Welcome to the July 2010 issue of Great Baddow Online Newsletter

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Introduction

For newcomers to the site, this newsletter is circulated monthly to registered site members and friends, to supplement information on the site itself. Please forward to colleagues and other interested individuals in order to publicise the site. If you are a recent newcomer to the site, welcome - your readership is appreciated.

News

Marrable House Redevelopment - Latest Update

Following the Parish Council meeting on 17^th May and subsequent meeting arranged by Daniel O' Brien on 10^th June, a group of residents agreed to present their views against the developer's proposals at the Council meeting held on Tuesday 22nd June. I am grateful to Daniel for providing the following summary of the Borough Council meeting which was an outstanding success.

"The Public Gallery was packed with the Community of Great Baddow waving placards which demanded that the developers "Build a Better Baddow" !

Chris Shaw opened with a blistering speech condemning the development on behalf of the Parish Council. Jean Roberts opened the speaking on behalf of B.A.D. She was fantastic! She carefully introduced herself, including MBE, ex Mayor of Chelmsford, on the Planning Committee for twenty two years and at ninety five, more than just a little experience of planning issues and Great Baddow. She commanded respect and got it unconditionally.

Then Richard Randall, a Chelmsford Solicitor who lives in one of the listed buildings in Maldon Road, (next to the Funeral Director, Manor House). Then Gloria Harris, who also lives in Maldon Road, spoke of the size and scale of the development. I spoke next on the lack of Community Involvement. Allen Buckroyd spoke on the effects of extra traffic, parking and the trees that would be destroyed as a consequence of the development. Martin Winter finished our input on the subject of, 'Overbearing and Overshadowing'. If I do say so we were all great.

There were a succession of other speakers from the Public Gallery. All spoke against the development and spoke well, apart from the last two, the architect and managing director of the development company. They looked quite taken aback at the strength of feeling.

The Planning Officers have been asked to present their case at the next Planning Committee Meeting (20 July), as to why they considered the development acceptable."

We believe the majority of local residents will be pleased with this deferred decision, but we need to follow up this early success in order to ensure that  any development is appropriate and takes into account existing planning guidelines.

Warning from Trading Standards - Chimney scam

I have just been informed of this scam which has not happened in Chelmsford yet, but best to be forewarned.

Essex County Council Trading Standards is warning householders in Basildon and Benfleet that doorstep rogue traders are currently operating in the area.

Trading Standards have received reports from residents about a trader currently seeking business by knocking on doors and telling residents that their chimney looks 'dodgy'. The trader has also been observed kicking a chimney to damage it, and then informing the householder that it is dangerous and about to fall through the roof.

The trader quotes an excessive price for repairs at first, and then offers a discount as they are not charging VAT.

Trading Standards is following up complaints received about the activity of this trader, and is advising residents not to deal with doorstep traders to avoid having unnecessary work carried out.

County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards said: "Don't be caught out. Legitimate traders will not knock at your door offering to repair your chimney or carry out any other household maintenance.

If you are looking have work carried out on your home, you can use the Buy with Confidence scheme to find a reputable trader, or ask friends, family or neighbours for recommendations. Get all quotes in writing with full traceable addresses, don't pay more than a small deposit up front and ask to check the work the trader has done for other customers."

If you have been the target of a doorstep rogue trader and would like advice, please call the Trading Standards service at Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. If you require work, to be carried out on your property, use one of our Buy with Confidence Trading Standards approved traders. Call Consumer Direct for a list in your area or go on line to www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

Advice from Essex Police concerning burglaries through distraction.

Essex Police are advising people to take extra care as a number of burglaries and thefts have taken place recently due to residents not securing their home or taking sufficient care of their personal property.

The key things to remember to keep your valuables safe are:

Firstly, NEVER let your handbag out of your sight. Carry it in front of you - especially if you're walking through a shop or a town centre.

Secondly, AVOID carrying large amounts of cash, and if your purse or wallet is in a bag, ensure that bag is securely zipped up.

Thirdly, KEEP your purse or wallet safe at all times. Don't leave it in your shopping basket, on restaurant or coffee tables, or on shop counters.

(NB: Regular 'Police Beat Surgeries' take place each month throughout the Great Baddow area. These are usually advertised on the website under events.)

Planned Closure of Baddow Road in July

I have been advised by the Clerk to the Parish Council that gas main works will be undertaken in Baddow Road commencing 26 July 2010 and lasting for 6 weeks. The work will require closure of the road in the vicinity of  Meadgate Avenue and will be carried out in two phases.

PHASE 1 The road will be closed to traffic traveling in a north westerly direction (towards the Army & Navy roundabout) from a point 225 metres south east of the junction with Meadgate Avenue to the junction with Meadgate Avenue. This phase is scheduled to last for 4 weeks.

PHASE 2 The road will be closed to traffic traveling in a north westerly direction (towards the Army & Navy roundabout) from its junction with Meadgate Avenue in a north westerly direction for a distance of 126 metres. This phase is scheduled to last for 2 weeks.

During the period of closure traffic bound towards the Army and Navy will need to divert and travel by the Baddow bypass.

Bus route change

First Group Essex Buses have announced a change to services to Broomfield Hospital and Stansted Airport. Route 33 which ran to Bishops Stortford has been withdrawn and the present 42 service to Broomfield hospital will be extended hourly, operating as 42A to Stansted Airport. Bishops Stortford will no longer be served. This change takes place on 4 July.

More information (First Bus)

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Because so many of us receive junk email, if on receiving this or any other issue you do not wish to receive any further editions, please accept my apologies; to stop future issues mailed to you, simply email me with the subject line “stop e-newsletter”, and I will delete you from the mailing list. If you have read the newsletter online and would like to receive it by email, please email me with the subject line entry “start e-newsletter”.

Chris Harvey
Site manager
30^th June 2010
Email Chris Harvey