Meeting Notes
Present
Cllr June Lumley (Chairperson) (JL) - Rochford District Council
Keith Powell (Vice Chairman) (KP) - Business, Maritime Community/ Independent
Cllr Dave Sperring - Rochford District Council
Angela Hutchings (AH) - Rochford District Council
Paula Chapman (PC) - Rochford District Council
Helen Quinnell (HQ) - Chelmsford City Council
Cllr Glen Dryhurst (GD) - Ashingdon Parish Council
Cllr Bob Calver - Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council
Ken Wickham (KW) - Crouch Harbour Authority
Doug MacEwen (DM) - Crouch Area Yachting Federation
Rachel Fancy (RF) - RSPB
Cllr Alan Shearing (AS) - South Woodham Ferrers Town Council
Roger Armson (RA) - Baltic Distribution
Apologies
Cllr Paul White (PW) - Hullbridge Parish Council
Darren Braine (DB) - Natural England
Cllr Nick Skeens (NS) - Maldon District Council
Matt Mason (MM) Baltic - Wharf Distribution
Alexis Corless (AC) - Maldon District Council
Cllr Michael Hoy (visitor for item 4) - Essex County Council/Rochford District Council
Cllr D Elwell (visitor for item 4) - Hullbridge Parish Council
Absent
Cllr Mike Halford - Canewdon Parish Council
Cllr Roy Hart - Battlesbridge Business
No nomination received - Rettendon Parish Council
No nomination received - Burnham Chamber of Commerce
Notes
Julie Jakes
Duration
11:00 till (no end time given)
Note 12/21
Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair
It was agreed that this item should not be on the Agenda and should be added to the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting on 23 November 2021. (JJ)
Note 13/21
Welcome and Introductions
Cllr Lumley welcomed new members to the Steering Group and introductions were made.
In response to a question from KP, AH confirmed that the Steering Group did have a quoracy to meet.
Post Meeting Note: In future, the Group’s Terms of Reference would be included with each Agenda. (JJ)
Note 14/21
Joint Responsibility for Water Safety on our Rivers and HM Coastguard Beach Safety Data
KW advised that the Crouch Harbour Authority (CHA) had concerns about activities on the water. Last year there had been a great influx of people using the river and this had proved difficult to control, as the CHA did not have any actual powers, but does have the use of the Marine and shore-based Police. The CHA had tried to be pro-active this year and had attended the river, on either side, for the last two Bank Holidays. This had been very successful, with 570 people registering for paddle boards this year.
KW reported that Hullbridge and South Woodham Ferrers are the only two points where the public can launch jet skis. There had been an altercation on the Hullbridge side with a group who had launched four jet skis and caused chaos and mayhem amongst the moorings. There had been a police report that one of these jet skis had nearly collided with a kayak and it was considered that this type of unlicensed craft should not be allowed onto the river. KW considered that this was a joint responsibility, i.e. Parish/Town Councils, District Councils and the Harbour Authority and was requesting that the District Councils, along with all the parish councils along each side of the river, and into the Roach, took on the responsibility of water safety in their patch. With the imminent opening of the coastal footpath, there was a growing worry that the community did not understand the river and would wander onto the wet mud flats and cause even bigger problems.
AH advised that the foreshore was owned variously by private landowners, as well as Councils, etc. Local Authorities that have beaches do have some statutory responsibility for water safety. Our coastal and estuary foreshores are slightly different and, essentially, the role of the Crouch Harbour Authority as a local body, which was funded in part by the local District and other Councils, was intended to provide a single point of contact for understanding how that body of water was operated. Water safety was becoming an increasing problem and CHA had approached the Council for terms of manpower to hand out leaflets and provide signposting information. It had been agreed at the last meeting to use the RNLI’s literature to raise awareness around water safety. Unfortunately, deliberate misuse, as described by KW, took this issue into a policing arena which was above and beyond our reach. There was a need to effectively partner with other organisations for those things that we cannot control. The Essex Police Marine Unit would be a key partner, along with the Coastguard, and these relationships were already established, responses just needed to be co-ordinated more clearly.
PC stated that there had been an attempt to try to leverage some of the funds from the Path to Prosperity Project to promote issues around water safety. The Crouch Harbour Guide contained all of the necessary information and now needed to be disseminated more widely. DM had put HQ in touch with the co-ordinator of the Guide, to discuss how to turn some of that information into social media news as a Crouch wide campaign. Will be developing something more strategic before reporting back to the project team and requesting funding.
AS expressed concern about what influence Town/Parish Council could have on the rivers. It was noted that all the river frontage at South Woodham belonged to Marsh Farm, which was owned by Essex County Council, so unable to put up notices. The public also try to launch from the old road at South Woodham, but that belongs to Essex Highways.
BC agreed that there was not an awful lot that Town/Parish Councils could achieve, as people were blatantly disregarding safety and any rules whatsoever. May need to co-ordinate with the Police during Bank Holiday periods.
KW advised that contact had been made with the paddle boarders, kayaks and wild water swimmers, who were now part of the advisory group for the CHA. Each group had been requested to come forward with safety measures for their own sport, which could then be added to the Harbour Guide and website. The Harbour Guide was collated in October for the next year in October, so there was a need to move quite swiftly. It was noted that the Marine Police had one jet ski which covered the whole of Essex, including Southend. This was nearly always used at Brightlingsea and Southend-on-Sea.
In connection with the Coastguard Incident Data that had been issued with the Agenda, AH advised that the official sensitive data should not be shared any further.
In terms of Government awareness and the role of HM Coastguard, AH advised that steps were being taken to raise our profile and RDC’s emergency planning officer was doing some work on the District Council’s response in relation to water safety and some of the issues raised in the Coastguard’s letter. She suggested working with the CHA to create a social media and/or leaflet campaign. There may be a need to come back to the Steering Group to request the release of funds from the CCT to print and distribute leaflets. The trends from last Summer tell us that there is likely to be an increasing number of people on the rivers this Summer. It was impossible to legislate against those people that were effectively creating anti-social behaviour on the water; the information could only be logged via 101. AH agreed to use her connections through the Council to raise the issue with Essex Police at a more senior level.
JL agreed to this course of action, but expressed concern about the timing issue. AH advised that she would work directly with KW and set up another Steering Group meeting to bring back a solution, which was likely to be a combination of a communications piece and creating materials which could be used to raise awareness and point out responsibilities. Would then need to ensure that these materials were shared with all the authorities that border the rivers, so that they could be distributed via their networks.
AH suggested that the separate issue of volunteering be discussed with KW outside of this meeting to work out how this could happen in conjunction with our colleagues in the voluntary sector. KP agreed that this was the best solution, but said it was important that volunteers did not put themselves in harm’s way. (AH/KW)
DS agreed and advised that the majority of people would take the responsibility and safety advice on board. The problem areas were those members of the public who do not want to participate and there was no sensible solution that could be put in place before the Summer. AH agreed to discuss this further with the Council’s Emergency Planning and Legal Teams to see where the responsibilities lay. (AH)
The Steering Group agreed, in principle, that AH could draw on RCCCT’s modest funds as necessary.
In response to a question from BC regarding safe areas for wild swimming in Burnham, KW agreed to investigate and report back to BC direct. (KW)
Note 15/21
Notes of the Last RCCCT Steering Group Meeting Held on 2 March 2021 and Matters Arising
Minute 7/21 – Coast to Coast Path – Hullbridge Ford/South Woodham to Maldon Quay – In response to a question from AS, KP advised that a map had not been produced yet because 18% of the route was undecided.
The notes were agreed as a correct record.
Note 16/21
Working Group Updates
(a) – Footpaths Group
KP reported that the work of the Footpaths Group could be broken down into three parts:
- Work on the Coast-to-Coast project (the old South Woodham to Maldon railway line)
- Monitoring the England Coastal Path, in relation to the River Crouch
- Review the above and integrating with other projects to produce a cohesive guide to walks around the Rivers Crouch and Roach.
In response to a suggestion from KP, it was agreed that the Footpaths Group should be used to deal with all footpath matters, rather than involving the whole of the Steering Group.
PC confirmed that the footpath guide was still available for download on the CCT page on Rochford District Council’s website. KP also confirmed that the guide was available on the Maldon District Council website.
KP reported that Ordnance Survey had granted Maldon permission to access their digital tools for creating digital maps. AC was arranging for the Footpaths Group to have some training so that they could produce a digital version of the proposed route for the coast-to-coast footpath, this would then give an easy way to distribute the route. The Hullbridge Ford/South Woodham to Maldon Quay route would become a public proposal once the Footpaths Group had resolved the 18% of the path which was currently unpassable. Also talking to Essex County Council on this proposal, through AC, because they have up to date information on ownership of the land and infrastructure. KP reported that once the proposal was resolved, they would then be able to produce the map that AS required.
AS advised that there was major development in South Woodham which may cut across this footpath. Currently at the stage where developers can still be influenced, but the planning applications were starting to arrive. KP advised that GD could possibly produce an indication of the route so that this could be reconciled with any planning applications.
JL suggested that the local planning authority should also be in receipt of this information and AS confirmed that he was aware of the influence that the local planning authority would have on this type of planning application.
(b) – Digital Group
In NK’s absence, KP advised that the Group had met and were now starting to collate the data to ensure that all relevant information was available on a number of different channels, i.e. social media, websites, etc. It had become apparent that there was one custodian of the gateway for the main Coastal Communities Website, and she had agreed to publish documents, such as minutes of the Steering Group and AGM, plus any work that the Digital Group produced to ensure it went on the national website, as well as local websites.
Note 17/21
Update on:
a) Proposal for Latest Stretch of Wallasea to Burnham Coastal Path
In DB’s absence, his update briefing was noted. The Steering Group considered that it was unlikely to have much influence on this matter.
PC reported that Essex Highways had advised that the Wallasea Island to Hullbridge section of the coastal path had been recently approved by the Secretary of State. Essex Highways were now starting to contact landowners with a view to hopefully completing works and signposting, etc. in time to open the route to the public by Spring 2022. The Hullbridge to Battlesbridge section was still under consideration by the Planning Inspectorate and they have not given any indication as to when that stretch might be approved.
In response to a question, PC clarified that all the submissions and comments received had been passed to the Planning Inspectorate. Still waiting for a site visit to take place.
PC drew attention to DB’s query regarding the location of the bridge. KP advised that a bridge had been available over one of the dykes and had been moved away and its location was now unknown. It was understood that PW was pursuing this matter and would respond to DB directly. PC agreed to advise the Hullbridge Parish Council Clerk accordingly. (PC)
KW reported that the sea wall had collapsed recently at Brandy Hole, but it would appear that the correct licences had not yet been obtained, so the repair work had not yet commenced.
b) Path to Prosperity Project
An official press launch and photo call had taken place at Brightlingsea on 28 May for the Essex Coast Campaign and the Go Jauntly App. PC reminded the Steering Group of the Rochford walks on the App and advised that the Beagle Trail on Wallasea Island had now been added.
HQ advised that Chelmsford City Council had two walks on the App. The latest longer walk to be added was from Marsh Farm towards the Fambridge direction. Also creating some interpretation boards in conjunction with this walk. Recently met with Explore Essex, who were the customer facing department of the Essex County Council Parks Team. Now attempting to locate the appropriate channels to be able to promote the walks and wanting to make more of the visitor experience, not necessarily to draw in lots of additional people, but more to put it on the radar for local people. Visit Essex are leading the campaign which ties into their wider Essex Coast campaign.
In AC’s absence, PC advised that Maldon District Council also had two walks on the app, one of which was around Burnham Town.
PC reported that another part of the project was to produce a Crouch video using drone and camera footage. This had already been commissioned and should be getting a first draft imminently. There would also be a general video for all three areas – cuts could be taken from the video to promote the separate areas. In the Rochford District, have also commissioned some footage over the River Roach, particularly around the Barling Nature Reserve. Videos would be coming out shortly and would be shared with the Group within the next few months.
In response to a question, PC clarified that the video mentioned above was in addition to the video that had been produced by Ormiston School.
PC agreed to locate the walks that had been produced by DM’s wife, so that they could be uploaded onto the Council’s CCT web page. DM advised that, unfortunately, copies of the walks had not been kept and it was hoped that these had not been lost. KP advised that AC had done a considerable amount of digging, but had been unable to locate the walks. PC agreed to investigate further and report back to KP and the Footpath Group. If they could not be found, GD advised that he would be happy to rewrite them in conjunction with DM’s wife. (PC)
RA was admitted to the meeting and introductions were made. He advised that there had been a change of management at Baltic Terminal. The company was very much in the process of developing the operation to become an important employment hub locally.
In response to a question, RA advised that the company was not in a position to take on apprentices yet, but hoped to look at this again next year. The Steering Group agreed that this was very good news due to the lack of opportunity for maritime apprenticeships.
PC offered the Economic Development Team’s support for any recruitment drives/campaigns to help attract local talent.
RA advised that he was pleased to be a member of the Steering Group because the maritime industry had a huge role to play in protecting the environment.
In response to a question, RA confirmed that the company name was Baltic Distribution Limited, which was owned by Bergs (listed on Nasdaq Stockholm) in Sweden. The primary thrust of the business was to harvest timber out of the Baltic, ship it into the UK and distribute it from this terminal. The company operates the port of Creeksea.
It was agreed that RA’s contact details would be circulated to the Group.
Post Meeting Note: RA’s details circulated by email on 8 June 21.
Note 18/21
RSBP Wallasea Island – Latest Developments
RF provided an update as follows:
- The hide had been opened after the lockdown eased on 17 May. Was only open for three days because an Oystercatcher had nested on the path which meant that the hide had shut for a further three weeks.
- The Geocache at the Beagle viewpoint was now installed and mentioned on the website. Ten people had visited within a few days.
- A temporary toilet was being installed, close to the car park, this week. It was very basic and had not been able to get an accessible one due to lack of availability. Hoping to get an accessible loo as soon as possible. Also looking at getting a permanent toilet into the RSPB site.
- As more facilities were added to the site, there may be a need to look at introducing a small car parking charge for non-members. Currently looking at what other reserves do and intending to report back to the Steering Group once a decision had been taken.
- Email received from Visit Essex regarding a travel magazine that wanted to highlight some of the islands across Essex, hoping to write an interesting item that would include Wallasea. A photographer would visit the site in the next couple of weeks.
Note 19/21
Nomination of Representative to Business Board for Burnham-on-Crouch
The draft terms of reference of the Board were noted.
KP advised that he had attended two meetings on behalf of the CCT. This was a new business group, that was still forming, with a temporary Chair in place.
BC advised that he lived in the area and would be happy to become the representative. This was agreed by the Steering Group.
Post Meeting Note: Representative’s details forwarded to Maldon District Council on 8 June 2021.
Note 20/21
Coastal Communities Website – Changes and/or Additions
KP covered in item 16/21(b) above.
Note 21/21
Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on 7 September 2021 at 10:00.
Post Meeting Note: Date of next meeting changed to 14 September 2021 at 10:00 to accommodate the Border Force presentation.
It was noted that the Annual General Meeting would take place on Tuesday, 23 November 2021 commencing at 11:30.
Note 22/21
Additional Item
DM advised that, in the last couple of weeks, there had been a suspected landing of immigrants at Brandy Hole. In this connection, the local Border Force were quite keen to make a presentation to this Group. JL welcomed this suggestion and AH requested that Border Force be invited to the September meeting. DM to provide appropriate contact details. (JJ)
Post Meeting Note: Border Force have agreed to present at the September meeting.