Issue 38
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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Bricklesea Bygones By Roy Birnie
Hot & Cold in the 50’s by Roy Boy Following last month’s bygones on the chimney pots and tides and my memories and todays fear of Global Warming and Air pollution, it seems only right to follow it up with the Summers, and Winters of the 1950’s and 60’s, and as before some aspects were covered in past publications, so please read on, memories will be jogged. You knew in the 1950’s when Autumn was approaching when Mum insisted I wore my brothers well-worn Gaberdine Mac for school and a cap if it was raining and still in my grey short trousers grey long socks held up by black elastic garters and laced up shoes from where else, Arnolds the outfitters, (to the right of Smiths Butchers,) mind you most of the clothing was cast offs from my Brother John, 6 years my elder. Monday to Friday, as today, was school in Chapel Road where I sat for 2 years next to Barbara Banes in Mrs Norfolk’s class. As the weather got colder, we graduated to scarfs. Mitts, Gloves and woolly hats and fake leather airman’s caps with earflaps, as the weeks crept on we had the daily occurrence of chapped legs, numb fingers and bright red cold ears. As it got colder our free daily 1/3rd of a pint full cream school milk in the glass bottle was placed around the coke fired Tortoise Stove for mid -morning and when the snow was on the ground, we were allowed to take 2 biscuits to have with the milk and I always seemed to have
Crawford’s “Nice. now these caused confusion with my Classmates, we were told by teacher Nice was pronounced Nice, but the elders at home pronounced them “Neece” so did I believe most elders in Town, we still say Neece, what do you say? Back to the weather, we had snow from October onwards and hard frosts, there was a thaw just before Christmas and then it came back with vengeance. We lived at 15 Stanley Avenue, known then as Stanley Park, We had a huge plot with two dozen fruit trees, dozens of fruit bushes and a huge Veggie patch and a chicken run with a dozen Rhode Island Red Hens and a two Cockerel’s one for Christmas and Easter, all the surplus eggs were stored in isinglass pots for the winter. Potatoes, and root veg were clamped and apples and pears were wrapped and stored in the garage and in the cellar while all soft fruits were bottled and stored in the pantry on the stone floor, our family some being through two World Wars were always prepared for the hard times in winter, The winters we had year after year as I have described before were so very hard, snow on the ground for weeks on end, frozen water pipes and huge icicles hanging from the gutters, looking back it must have been awful for the family elders but us kiddies loved it. Going forward to our recent hot spell this year which lasted 20
or so days, the hot spells n the 50’s & 60’s lasted for weeks and the town and countryside was baked beyond belief, the Bayard Recreation ground was Sare, not a green blade of grass was seen for months, the cricket pitch was dust and white lines to determine where the wicket markings were and poor Percy Smith the groundsman was only allowed to water for set times per day but the sun dried it up before it had a chance to grow any vegetation, all around trees and vegetation died and farmers crops failed dramatically. The crops on the local allotments were a disaster Field fires and other dry areas around the town were a continuous nightmare for the local fire brigade and the smell of burnt vegetation hung in the air for weeks on end, the boating lake used to go stagnant and stink and if the tides
were on a low run, even the lake islands caught alight on occasions but I fear naughty boys were to blame. The replenishment of the swimming pool became difficult and often closed for several days for scrubbing and refilling which was on a tidal basis. Times were hard for us all in those days, but we got there in the end. Yes there is a change in weather patterns around the world and protests go on to for climate control most of which I agree with, but I feel our little town along with most is the UK is making efforts to “Do our bit”. Weather patterns change and with modern technology we understand more about the world, but the more we know the more we seem to get stressed. ROY BIRNIE
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Issue 39: 21/08/19 Issue 40: 21/09/19
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Balancing the Books Town Council Update In my relatively short political career, I’ve been very fortunate to be able to represent my local residents at both Town(Brightlingsea Cllr Alan Goggin 10 years), District (Tendring 8 years), and now County (Essex 3 years). I do my best to represent the views off my constituents and wherever I am called upon to make decisions and choices I always ask the question – “what would benefit the majority of my residents the most”. Whether its County or Town, inevitably many choices or decisions revolve around money, and its availability! Or lack of it! It’s worthwhile reiterating that the “numbers” are staggeringly large. Essex is one of the biggest non-city Councils, and the gross budget is currently £2,463 MILLION! After taking income from specific grants into account, the net cost of providing services in Essex is budgeted to be £940 MILLION this year. This in itself is an increase of over £22 MILLION (2%) from the previous year. One of the most common phrases that I hear is “well I pay my rates and what do I get for that?” In every sense of the word is a totally reasonable question, requiring a totally reasonable answer. With over 1.4 million residents there will always be individual opinions, but in “big number terms” the income budget for this year is £940 million plus a further £250 Million for the capital programme. Of these huge figures only some £670 million is from the Council Tax rates paid. Essex rely heavily on council tax as a source of income, but it only represents a modest proportion of the revenue funding needed to run the County. It came as a surprise to me how low the proportion was, and its
often a similar surprise to residents when discussed. Its even more of a surprise when we look at the amount spent on Health and Adult Care alone, which this year is budgeted at £663 MILLION! This money is essentially being spent on those members in society who deserve and justify as much help as possible. That’s a good thing! However as these together use virtually all the direct ratepayers money collected, you can see how money spent on the environment and waste, infrastructure, culture, economic development, education and skills, and many other areas is carefully analysed, to try and provide the best ongoing service,whilst also trying to provide value for money. The 75 Councillors representing their divisions are all living and working locally in their communities, and are often fully aware of their residents needs and concerns. New initiatives have been introduced to try and help with improving and maintaining roads [£117 Million], faster broadband [extra £14 million], Rough sleepers [extra £250K], mental health issues [extra £1 million] Its fair to comment that we can all spend money, and obviously more would always be nice. However, like many of you running your own home, family or business budgets, regular ongoing decisions have to be made. Sometimes harsh. Sometimes popular with many, but very rarely greeted with 100% enthusiastic agreement! The views in this column are my own personal opinions. They are not necessarily the same views as those of the full County Council, or indeed any other Councillor. I always welcome feedback in both positive and negative areas equally. Please feel free to express your views direct to the editor of the magazine or direct to me at cllr.alan.goggin@essex.gov.uk or egog@btinternet.com
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Issue 39: 21/08/19 Issue 40: 21/09/19
It has been a vibrant time for our town, following on from our last update there has been a presentation given by the Lido Trustees and volunteers highlighting the Cllr Graham improvements made and plans Steady for further developments, to town councillors, our MP Sir Bernard Jenkins, Chairman of Essex CC Cllr John Jowers and Chairman of Tendring DC Cllr Daniel Land, everyone was most impressed. Three community events the Regatta , the Free Music Festival and Pyefleet Week where held and again were resounding success’s, the Town Council gives a big thank you to all the organising committee”s.volunteers and sponsors for all their efforts. Moving on the council have had meetings with the organisers of the HOPE festival to discuss the plans
for the event on the 28th September now to be held on the Western Prom and preliminary discussions have taken place with The Market Field Academy concerning joint activity linked to the Brightlingsea Nature Network. Our Town and District Councillors have been urged to bring forward schemes to improve our town’s services and facilities. At the full council meeting at Tendring on the 6th August, the following motions where adopted, Declaration of a Climate Emergency, the main objective is for activities of Tendring District Council to become carbon neutral by 2030,all three Brightlingsea Councillors supported the motion. In the debate it was pointed out that Brightlingsea are ahead of the game in as much as, in conjunction with the local community, an all encompassing policy is being formulated. Section 1 of the local plan examination was also supported by our three councillors; a local plan is needed to control speculative building application by developers.
Useful Phone Numbers Boots Pharmacy Brightlingsea Foodbank Brightlingsea Museum Brightlingsea Sports Centre Brightlingsea Swimming Pool Brightlingsea Town Council Colchester Hospital Colne Yacht Club Colne View Dentist
01206 302029 07970 480968 01206 303286 01206 304946 01206 303067 01206 303535 01206 747474 01206 302594 01206 302307
Dentist Doctors surgery Ferry Mobile Harbour Office Library Post Office Rail Enquiries Tendring District Council Community Police
01206 305080 01206 302522 07981 450169 01206 302200 01206 302399 01206 302600 08457 484950 01255 686868 07801 316879
Fire Safety Officer Affinity Water All Gas Emergencies All Power cuts Doctor’s Surgery Pharmacist @ Boots Minor Injuries Clinic Local Police (non emergency)
07779 129888 08451 489299 0800 111999 0800 3163105 01206 302522 01206 302029 01255 201594 101
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Infrastructure funding is welcome investment in north Essex A £100m funding announcement by the Government for North Essex has been welcomed by the councils behind the bid. Essex County Council, supported by Colchester, Tendring and Braintree councils, applied to the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) for cash to support a new road linking the A133 in east Colchester to the A120. The road is an integral part of plans by the four councils for a new garden community to the east of Colchester – providing both private and public transport links from it to Colchester, the A120/A12 and further afield to Stansted Airport – and would also help to alleviate local traffic too. On Saturday (August 17) Chancellor Sajid Javid confirmed £99.9m funding for the project, to create a single carriageway link road and support delivery of up to 7,500 homes. Some of the funding will also support development of the first stage of a Rapid Transport System linking the new Colchester/Tendring borders development and Essex University with Colchester Town Centre and the Colchester North rail station.
Elsewhere in Essex another Essex County Council funding bid of £218m for Beaulieu Station and North-East Bypass in north Chelmsford was also approved by the Chancellor. Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “We are delighted the Government has recognised the value of these projects and confirmed we will have much needed investment to support vital infrastructure and unlock housing growth. “The announcement is truly reflective of just how key road, rail and public transport networks are for Essex’s growth, helping create the conditions for our economy and communities to grow in a sustainable way. We are pleased that Government has recognised this with over half of the £600m HIF money being directed to Essex. “I would like to thank all those involved in preparing the bids across Essex. This investment today is an excellent demonstration of value for money for the £2m we invested to develop these bids.”
Cllr Neil Stock, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “From meetings and conversations I have been involved in with senior government figures it was clear to me the unique and fantastic partnership working here in North Essex between Colchester, Tendring and Braintree councils as well as Essex County Council has really impressed Whitehall and is seen as the best example of its kind anywhere in the country. “The Government is as determined as we are to see the success of Garden Communities, where infrastructure is delivered before housing as we have always said is the whole point of the project, as this announcement establishes. “This massive funding announcement represents an incredible success and a major boost for the whole region, but of course most directly for us here in North Essex.” Cllr Julie Young, Deputy Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “We very much welcome this announcement, which is a huge step towards delivering the appropriate
transport infrastructure to support sustainable housing growth in north Essex and will ensure the homes and the infrastructure are developed to the Garden Community principles that we have all committed to. “I am particularly pleased that some of the funding will help current residents get direct access to the A120, A12 and beyond, while also providing a sustainable option for travel from the east into Colchester.” Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “We’ve always said that funding for infrastructure is key to our plans. This support from Central Government shows the faith they have in our approach to creating homes in North Essex.” A consultation by Colchester, Braintree and Tendring councils into the revised evidence for their shared draft Local Plan – which includes the link road plans and proposed garden community – begins today and runs until September 30. To submit your views, visit www.braintree.gov.uk/ NEAtechS1
Essex Classic Vehicle Show 2019
For the fourth year Headway Essex, local brain injury charity, are teaming up with the Charity Classic Vehicle Club to organise the Essex Classic Vehicle Show. This year’s event will be held on Sunday 15th September 2019 at Colchester’s Castle Park. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or a vintage motorbike fanatic the Essex Classic Vehicle Show is the perfect event for you and is the only event of its type to be gracing Colchester
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Castle Park this summer. If you would like to attend this event or bring along your classic vehicle please contact the fundraising team on 01206 845945 or email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk. All profits raised will go to Headway Essex who support adults living with acquired brain injury alongside their families and carers. Visit www. headwayessex.org.uk for more information.
Putt in the Park opens in Colchester A new mini golf course will be opening for business in Colchester’s Castle Park on 28 August, following the lease of one of the Park’s bowling greens to Putt in the Park. The Upper Bowling Green, close to historic Duncan’s Gate on the eastern side of the Park has been transformed into a golfer’s miniature paradise, providing fun for all ages. The course has been designed to reflect some of Colchester’s Roman history, with 14 holes and a new pavilion café and licensed clubhouse. Local schools will also be able to enjoy using Putt in the Park in Colchester for free during term times, by prior arrangement. This is the fourth Putt in the Park to open in the country, but the first outside the capital with courses already operating in three parks in London – Battersea, Acton and Wandsworth. The course will be open all year round during Castle Park opening hours. Further information, including prices can be found at puttinthepark.com. Justin Fish, Co-Founder of Putt in the Park, said: “We chose Colchester as
our first course outside of London because Castle Park is one of the most popular and best maintained parks we have seen. By converting a redundant bowling green, we have brought a new form of entertainment to the young and the old, the sporty and the sedentary, and will offer free entry to local schools who apply. We hope that it will become an appealing local employer and be enjoyed by all age groups.” Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Putt in the Park is a fantastic new addition to Castle Park and will provide residents and visitors with another great facility to enjoy in this stunning, historic setting in the heart of the town centre. “This new attraction also supports our Better Colchester vision and our livewell campaign by providing an additional opportunity for residents to enjoy spending time outdoors being active and having fun at the same time.” Further information about Castle Park can be found at colchester.gov.uk/ castlepark.
Back pain Back pain is a large contributor to lost work days and disability in the UK. A recent study performed in Canada showed that only 20% of people who Josh Congdon suffered back pain did not get it again over the 13-year period! So, once you’ve had it – you’re more likely to get it again. One of the reasons back pain is so difficult to resolve, is that there can be so many different causes. Treatments that work for one person will not work for everyone. Simple mechanical low back pain can be generated by muscles, ligaments, joints in the back and rarely from discs. This type of pain is often felt as a dull aching pain in the back. These same structures can also refer into the leg. This is not nerve pain but ‘somatic referred’ pain and is often felt in the buttock or top of the thigh. However, to complicate this, irritation of a nerve in the back – usually caused by a disc bulge can cause radicular pain down the leg (this has historically been
Figure 1: Common distributions of radiculopathy
called sciatica). Radicular pain can occur with radiculopathy (reduced sensation, tingling or pins and needles). Radiculopathy follows what is called a dermatomal pattern (common distributions seen in figure 1). Radicular pain and radiculopathy can also present independently of each other. MRI scans can be useful if pain is not resolving in the expected time frames (usually about 6 - 12 weeks) but offers little information on how to treat, but useful to rule out other causes of pain that may need medical intervention. If you are at all worried about your back pain, or you are getting disturbance in your bladder and bowel, numbness between you legs or pain going down both legs, you should seek urgent advice from a medical professional. In other situations, back and leg pain is likely to settle with good, conservative treatment.
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Colchester Borough Council to act on fly-tipping Colchester Borough Council (CBC) is launching a new education and public awareness campaign highlighting the negative outcomes and potential fines that can be issued for environmental crimes such as fly-tipping. As part of the Better Colchester campaign, CBC is pushing the message that such environmental offences will not be tolerated in Colchester. Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Whether leaving a single refuse bag next to a public bin, bags of goods by charity bins or dumping large items and waste, fly tipping is illegal and a blight on our borough. We are going to be taking harder action on those that fly tip and
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remind everyone that fly tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or prosecution.” CBC is going to be introducing more CCTV in problematic areas and more signage to warn about the implications of fly tipping. Incidents of fly tipping will be more robustly investigated, and CBC staff are going to receive further training about enforcement powers. Anyone caught fly-tipping by one of CBC’s Neighbourhood Wardens, or a resident who can provide enough evidence, will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice. Residents can report fly-tipping at www.colchester.gov.uk/report-flytipping
Alumno appeal: Planning Committee advised to discuss possible decision change Colchester Borough Council’s Planning Committee is set to discuss if it should withdraw one of the reasons it refused plans by Alumno for a new Cultural Quarter on the former bus station site, when members meet on 15 August 2019. The Planning Committee, in February, unanimously rejected plans by Alumno for 336-student rooms, an 87-bed Travelodge hotel, retail units and public open space to be created off Queen Street. The developers have now submitted an appeal against this decision, which is scheduled to start on 16 October. Following a fresh look at the application, The Pegasus Group – a leading independent consultancy which is representing the council at October’s planning appeal – has advised it would not be possible to defend the decision to refuse the plans on the grounds of insufficient community consultation. This is due
to them not being able to identify any breaches of the Development Plan or National Planning Policy Framework The Pegasus Group, a national planning, urban design and heritage consultancy, has been appointed by the council to represent it at the appeal, as its own planning officers are professionally conflicted after originally recommending Alumno’s application for approval. Pegasus has now advised the Planning Committee not to contest the reason of lack of consultation as it could damage the consultant’s credibility as a witness, thus undermining the council’s entire case against the appeal. Members of the Planning Committee will make the decision whether to solely defend the committee’s decision on the grounds of poor design and access, at its meeting on 15 August.
Quick Crossword Puzzle
Ask Mark!
From today residents and businesses can email ask.mark@colchester. gov.uk with their questions about Colchester and its development, CBC’s Cabinet and anything else related to how Cllr Cory leads Colchester Borough Council. The new Ask Mark videos will be published on Better Colchester’s Instagram account once a month from September. Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of the Council, said: “As part of our Better
Colchester campaign I want to be more in touch with the people and businesses of Colchester to really find out what matters to them. The Ask Mark project will invite anyone to submit their question and I hope the questions and answers will offer a better insight for everyone.” Questions, along with a first name/ initial and ward of residence, should be emailed. Each month, some of the questions will be selected to answer via an Ask Mark video. The Ask Mark inbox is not regularly monitored, so urgent enquiries and enquiries not related to the Ask Mark project should not be made via this email address. Got a question for the Leader of the Council? Ask Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of the Council a question. Email it to ask.mark@colchester.gov.uk
ACROSS 1 Fought when thrown out (8) 6 Architectural style from Morocco losing initial character, possibly (6) 9 Hollywood actor’s pleasure trip (6) 10 Paper money’s first counted out (8) 11 He links criminal to one capital city (8) 12 Arouse excitement of purist (4,2) 13 Oriental shaman finally in control of religious group (12) 16 Obtuse Clancy novel providing fun for kids (6,6) 19 A single drink for Eugene (6) 21 Dictator beheaded poor youth leader – terrible act (8) 23 Norm takes one lover then another (8) 24 Revealing title of novel carried by agent (6) 25 Is scornful, upsetting Rene’s son (6) 26 Bet placed in 30 seconds? Wrong (8) DOWN 2 Opera for motor mechanics? (6) 3 Boxer wants a second assumed name (5) 4 When one’s expecting, say, to be taken on by PR woman (9) 5 Lawyer is mad about art movement (7) 6 Competitions for more than one nation (5) 7 Board for one in mental hospital? (9) 8 He knows tricks to deceive one serving in court (8) 13 Belittle Ted in rage, stupidly (9) 14 They barely exist (9) 15 Horse has a fashionable height (8) 17 Shortest gent is one of the strongest (7) 18 Essential office item (6) 20 Retreats without authorisation by chief of staff (5) 22 Companion at home needs a mate (5)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 scrapped. 6 rococo. 9 cruise. 10 document. 11 Helsinki. 12 stir up. 13 denomination. 16 bouncy castle. 19 Onegin. 21 atrocity. 23 paramour. 24 skimpy. 25 sneers. 26 mistaken. DOWN: 2 carmen. 3 alias. 4 pregnancy. 5 Dadaism. 6 races. 7 committee. 8 conjuror. 13 denigrate. 14 naturists. 15 mountain. 17 anagram. 18 staple. 20 nooks. 22 china.
Colchester Borough Council Leader, Cllr Mark Cory, is launching a new ‘Ask Mark’ project inviting borough residents and businesses to email questions to him. Every month a selection of the questions will be chosen, and Cllr Cory will then answer them via a new Ask Mark video published each month.
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Have your say on Garden Community evidence Residents across North Essex are being urged to have their say on the additional evidence being submitted to the Planning Inspector supporting the development of three new garden communities in Braintree, Colchester and Tendring. Braintree District Council, Colchester Borough Council and Tendring District Council have produced the extra information requested by the Inspector last year on the joint part of the Local Plan developed by the three councils. A six-week public consultation is being launched today (Monday 19 August) for residents to comment on this evidence, which centres on the purpose-built garden community developments. Supported by Essex County Council, these new developments incorporate a long-term strategy – helping to provide homes, jobs and infrastructure provision ensuring North Essex grows in a more holistic way. Built over 40-50 years, they will provide a large amount of the homes needed over that time, reducing the need to expand existing towns and villages. Through building at scale, the plans also ensure that new
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developments come with a mixture of the different affordable homes, schools, health facilities, green spaces and employment land needed for the new communities. Following an examination of the joint plans last year the Planning Inspector raised several areas in which he wished to see further evidence – especially in terms of viability, rapid transit and sustainability. The additional evidence compiled by the three councils to address the Inspector’s questions show the plans are viable, sustainable and can provide a significant boost to the local economy, providing at least one job per home in the local area – higher than traditional development. They offer a wide variety of homes, including a minimum of 30% set aside as affordable housing. The issues addressed in the new evidence include: • a new rapid transport network system which would grow alongside North Essex reducing congestion, improving air quality and providing quick and easy access into and out of Colchester and Braintree linking with other public transport hubs. This
would include segregated lanes for public transport and ensure the infrastructure is in place so it can provide alternative forms of transport like a trackless tram scheme. • information showing the councils’ infrastructure-led approach is viable, meaning the schools, health, and leisure facilities needed to support the stand-alone settlements would be developed at the same time as the homes – not afterwards as is the usual practice. • an enhanced assessment of the environmental effects, and the social and economic issues associated with the proposals Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “The Local Plan process is complex, but it is vital we get local engagement on the future of development and public scrutiny of the new evidence. The Planning Inspector wanted more information on our ambitions to provide the homes, jobs and infrastructure needed for the North Essex residents of the future. “It is absolutely vital that we get Government support to deliver the
infrastructure we need to turn the principals of the garden communities into reality; otherwise they cannot work. Working together with the other councils we have developed detailed responses to the Inspector’s questions and are urging residents across North Essex to have their say on them to help inform his decision.” Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, said: “At least 716 homes have to be built every year in our district. That is a given. We have a choice – add them to our existing villages and towns or think more strategically. Garden communities mean we can plan for infrastructure in a joined-up way from the start with today’s modern requirements in mind. “Every five years the Local Plan rolls forward, and more homes need to be provided. By choosing garden communities now, we are protecting our towns and villages in the long term. We have now published a huge amount of evidence to support our garden community plans – I would encourage all residents to take a look.”
Quick Crossword Puzzle
Innovative energy system testing completed at Colchester’s Northern Gateway Following exploratory works to establish project feasibility, Colchester Borough Council (CBC) and Colchester Amphora Energy Ltd (wholly owned by CBC) have concluded another phase of testing at the Northern Gateway for the planned district heating system to benefit new proposed housing and office development. This all-important testing consists of drilling a series of boreholes across the site into the aquifer (a layer of saturated chalk and gravel), 70 metres below ground, and testing the amount of water that can be pumped out and subsequently returned into the aquifer. The district heat system will use a heat pump to extract heat out of the water to provide a low-carbon heat source.
ACROSS 1 New lad Ron works for one with property (9) 6 One employs stud (4) 9 Accountant needs to demonstrate acquiring source of capital (4,3) 10 Interim changes for Euston, Waterloo etc (7) 11 State handout a help to some extent (4) 12 Courage to canoodle in traffic jam (10) 14 Area of Christianity perhaps left one out (6) 15 Criminal has battle to get soup (8) 18 Workforce on ring road in Midlands town (8) 19 English composer caught with conspirator (6) 22 Again made a great effort to be moderate? (10) 24 Could be North European (4) 26 Organised a trip to one who lives his country (7) 27 Nominate a quiet location (7) 28 Hitch perhaps, making speed in the main (4) 29 Tell niece about the customers (9)
Although there is a large amount of water in the aquifer, the amount of water that can be abstracted from a borehole will vary according to the structure of the ground near the borehole, thus the requirement to carry out testing long before the installation of the district heat scheme.
The latest test results from this stage were better than anticipated, meaning the scheme is on track to provide over 70% of the heat produced as low carbon, which will significantly reduce carbon emissions usually caused by individual gas boilers heating homes and offices. As the development will be built out over several years, the actual percentage of renewable heat in first few years will be higher than 70% and allows time for the development of other technologies to replace carbonbased heat to achieve climate change goals. The next stage of tests begins this week with the drilling of another borehole to the east of the Mill Road rugby ground/sports pitches. Councillor Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services commented on the pioneering scheme: “Reducing our heating-related carbon emissions is an important part of meeting climate change goals, and this is a very positive result for this innovative scheme at the Northern Gateway.”
DOWN 1 Person without, say, varnish? (7) 2 Lost again, recollecting pleasant memories (9) 3 Cry of pain when taking top off settee (4) 4 Said to give mild rebuke for two presents (3,3) 5 Turning list into muddle (8) 6 American composer’s dance quartet (6-4) 7 Beat small, small child (5) 8 Choose the French relish (6) 13 Traditional sort shakes up Microsoft around start of November (10) 16 Remote moving object associated with space ultimately (9) 17 Creative traits wrongly associated with one Conservative (8) 18 Gets undressed for journey aboard ship (6) 20 Item of confectionery that is for loved one (7) 21 Gurkha seen in alpine resort (6) 23 Chap embraces a fallen angel (5) 25 Second joke is drawn out and twisted (4) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 landowner. 6 boss. 9 cash cow. 10 termini. 11 Utah. 12 bottleneck. 14 region. 15 consommé. 18 Stafford. 19 Coates. 22 restrained. 24 pole. 26 patriot. 27 appoint. 28 knot. 29 clientèle. DOWN: 1 lacquer. 2 nostalgia. 3 ouch. 4 now now. 5 rotation. 6 barber-shop. 7 smite. 8 pickle. 13 conformist. 16 meteorite. 17 artistic. 18 strips. 20 sweetie. 21 Nepali. 23 Satan. 25 spun.
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Council delivering on pledge to reduce homelessness More than 50 homeless households have been found temporary or permanent homes so far as part of Colchester Borough Council’s commitment to reduce homelessness across the borough. Under a £4 million project agreed by the council’s Cabinet last year, the authority has bought 16 former council homes on the open market that had previously been sold under Right to Buy. It has also bought a further seven offered back to the council under the Right to Buy Back legislation, to help provide homes to some of those on the council’s waiting lists. This has meant the council has helped an additional 23 households – including families with children – find good quality affordable accommodation. Over the last year the council has: • purchased 16 homes to be used for temporary accommodation for homeless families. These homes were a mix of three-bed houses and two-bed flats –previously sold under the Right to Buy scheme. They ensure people have good
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quality, self-contained temporary accommodation until a permanent home becomes available. • bought seven former council homes to be used for permanent housing. These permanent homes will provide a good base for these families to start rebuilding their lives. The money to deliver the project has come from a mix of funding from the council’s budget, Right to Buy receipts and New Homes Bonus funding. The homes are being managed by the Council’s wholly owned arm’s length management company Colchester Borough Homes (CBH). It has also secured 28 additional homes in the borough’s private rented sector through a two-year pilot scheme offering landlords incentives to make their properties available for those who are threatened with homelessness or are homeless. Run by Colchester Borough Homes (CBH), the Homestep scheme includes providing advance rent payments, damage deposits along with support for tenants and landlords.
This success has helped set the foundations for the council’s ambitious plans outlined earlier this to deliver up to 350 new affordable homes across the borough over the next five years. Delivering these ambitious plans include: • Colchester Amphora Homes Ltd (the council’s wholly-owned housing company) delivering over 100 new affordable homes as part of mixed-tenure developments across sites at Creffield Road, Mill Road and St Runwald Street; • building around 30 new affordable homes on former garage sites – expanding on the 34 affordable homes delivered on former garage sites in 2014; • looking at alternative ways of delivering social housing – including potentially creating purpose-built flats that would create an addition floor on suitable existing blocks of flats using modular constructed properties
• redeveloping the sheltered housing at Elfreda House to provide modern “fit for purpose” accommodation • purchasing more former council homes back through the Right to Buy legislation and on the open market. Councillor Adam Fox, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “We have been held back for years from delivering much needed affordable housing for our residents. But now we are driving forward with our ambitious commitment to deliver up to 350 affordable new homes in the borough over the next five years. “We have so far managed to provide more than 50 households – including families with children – a home and a more stable and brighter future. “This is just the start. We are committed to delivering more good quality affordable homes our residents need and deserve which will also help continue to create a Better Colchester.”
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Colne Medical Centre New Practice Website The practice website has been updated and now offers much more information and ways to contact the surgery. Via the website you can:
• Complete health reviews online inc. blood pressure monitoring forms, epilepsy reviews and smoking reviews.
• Change your personal details
• Complete Health assessments online, inc. Epworth Sleepiness scale, Oxford knee/hip score and patient health questionnaire.
• Tell us if you are a carer
• Register for electronic prescribing
• Tell us if you have additional communication needs
• Request medication online via Patient Access
• Register for online services
• Ask a question about your prescription
• Ask reception a question
• Complete the practice registration form (you will need to attend the practice with ID to complete the process) • Request a continuation for a sick certificate • Request a referral or track an existing referral • Request test results • Get help with minor injuries and minor illnesses
• Give practice feedback and complete the friends and family test • View the latest CQC report • Check the GP timetable for the following week (updated weekly on Friday afternoon) Please take a moment to visit the new website at www.colnemedicalcentre. nhs.uk
Summer holidays
• Submit travel forms • Use the Wellbeing centre to find support groups and website details
As the school holidays are approaching please be aware that your GPs may have periods of leave
to spend time with their families. The practice website has a GP timetable which can be used to check when your doctor is available, this is updated weekly. During this busy period please consider if you could seek advice from a pharmacist or via NHS 111 rather than attending the surgery. The practice website contains a wealth of information on minor illness, family health, sexual health and long term conditions.
Flu Clinics Once again this year there are two different vaccinations, one for those under 65yrs old and one for those aged 65 years and over. We are currently organising clinic dates and times at the practice and will
open these for booking as soon as possible. To keep up to date with the latest news please like and follow our Facebook page or visit the practice website. The flu clinic dates will be on display in the waiting area, please book a convenient time online or with reception staff. Thank you for your continued support. Thank you for reading Caroline Bowden Practice Manager
Foodbank’s flour power! Heaps of home-made cake-tastic treats helped Brightlingsea Foodbank raise £1,555.40 at the recent Brightlingsea Free Music Festival. Keen customers flocked to the Festival tea tent run by Foodbank volunteers, to snap up scones, sponges, sausage rolls, pies and flans, flapjacks, bread pudding, slices of mouth-watering cakes, and much more. The proceeds will be shared equally between Brightlingsea Foodbank to help those in need, and the Music Festival itself.
£5 OFF when you spend over £25 valid until end of September
OPENING HOURS Monday
Closed
Friday
8am – 4pm
Tuesday
8am – 4pm
Saturday
7.30am – 3pm
Wednesday
8am – 4pm
Sunday
Closed
Thursday
8am – 4pm
Tel: 01206 302939 14 High Street, Brightlingsea, Essex CO7 0AE 14
Win Pomroy, who coordinates Brightlingsea Foodbank volunteers said: “We were overwhelmed by the spectacular cakes and savouries made by our enthusiastic home bakers and would like to thank everyone wholeheartedly who donated their time and baking skills. “There were so many really delicious items on offer – including specialist vegan and gluten free products - that many visitors found it very hard to choose their favourites.
“This year, with the aid of Brightlingsea Primary School and Nursery, we are also launching special lunch parcels during the school summer holidays.”
“The tea tent has again been a terrific success thanks to the generosity of huge numbers of people. Funds raised will help the work of the Foodbank, which supplies emergency food parcels to families and individuals in crisis through no fault of their own.
Brightlingsea Foodbank opens every Wednesday between 10:30am and 12:30pm at the Parish Hall, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, CO7 0BP. For more details, please call Win Pomroy on 07970 480968.
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