Evening W.I.

PRESIDENT Pat Willis welcomed members and visitors to the March meeting. Business included collection of toilet items for the county meeting in Brentwood and Spring Group meeting tickets. A birthday buttonhole was presented to Edna Collins.

The speaker was William Stevens with two other members of Clacton Rotary Club who gave an interesting and very informative talk on water purification, particularly where it is used in countries such as Haiti and Chile following natural disasters. A demonstration was also given to show how dirty water miraculously becomes clean and drinkable within two hours.

The competition for a ‘homemade bag’ was won by Josie Chilver with Elaine Link second and Pat Willis won the raffle.

The next meeting was on April 14 at 7.45pm in the village hall when Francis Boardman will talk about make up through the ages and the competition is for a powder compact.


Parish Council.

AT the meeting held on March 3 it was announced that councillor Colin Dewell has resigned leaving a vacancy for a parish councillor.

Four members of the public attended and questions were raised about the security at Thors Park, whether Thorrington Nurseries is being used as an overs-spill from Thors Park, insufficient street lighting, speeding in Church and Station Road, and overgrown brambles in Church Road.

It was reported that six villagers in Church Road suffered from blocked sewers in the recent heavy rains, which in turn led to the road being flooded, and that the speed limit in Frating road is officially 40mph from February 26.

County Councillor Derek Robinson attended the meeting and advised that following on from his term as elderly peoples champion, he has now taken on the role of peoples disability champion.

PCSO Les Barnes Also attended the meeting and reported on last month’s crime figures for the village.

Concerns were raised over the work in progress with the new housing development. Namely a lack of traffic controls and it would seem that the NRSWA (new roads and street works act) is not being fully adhered to.

Councillor Kate Miller is to meet with local children over the installation of some dirt “ramps” in the chapel lane recreation ground for BMX type activities.

The Parish Council are able to purchase a salt box for next winter at a cost of around £350, but would welcome suggestions as to where it should be sited .