GRA News Update February 2016

Dear Resident

Much has been happening recently around the Garrison

Firstly the web site has been a great success with 700 users, the most popular topics have been the New Section, Photographs and Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. The new Facebook Pages are also a great hit with over 177 members.

Many residents have been submitting fabulous images of the coastline and areas around the Garrison estate which show what a truly exceptional place the Garrison is to live.

Another valuable result of the web site and Facebook pages is to instantly report areas of concern, such as inconsiderate dog owners, graffiti or anti-social behaviour. We can then alert the Managing Agents or the Council and get these matters dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

You can, of course contact the Managing Agents direct – their contact details are found at the ‘Get in Touch’ section of www.shoeburygarrison.com

We have been busy ensuring that the charity events held using estate roads run smoothly by meeting with the event organisers. Dates for your diaries as follows:

Havens Half Marathon Sunday 12 June

Southend Bikeathon Sunday 4th September

There are fledgling plans for resident’s only street party on the Queens 90th Birthday. If you would like to get involved in helping to organise please contact pcoombe@hotmail.co.uk

As the developers prepare to leave the site, consultants are exploring viable uses for the future use of the Heritage Centre. The Garrison Residents Association reps are attending key meetings and will making sure we are involved in shaping this exciting community facility.

Speed control measures are being installed in Mess Road to ensure the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and residents – these should be in place before the better weather arrives.

On a more serious note – to ensure the Garrison Residents Association can continue to work on your behalf and keep you all up to date, we are requesting a small contribution of £5 from each household to top up our funds. Information on how to make this donation will be coming to you very soon via the estate charge invoices.

Separate from this, is the request from all the residents associations in Shoebury for support to get the development of 172 houses and commercial office space stopped (see earlier News Items below for full details). The reason for our strong objection is that the development by New Barge Pier Road is located in a high risk flood plain that has protected Shoebury for generations. Recent severe weather events across the country have demonstrated the devastating effects of flooding due to inappropriate development and global warming.

The Planning Appeal process has now started and our case to uphold the refusal conditions must be submitted by 9 March. If you would be willing to make a contribution towards professional support to uphold the Appeal and fight the new planning application please e mail your response to: old.gunners.park@btinternet.com and we will contact you with further details on how to make a donation.