the planning system with this provision.
This summary is intended as an overview but it does affect new development in our vil- lages. There is, for example, a 35% provision for affordable housing in the new homes to be built on the land south of the Brewers Arms. A proportion of this is reserved for those residents with a local connection. Any resident who is interested should contact the city council housing department for more information.
My next ward surgeries are in the Pitman Room in the Bicknacre Village Hall on Satur- days 7th March and 4th April between 10 and 11a.m. All are welcome. No appointment is required. I look forward to seeing you. I am also willing to visit local residents and busi- nesses. Just send me an email or give me a ring to make arrangements.
Richard Poulter.01245 223743 [email protected]
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CLLR. IAN GRUNDY ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
I am pleased to say all budgets for the new financial year have been agreed and ap- proved by Full Council. This includes an extra £5m for Highways to improve our roads and pavements and judging by my emails this is certainly needed as indeed are measures to control flooding. I am pressing for more preventive maintenance to clear gullies and drains which in my opinion have been neglected for years.
Details are beginning to be published on the Climate Change Commission, this was an- nounced last year and will be reporting back to the Council with ideas and actions that will improve our environment in Essex. The Commission will be led by an independent chairman and include outside experts plus representatives from all the political parties. It is intended there will be nine meetings during the 20/21 financial year such is the im- portance to get actions in place. I am sure I will be reporting on this later in the year.
By now work is well underway dismantling the Army and Navy flyover; we will soon be told the preferred option and how it will be funded. The villages in my division are all suf- fering from extra traffic and speeding issues and the replacement cannot come soon enough. Just for a bit of light relief all Primary School children can enter “ A Guess the Weight of the Flyover “ competition. There are four options to choose from, these being from 217 tonnes to 517 tonnes with the chance to win a £75 Bike Voucher - you can en- ter online at www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy. Good luck children!
As always if I can help on an issue please contact me.
Ian Grundy Tel: 07920286384. Email: [email protected]
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN REPORT ANY ISSUES ON-LINE & ASSIST THE PARISH COUNCIL TO GET THINGS DONE:
FIND OUT LOTS OF INFORMATION FROM ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL www.essexcc.gov.uk/report it Any issue on or around a road or pavement, such as pot- holes, streetlights, traffic lights, overgrown trees
use a reference number or search a location for status updates on existing issues
information on major works, blue badges and applications
Highways Information Map, Roadworks and latest traffic news
Bus passes, Park and Ride, Timetable information or changes
Information about grass and vegetation issues 11 www.wfandbpc.org.uk
Neighbour Notification for Planning Applications—from Chelmsford City Council
Background At present the Council sends notification letters to neighbouring and nearby properties to a planning application site when an application is received. Approximately 12,400 letters are sent every year. The Council also display at least one site notice for each planning application. The sending of individual neighbour notification letters for planning applications through the post is now, following the advent of IT systems and email, somewhat old-fashioned. Letter sending is inefficient and often does not capture the right audience or those inter- ested in the planning application. The ongoing digital transformation has therefore prompted a review of our current procedures to look at where a better, more bespoke self -service can be utilised. Issues The Planning and Development Management service receive many complaints every year in relation to neighbour notification letters. Common complaints are that notification letters were not received and that some residents were not sent notification letters de- spite their neighbour receiving one. Consistency is an issue because it is often difficult for officers to know where to draw the line for which residents will be sent a letter. Residents do not always read the letter; instead thinking it is ‘junk’ mail, or not appreciat- ing what the letter is about. This is despite the letter arriving in an envelope that says “Notification of Planning Application” and referencing Chelmsford City Council. Neighbour letters can only be addressed to ‘The Occupier’. This may contribute to dis- missal of the letter by local residents. Furthermore, the occupier may not be interested in the application but the owner of the property (i.e. where the property is rented) may not be made aware of the application. There is confusion about the fact that the Council send neighbour letters and put up a site notice. Some residents feel they should be sent a letter even though they are aware of the development from the site notice. The postage budget for Development Management sits at £9,700 per year. Postage of neighbour notification letters is a significant expenditure. There are further costs for sta- tionery of around £300 per year for paper and envelopes. Analysis The practice of sending individual letters was introduced long before IT systems were de- veloped. The ongoing digital transformation now allows for more online transactions and self-service through the Council’s website. This is seen in other services such as Council Tax and Parking. The Planning service can therefore utilise this advancement in technol- ogy to offer a better notification service to customers, which is more bespoke to the appli- cations they are interested in. Further, there is an added benefit that the use of IT and self service is a cheaper alternative to sending individual letters. The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015 says that, for planning applications, the Local Planning Authority is required to put up a site notice or send notification letters to adjoining owners and occupiers. Currently the Council do both of the requirements set out in legislation, which involves significant additional expenditure for relatively little additional benefit. Site notices are already used and are identifiable to local residents as they are yellow notices headed with ‘PLANNING’. Site notices are an effective way of getting people’s attention. They are easily recognisable and residents expect to see them. Furthermore, site notices can be seen by anyone near the site; they reach a much wider audience - including people that work near to a site but do not necessarily live there and those who use the sites sur- roundings for leisure purposes (i.e. walking and cycling). Site notices do not only notify those living next to or close to the application site.
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The Council’s Public Access IT system allows people to ‘self-serve’ and sign up for notifi- cations by email. This allows users to tailor their notification requirements to the location or type of application they are interested in. The website also offers weekly and monthly list searches. This allows people to see all applications validated or decided in specified weeks or months. The results can be tailored by ward and parish. The main benefit of using the self-serve functionality is that residents will be in control of what they are notified about. This solution also eliminates postage and stationary costs, as well as officer time.
Proposal It is therefore proposed to discontinue the practice of sending individual neighbour notifi- cation letters and rely on site notices and ‘self-service’ functionality to notify people about applications. The statutory obligation would still be met through the display of a site no- tice. The display of these notices will be expanded so that where necessary additional notices will be put up to ensure that everyone who might be affected is likely to see one. For ex- ample, where a rear extension is proposed, notices would be displayed on both the road to the front of the property and the road in which the properties that back-on to the site are located. Best practice guidance for the display of notices will be produced to provide guidance on the preferred location and height of notices as well as the number of notices that should be put up. More guidance and training on the use of the Council’s self-service Public Access system will be made available and publicised to ensure residents are aware of the opportunities this offers. Implementation The discontinuance of neighbour letters will start to take effect from 1st Aril 2020. A programme of engagement with residents will take place prior to implementation. This will notify residents of what is happening and how it will affect them. This will be done in a number of ways, including advertisement, social media engagement and engagement through other correspondence. A ‘help desk’ arrangement for self-service will be set up to help customers set their preferences and search criteria.
Dear Parish Council,
In response to our Climate and Ecological Emergency declaration in July 2019 we have looked at areas where we can reduce and or eliminate single-use plastics altogether. Rolls of plastic bags will no longer be available at outlets such as Parish Councils and libraries, however we will continue to deliver one roll of plas- tic sacks (52 bags on each roll) to each household in Chelmsford once a year.
In January we launched our Essex wide Plastic Pledge campaign to encourage our residents to reduce the use of plastics, which we provide advice and suggestions about using alternatives to plastic and the benefits to our environment by doing this. To date we have over 2700 pledges of which 407 are from Chelmsford and are continually promoting the pledge on social media.
Cardboard and Paper sacks will be available to collect from Freighter House along with food waste bins, caddies and green boxes. Any new residents moving to a property will be entitled to all recycling receptacles including plastic bags.
If residents run out of bags, we are also happy to collect recycling in any non- branded bags, as long as they are made of clear plastic. These can be brought from supermarkets or even repurpose any clear plastic bags that come with 13 products you buy. www.wfandbpc.org.uk
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We have had a fairly busy and problematic few months on the Fields. Everything started well with a tree planting session with the Scouts and some families with children planting 200 trees of many species on the fields to add more colour and variety. You might notice that bluebells that we have planted in the area of scrub- land cleared in the West Water Meadow are now coming up and we have primros- es and snowdrops along the bank of the old brook in the same area. We have nearly finished cutting the hedge dividing the East Meadow and the small sports field, this will be finished on the next work party. On a sadder note our long serving member John Bishop has decided to hang up his gardening gloves and take a well deserved retirement. John was a founder member of the Friends and for many years its Chairman. He very rarely missed a meeting or work party and it’s due to his leadership that we have the fields as you see them today. Thank you John for your long standing help, don’t be a stranger, we would love to see you taking a well deserved stroll over the fields on a nice summer evening. The wind two months ago uprooted a large tree overhanging the horse field in the West Meadow, breaking the fence. On our last work party we tidied up the branch- es on the fallen tree and temporarily repaired the fence. Removing the tree will have to wait until we can get four wheel drive vehicles and trailers into the area without causing a mess. It will need the fields to dry considerably before we can do this, as I have never seen Priory Fields as wet and boggy as it is at present. We then had a problem on the Old Bridge [the one directly below the Arch, joining the Monument Field to the East & West Water Meadows] This was an original bridge built when the area was a farm. The corrugated iron supporting this has fi- nally collapsed. This came to light when one of our regular dog walkers nearly dis- appeared into the brook when the soil gave way. By the time you read this, the bridge will be fenced off as we don’t want any injuries to occur due to any more subsidence. We are at present working out how to replace this and more important- ly “How to pay for it”? It has also been noticed that some stonework has fallen from the Arch, it is not structurally important from a safety point of view and can await the next Arch sur- vey to decide what needs to be done. Don’t forget our next fund raising Quiz Night is on Friday 27th March [see advert] and our AGM will be on Fri 24th April with our Guest Speaker being Graham Mee of the R.S.P.B who will give a presentation on Birdlife in the area [see advert] Please come to both of these events. We badly need the funds from the Quiz Night, and the AGM is free with free refreshments, come and say hello, you will be welcomed.
web: prioryfields.org.uk email: [email protected] facebook: Friends of Priory Fields
Secretary: David Oxley Goody, Tel 01245 222887
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Enchanted Cinema Our next event will be on Saturday 16th May Doors open 7pm film starts @ 8.30pm @ Bicknacre Playing Fields Please see Facebook/Website/or e-mail to vote for the film (Mamma Mia, Grease, Bohemian Rhapsody), tickets on sale soon! www.wfandbpc.org.uk or [email protected]
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WOODHAM FERRERS & BICKNACRE SUMMER FAYRE & DOG SHOW
SATURDAY 20TH JUNE 2020 MIDDAY—4PM LODGE ROAD PLAYING FIELDS, LODGE ROAD, CM3 4HJ
PEDIGREE, NOVELTY CROSSBRED CLASSES
WE INVITE EVERYONE TO COME ALONG AND ENJOY THE DAY. FREE ENTRANCE. IF YOU WISH TO HAVE A STAND SELLING FOOD, CRAFTS, ANYTHING ! PLEASE RESERVE WITH KAREN THE CLERK ([email protected])/01245 328988. STANDS ARE £10. MUST HAVE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSUR- ANCE/ FOOD HYGENE CERTIFICATES.
IF YOU WISH TO ENTER THE DOG SHOW THE FEE IS £20
FREE ENTRANCE
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Pending Pending Pending Pending Pending CCC Decision Pending Withdrawn Withdrawn Refused Splitdecision Permitted Pending
- 35 hectare per
- compared22 hectare to per Parish Council in particular the gardens particular rear - in
Local View/Comments
concerns how the proposal- affectconcerns how will
suggest permitted development rights- suggest permitted
Supported Windowadjacent property overlooking excluded Supported PC Comments: Supported – concerns over noisePC Comments:over – Supported concerns emissions Supported Supported statusthe building listed Insufficient parking provision & no other available & Insufficient provision parking local parking etc. potential the Canschool, localdoctors take the increase CottagesSunnyway 34 thisproposed development Supported Supported. Supported. Supported Supported this Outline to ParishThe strongly objects Council follows: asPlanning Application area Overdevelopmentthe of High of houses density Out of character fronting road the danger- anon already Concerns traffic increased re ous road pooraccessConcerns of/ safety visibility re provision isnoThere Housing Affordable TPOs) seek (will Potentialloss Oak of Trees Strong objections
Demolition of existing conservatory. Construction of Construction conservatory. Demolitionexisting of a storey roof reartwo window with extension create first toroof Rear raising of and extension roof within new flooraccommodation, room and Determination as to whether the prior approval of approval prior of asDetermination whether the to pro- the for authority required is the planning local tobuildingsagricultural ofposeduse of change dwellinghouse (Class C3). Installation of an air source heat pump with an ex- Installation heat source an ofpump air with an ternal unit Two singleporch and sideTwo storey extensionsfront Description Single storey extension to existing outbuildingexisting toSingle extension storey extension exist- to storey escription works: Single of ing outbuilding of prior approval the to: as Determination whether pro- the for authority required is the planning local building to an ofposeduse agricultural of change one (class dwelling C3). as residentialaccom- property Use C3 existing of associatedmodation gardens with storey sideTwo extension Outline planning application (all matters reserved, (all matters Outline planning application of existing the demolition layout) the except for dwellings six dwellings erection and of existing the demolition of the Outline application for construc- the and dwelling outbuildings and house some re- matters dwellings, tionof new with 10 served.
Barn South Of Leighams Leighams Bungalow Road Bicknacre Way54 Brockenhurst Bick- nacre Leighams Bungalow Leighams Bicknacre Road Colonial Road House Main Woodham Ferrers Edwins HallFarm Edwins WoodhamHall Ferrers Road Address Ilgars Manor Workhouse Ilgars Manor WoodhamLane Ferrers Workhouse Ilgars Manor WoodhamLane Ferrers OakAgricultural Building At Road Lodge Leighams Farm Bicknacre Banfield Road Paddock Main Bicknacre Bicknacre1 Grove The Site Bick- AtMaisonette The nacre Road Danbury Site House AtBicknacre Oak Road Bicknacre
20/00107/ CUPAQ 19/01979/FUL 20/00084/FUL 19/02113/FUL 20/00054/FUL Ref 19/02045/LBC 19/02044/FUL 19/02039/ CUPAQ 19/01973/CLEUD 19/02011/FUL 19/01854/OUT 19/02037/OUT
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www.roadworks.org—where you can check on line for planned roadworks CHELMSFORD CITY COUNCIL www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environment
Book a pest control visit Dogs Pay a fine (FPN) Noise and nuisance Report a street problem Food hygiene and safety Contaminated land Water and drainage Air quality
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CONCESSIONARY TRANSPORT FOR ALL!
Chelmsford Community Transport is your friendly door-to-door affordable and accessible transport throughout Chelmsford. With lifts for wheelchairs or scooters we can help anyone to reach their destination safely and comfortably.
We operate Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm and do not open on Bank Holi- days. We require at least 48 hours’ notice for bookings. Bookings are subject to available transport so it does help us if you can be flexible with your travel plans.
Annual membership to access our services is £1 per month (£12 paid on joining & each year after). Couples membership is £15 per year. The membership fee covers our office and maintenance costs. Services To register please call or email and we will send you an application form to assess your travel needs. This means we can tailor our transport just for you!
Dial-a-Ride uses one of our five mini-buses throughout Chelmsford for your door-to -door transport needs. From April 2017 everyone with a valid bus pass can travel for free on our Dial-a-Ride buses anywhere in Chelmsford including to Broomfield Hospital. Our drivers are friendly and helpful and will pick you up from your door-step!
Our team of volunteer car drivers can transport you to any Chelmsford Parish for a small fare depending on how far you travel. Bus passes cannot be accepted on car journeys. Our volunteers are the driving force behind our charity and many find it extremely rewarding.
Perhaps you’re a group of friends who’d like to go on a day trip? We take groups to places like Southend-on-Sea or Perrywoods Garden Centre. Let us know if you’d like to hire the mini-bus with one of our friendly drivers. Registration is free and you only pay for the mileage you use (minimum payment £25) - split amongst your friends it wouldn’t work out too costly!
We’re here to make life a little bit easier. Give us a call and book your trip now! If you would like more information or would like to volunteer please contact us on 01245 477789 Community Transport Bookings – 01245 477750 Email – [email protected] www.chelmsfordct.org
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The Parish Council & the Woodham Ferrers Village Hall are working together to seek your views on the possibility of a ‘Catch up Café’ held at the WF Village Hall.
The idea is the hall is opened for use for residents to share a cuppa and have a chat with fellow residents. Can you please indicate if this would be something you would be interested in attending, and what days you would prefer (please tick all times). Please pop this in the post box at the rear of the hall. Thank you.
Monday 12:30 – 15:00 15:00 - 17:30 Friday 09:00 – 11:30 11:30 – 14:00 14:00 16:30
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2020 Your Clubs exciting news for the New Year It is said “ Variety is the Spice of Life “
So this year, we are going to take you and Lunch Club on a road trip. Come join us, try different restaurants and different menus, all in the happy atmosphere of our young, over 55s community. We have arranged some interesting and we believe, enjoyable new places to dine in 2020. Put the dates and venues in your diary.
We will arrange transport for you if you can’t get there yourself – just let us know. No need to miss out, we are happy to help . Next stop on our road trip we are proud to visit a true gem.
The Fox & Hounds, Birchwood Rd, Cock Clarks CM3 6RF. A pub with true sense of community. A wonderfully old fashioned, friendly pub with a roaring fire to welcome you. We know you will love it and find it well worth the effort of finding it.
Charlie, the Landlord is looking forward to welcoming us. PLEASE BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE.
March 2nd. 12.30pm 2 x courses £10.00 01621 829662. April we go back to the historic local pub, The Bell, Main Rd, Woodham Ferrers. Full of Olde World charm, with beautiful old beams and full of character.
April 6th. 12.30pm 2 x courses £9.00 01245 320443 Choose from 3 different meals. When you telephone to book, ask what the choice is, make your selection & place your order.
Do remember, prior booking is always essential, at both venues... Quote “ Lunch Club” “See you there” ( Look out for future fabulous venues )
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WOODHAM FERRERS RESIDENTS
Bicknacre Friendship Club would like to extend the hand of friendship to all over 55s residents and invite them to join us for lunch on Mon- day 6th April at The Bell Inn, Woodham Ferrers, 12.30 pm.
BFC has been established for nearly 8 years and offers hospitality and regular get togethers with like minded locals who have similar interests in common. But, most import than anything else, we offer friendship. We do not believe in membership fees, instead we survive with the generous support of our Committee Members, In Touch Magazine and the Parish Council.
One of our successes has been the monthly Lunch Club, meeting at the local pub for the past 7 years. However, 2020 brings changes. So for the first time we are excited to ‘stretch out our wings’ and bring our Lunch Club to the wonderfully traditional Bell Inn in Woodham Ferrers. What a fabulous atmosphere, with its beautiful old beams and character. Do come and join us and find out what we are about. You may enjoy our friendship and the welcome you will receive.
There is a wonderful Lunch Club meal deal especially for you at £9.00 for 2 courses, plus tea or coffee.
You must telephone in advance to book, quoting Bicknacre Friendship Club Lunch. When you telephone, you will be asked to choose from a selection of 3 different meals. Make your selection & place your order.
Call.... The Bell Inn 01245 320443
Bicknacre Friendship Club, your young, over 55s community.
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UNITED IN KIND Essex County Councils new initiative United in Kind heralds Bicknacre Friendship Club. Essex County Council has recognised there are many, many isolated, lonely or alone people in Essex, so they launched a campaign to reach out to try to help combat it.
The campaign, United in Kind, is being rolled out throughout Essex and ECC was so impressed by the successful activity already established at Bicknacre Friendship Club ( BFC ), they asked them if they could join them for the Christmas lunch, so they could witness for themselves the friendship members already enjoy and give to others.
United in Kind bought with them BBC TV, ITV, BBC Radio Essex as well as ECC own photographer, all with the intention of using BFC story as inspiration to others throughout Essex.
The atmosphere was bonkers, diners had double the usual fun watching cameras roll, interviews and photos being taken. Roy, the Manager at The Bell Pub at Ret- tenden was wonderful, making sure lunch wasn’t spoilt and everything went smoothly. “Thanks Roy for being a great host”. You can see from the photos, eve- rybody “had a hoot” Shirley said.
BFC started in 2013 with the launch of its Lunch Club. This gave locals the oppor- tunity to wander down to their local pub and over lunch, have a friendly chat with other like minded locals, who were in the same time of life as themselves. All in the welcoming atmosphere of The Brewers Arms Pub. It was Peter Brown, the then Pub Landlord, that played a major role in the launch and the continued growth, supporting the Club with his wonderful, community spirit, for 7 years, until retiring last July.
The Club went on to start up ‘Learn to Play Bridge’ club, initially at the pub until its success meant it outgrew this venue and had to move to the village hall. Also, in those years BFC ran brilliant ‘Murder Mystery’ nights, along with the new village tra- dition of ‘ The Spirit of Christmas’. All with Peters undying support.
So it was particularly wonderful when BFC and all its members, were able to return his friendship and welcome Peter and Karen as new members, at The Rettendon Bell for Christmas lunch.
Committee Members all worked hard both, to prepare for and on the day itself, to ensure “ A great time was had by all”. Our unending thanks go to…
Martin ( Our Bridge Master) who set and delivered a great Xmas Quiz, giving a lovely bottle of wine in a fab wine cooler, to the winner Angelina Robinson Molly who runs the lovely ‘Afternoon Tea” monthly at Woodham Ferrers School Room Tea Rooms. Angelina, who comes up with all the wonderful ideas and man- ages ‘Events and Trips’. Sandy, Chair & ‘Lunch Club’ organiser & BFC management. 30 www.wfandbpc.org.uk
Not forgetting our own Parish Council who’s support meant, most of the ‘Free’ raf- fle prizes and table gifts could be purchased in addition to donations from Commit- tee Members themselves. “ What an amazing day”.
That just leaves one thing to say. “Thank You Essex County Council for making us your ‘stars’ and for using BFC as an example of the friendship and happiness available, if it’s wanted.
For further information or to enjoy the club for yourself, ring Sandy 01245 225351
Left to Right: Shirley Wood, Dennis Smith Sandy Sinclair, Martin Brandon Molly Cooper
Left to Right Martin Brandon Molly Cooper
Left to Right Molly Cooper Martin Brandon Dennis Smith Shirley Wood
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www.eden-florists.com
Christmas—a wide range of flowers & gifts
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY
Bouquets For Birthdays, Anniversaries & Special Occasions
Sympathy & Funeral flowers
Fresh Flowers made to your personal requirements
Eden Florists White Elm Garden Centre White Elm road Bicknacre CM3 4LR 01245 223362
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PRIORY VILLAGE STORES & POST OFFICE 18 MONKSMEAD BICKNACRE 01245- 227683
Newsagents—daily paper delivery Bill payments (Electricity, Gas, Council Tax) Mobile Phone Top Ups, Mail Order, Dry Cleaning Charging of Electricity & Gas Keys from 6am—8pm Free Cash Withdrawals (most banks) National Lottery Extensive range of grocery items Fresh bread, rolls & sandwiches
OFF LICENCE OPEN SELLING WIDE RANGE OF WINE, BEER & CIDER
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CHELMSFORD TREE SERVICES LTD
We are a professional, local family business carrying out all aspects of tree work to a very high standard.
Tree reduction, pruning or felling
Conifer/hedge cutting or shaping
Stump Grinding
Site Clearance / Planting
Fully qualified and insured
Local Authority approved
Please call for a free estimate: 01245 403 009 or 07811 241 605
Seasoned Logs for sale
Seasoned logs for sale
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38 www.wfandbpc.org.uk Sunday 17th May 2020 12km & 24km routes Register today www.farleighhospice.org/walk
It is because you care that we can www.farleighhospice.org Registered charity no 284670
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The key role of public information Information is the life-blood of many criminal investigations. It is often the process of piecing this together which leads to arrests and convictions.
With limited police resources to cover rural locations, increasing the quantity and quality of information received from the Nottinghamshire public will lead to more arrests, charges and convictions.
Underreporting rural crime means that it can be underestimated, and there- fore not prioritised or sufficiently resourced.
Telephone calls to Crimestoppers are not recorded and phone numbers are not recorded or tracked. The online form is also totally anonymous, with no recording or tracking of internet sources.
So there is no way criminals can find out who has passed on information about them.
MIKE’S FISH & CHIPS BICKNACRE
THURSDAY 3.30PM—7.30PM FRIDAY 3.30—7.30PM
COME & TRY THE VERY BEST TASTING FISH & CHIPS AROUND!!
VARIED MENU AVAILABLE ALL FRESHLY COOKED TO ORDER
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Priory Primary School Miss R Plunkett 01245 225450
St Mary’s C of E Primary School Ms. L. Pigram 01245 320505
Bicknacre Pre-School Mrs J Haggar 07887 920334
Woodham Ferrers Congregational Eric Fenwick 01702 551950 Church
Friends of Priory Fields Dave Oxley-Goody 01245 222887
Woodham Ferrers Village Hall 07906 587414
Bicknacre Memorial Village Hall Linden Rosam 07999 536751
Brownies Laura
First Responders Gordon Wren 01245 224309
Jesters Kid’s Club Mrs A Doherty 01245 225899
Cub Scouts Chris McCann 07583 144555
Bicknacre Friendship Club Sandy Sinclair 01245 225351
Scout Group Leader Craig Cobb 07942 887200
Scout Leader Amanda Chinery 07581 350789
Guides [email protected]
Beaver Scouts Rebecca Hull 07779 194042
Woodham Ferrers WI Mrs Kay Hull 01621 850056
Village Agent John Peart 07540720611 Doctor Dr Sai Sankar 01245 224253
Church & Hawes Estate Agent 01245 225853
Woodham Ferrers Bridge Club Mr A Brabant 01245 320037
Chelmsford City Council Main Switchboard 01245 606606
Essex County Council Main Switchboard 0845 743 0430
Essex Police (Non-Emergency) 0300 333 4444 Or 101
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Wyncroft Surgery Opening times
Wyncroft Surgery Practice Information Leaflet OUR MOTTO – UNIVERSAL HEALTH A guide to the services provided for patients
3 Priory Road, Bicknacre Essex CM3 4EY Telephone/Fax- 01245 224253 For more information please visit- www.wyncroftsurgery.co.uk
The Practice Staff Doctors Dr N Sai Sankar MBBS, MRCGP, FRCS, DRCOG, DFFP (Male Doctor) Dr PV Rashmi MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFSRH, DCH (Female Doctor) Practice Support Staff Practice Nurse: Mrs Diane Beaver Practice Manager: Mrs Bharathi Sai Sankar Receptionists: Mrs Beverley Hardcastle Mrs Fiona Young Mrs Julie Taylor Dispensary Staff: Ms Janice Francis Mrs Jan Rothwell Practice Secretary: Mrs Karen Rayner Healthcare Assistant: Mrs Isobel Bengtson
Midwife: Mrs Lina Kerbelyte Home Visits If you are too ill to travel to the surgery, please contact the surgery reception before 10:30am. Repeat Prescriptions Patients on regular treatment can request their medications by sending in the Counterpart (White part) of the prescription to the surgery. Please allow 2
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Please note: ID proof required for Controlled Drug collection. For Prescription fee exemption – ID proof required such as (Pre-Payment Card, Medical Exemption card and Maternity Exemption Card). Dispensary Dispensary services are available during the surgery opening hours. We would appreciate if patients can collect the medications after 9.00 am. Emergencies For Medical emergencies please dial 999. For Medical advice please dial 111.
We hope the services provided are efficient and relevant to your needs. Should you have any suggestions for improvements, we welcome you to share them with us. Please fill out Friends and Family test card which can be obtained from reception or via the surgery website.
The information you provide will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998).
The Surgery takes all positive and constructive comments, suggestions and Complaints very seriously. Our aim is to provide the highest possible standard of service and we try to deal efficiently with any problems that may occur. If you have any concern - please speak or write to Practice Manager. We will acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days and reply within 10 working days.
Wyncroft Surgery offers following online services –Booking of Appointments, Ordering of Repeat prescription, access to Summary Care Record and access to Medical Record. Please speak to reception staff for further details.
Health Visitor, District Nurse and Community Matron Services are available for the patients. Please contact reception for further information. Wyncroft Surgery Opening times By appointment only Please phone 01245 224253 during opening times. Monday 8:00 to 19:00 Dr P V Rashmi Valsala Tuesday 8:00 to 18:30 Wednesday 8:00 to 18:30 (No routine clinical session in the afternoon) Thursday 8:00 to 19:00 Friday 8:00 to 18.30 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed The surgery is accessible by wheelchair. There is an on-site car park.
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Clinics & Services Ante-natal and Maternity Care (in-house Midwife Clinics) Family Planning including the fitting of coil and Implants Cervical Smears Childhood Immunisations Minor Surgery And Joint Injections Travel Vaccinations INR for patients on Warfarin Chronic Disease Management: including Diabetes, Ischaemic Heart Dis- ease, Hypertension, Asthma, COPD and Mental Health. Phlebotomy Services Dispensing of medicines: for patients living more than 1.6 miles from a chemist. Blood and Test Results Please phone reception after 2pm for the above results. If you are asked to provide a specimen please bring these to the surgery before 10.30am.
Clinical Session Times Dr N Sai Sankar
DAY AM PM
Monday 09:00 – 12:00 16:40 – 19:00
Tuesday – 16:00 – 18:30 Last Tuesday of Month only
Wednesday 09:00 – 12:00 –
Thursday 09:00 – 12:00 16:40 – 19:00
Friday 09:00 – 12:00 16:00 – 18:30
Dr P V Rashmi Valsala
DAY AM PM
Tuesday 09:00 – 12:00 16:00 – 18:00 Except last Tuesday of the Month
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Practice Nurse Mrs Diane Beaver
DAY AM PM
Monday 08:30 – 13:00 16:00 – 19:00
Tuesday 08:30 – 13:00 -
Wednesday 08:30 – 13:00 –
Thursday 08:30 – 13:00 16:00 – 19:00 - Friday 08:30 – 13:00
Midwife clinics are on alternate Tuesday PM.
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Unit 21, Old Church Road, East Han- ningfield , CM38AB
Shop team mobiles:
07925024971, 07415343410
OUR SERVICES CUSTOM BAND BAND REDUCING SHOT BLAST & PRIMER PAINT FINISH HUBCAP KITS LIP STRAIGHTENING
ALLOY REFURBISHMENT STANDARD ALLOY REFURBISHMENT SPLIT RIM REPAIR COLOUR CHANGE FRONT FACE REFURBISHMENT FRONT & REAR REFURBISHMENT 50 www.wfandbpc.org.uk
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