Meeting Notes
Present
Doug MacEwen (Vice Chairman) (DME) - Crouch Area Yachting Federation
Accountable Body
Adam Aldridge (AA) - Rochford District Council
Paula Chapman (PC) - Rochford District Council
Cllr David Sperring (DS) - Rochford District Council (departed at 13:00pm)
Public Sector
Cllr Alan Shearring (AS) - South Woodham Ferrers Town Council
Helen Quinnell (HQ) - Chelmsford City Council
Cllr David Phillips (DP) - Rettendon Parish Council
Cllr Mark Bassenger (MB) - Maldon District Council (departed at 13:08pm)
Leanne Brisland (LB) - Bird Aware Essex
Alexis Corless (AC) - Maldon District Council
Business Sector
Rachel Fancy (RF) - RSPB
Roy Hart (RH) - Battlesbridge Business (Skee-Tex)
Maritime Sector
Ken Wickham (KW) - Crouch Harbour Authority
Independent
Keith Powell (KP)
Guests
Robin Price (RP) - Anglian Water - Director of Quality and Environment
Rose Shisler (RS) - Anglian Water - Stakeholder Programme Lead,Essex
Jenny Cooper (JC) - Anglian Water – Marine Quality Manager, Essex
Molly Tucker (MT) - Anglian Water – Coastal Catchment Manager Essex
PC Paul Rawson (PR) - Essex Police Marine Unit
Apologies:
Cllr Mrs June Lumley (Chair) - Rochford District Council
Marcus Hotten (Secretariat) - Rochford District Council
Cllr Glen Dryhurst - Ashingdon Parish Council
Absent:
Robert Brown - Baltic Wharf Distribution
Cllr Paul White - Hullbridge Parish Council
Cllr Bob Calver - Burnham Town Council
Cllr Mike Halford - Canewdon Parish Council
Dave Record - 3 Chambers (Hockley, Rayleigh, Rochford)
Notes
Julie O’Brien - Rochford District Council
Duration
11:00 till 13:17
Note 22/22
Welcome and Introductions
PC explained that, following Angela Hutchings’ departure from Rochford District Council (RDC), Marcus Hotten - Director of Environment across RDC and Brentwood Borough Council is now on board as the RCCCT Secretariat. AA was substitute today in his absence.
The group introduced themselves in-turn, with a handful of participants sat round a table together and majority in attendance online.
Note 23/22
Presentation by PC Paul Rawson (Liaison Officer for the Marine Police at Burnham)
PR provided a presentation to the group regarding some proposed water safety options for consideration, by way of addressing ongoing issues faced with powered watercraft (PWC’s) and anti-social behaviour on the rivers Crouch and Roach. Much of the activity occurred around the Hullbridge slipway and/or speeding and nuisance of PWC;s.
Papers had been pre-circulated from PR containing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) details, incident logs and Code of Conduct information. Furthermore, in conjunction with the Crouch Harbour Authority, PR produced overview ASB statistics of the last 3 years - including two recent incidents of threatening behaviour.
It was observed that the Hullbridge slipway is a byway open to all traffic (boat) and so it is not possible to restrict usage currently to control and deter misuse, for example - by way of a barrier that permit holders only can use. Highways would look for alternate initial interventions to be explored prior to any change to byway being entertained – such as signage and CCTV – to see if these methods were effective. All in all this could result in a lengthy process of up to two years to progress.
Whilst it is necessary to obtain a licence from the Crouch Harbour Authority to use the river Crouch for any water craft (lightweight or powered), it is otherwise free to use the slipway and PWC’s (mainly jet skis) launch from here as vehicular access is allowed. It is reasonable to forecast an increased usage going forward with other neighbouring areas charging (Southend, by way of example), and potential risks attached with this for PWC’s.
A change in the bylaw is a costly process, circa £40k. Should a change be explored that targeted PWC’s specifically then this could potentially unfairly affect local residents, legitimate groups and businesses with PWC’s, and it agreed by the group that this was unwise to pursue.
The group deliberated the proposals put forward, together with potential practical issues attached with regards to funding and implementation:
- Hullbridge (10) Byway Restriction(s):
o Signage
o CCTV
o Permit system
o Barriers - PSPO
- Code of Conduct
- Change of Bylaws:
o Exclusions
o Further restriction on usage/speed - Combination of above
- Do Nothing
A PSPO can prohibit those in breach of conditions for up to 48 hours, and also provides powers for imposing instant fines of up to £100. It could be said, therefore, that this route targets those misusing the river, rather than applying a blanket approach otherwise to wider restrictions that could affect all users.
The group did not want to inadvertently discourage peaceful users of the rivers and it was pleasing to see the number of paddle boarders and kayak community, by way of example.
AA confirmed that, whilst RDC is not opposed to a PSPO in principal, Marcus had recommended that an instruction from a senior official at Essex Police would be good before any work on implementation commenced. A joint approach between partnering authorities would be needed for clarity of operations going forward.
PR advised that the task of setting up a PSPO is not Police led, but they will happily assist with questions and help put the group in contact with other authorities also exploring this avenue (currently Southend and Colchester councils have work underway). PSPO agreed terms would set out who has powers to issue FPNs - there is potential scope for this responsibility to be a combination of the Police, local authorities and Crouch Harbour Authority.
RDC’s Community Safety Officer had produced a briefing note on PSPOs and which would be useful for the group to peruse.
Action: Share PSPO advice from RDC’s Community Safety Officer with the RCCCT Steering Group (PC)
In terms of Code of Conduct, LB advised that Bird Aware Essex are developing a Coastal Code, containing overarching messages about responsible use of coastlines and then drilling down to specific types of users. This will include jet skis as part of, so it is sensible to have a joined-up approach with anything produced by Essex Police (referring to the Code of Conduct paper pre-circulated by PR) and indeed by this group to tackle water safety. LB will feed a draft Coastal Code into the RCCCT Steering Group once available. The Code of Conduct papers shared by PR could provide a means to work from / adapt accordingly to establish such a document for the rivers Crouch and Roach.
By a majority vote (8 voting members), it was agreed that a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) working group be set up to look at the feasibility of a PSPO to manage the River Crouch and in particular water access from Hullbridge slipway. As initiated by DME, participants put themselves forward for membership on the PSPO Working Group.
Action: A PSPO Working Group be set up and comprise of the following membership; DME (Lead), RH, KW, KP & PR
PC questioned where the revenue from penalties issued under Enforcement action (FPNs) would sit? It would be advantageous if monies are collected at local authority level as this could help fund an Enforcement service.
Action: Investigate FPN revenue to establish if funds reside at central or local government? (PR)
Southend City Council are out to consultation regarding a new PSPO looking to be introduced along the seafront and so it is hoped that they may have some advice to share. Indicative costs would be helpful.
Action: Liaise with Southend City Council on any PSPO best practice (PR)
The group thanked PR for his contribution to the meeting.
Note 24/22
Anglian Water Major Initiative to Clean Up and Revitalise Rivers across East Anglia
RP and team introduced themselves to the group, with RP confirming he is 9 months into a new role introduced to focus on rivers and lead on actively making improvements and delivering against commitments. A presentation was delivered to update participants on the current work of Anglian Water on rivers.
It was noted that:
Anglian Water’s imbedded ‘Purpose’ is “to bring environmental and social prosperity to the region we serve through our commitment to love every drop”.
Scrutiny is welcomed on water recycling and pollutions and deliberate new processes are in place to address.
There are four areas that result in the river Crouch not achieving good ecological status (based on Environment Agency measures), one of which is waste water discharge.
Of the storm spill investment numbers, £21.5 million is set aside over the next five years to improve bathing water quality. Increased water quality monitoring is in place for designated inland bathing areas.
£21 million is being invested in the river Crouch catchment between 2020 and 2023:
- Installing more storm tanks (£400k)
- Targeting investment to increase monitoring, directly reduce spills and pollutions, and protect the environment (£848k)
- Improving the quality of the water being returned to the environment (£17 million)
- Installing sustainable drainage solutions to reduce the risk of flooding to communities (£1 million)
- River Crouch shellfish water quality catchment investigation
The Five ‘Get River Positive’ pledges are:
- Ensure storm overflows and sewage treatment works do not harm rivers
- Create more opportunities for everyone to enjoy our region’s rivers
- Support others to improve and care for rivers
- Enhance our rivers and create new habitats so wildlife can thrive
- Be open and transparent about our performance and our plans
Working in partnership with the agricultural community to address pollution is recognised as extremely important, and an example of this is applying for grant schemes together, for example to tackle land use change for improvements.
Producing river water results that is combined with information from other agencies will provide a new meaningful tool that the public can rely upon for comprehensive data.
In answer to a question, Anglian Water confirmed that they have river water quality statistics from specific permit areas only and for the wider picture it would be the Environment Agency that collect the data and publish via Defra online.
DME reminded that there are 6 sewage stations (water recycling centres) along the course of the river Crouch which have in the past caused issues in terms of water quality. RH further reported that there had been four separate recent pollution incidents and both Anglian Water and the Environment Agency were thanked for their remedy efforts.
RC confirmed that, there is no requirement for Anglian Water to undertake water quality monitoring for public health purposes where no official designated water bathing status is identified. Normal water monitoring is based on the legislative framework for environmental protection only and which limited data is unlikely to interest bathers as much unfortunately.
The group recognised that it would be very beneficial to introduce a designated bathing area along the river Crouch in order to commit Anglian Water to increased water quality monitoring – ultimately to achieve safer bathing and reassure users. However, it was uncertain how straight forward it would be to designate a particular part along the river Crouch when bathers don’t necessarily enter the water from a particular area.
The Camberley, Waveney and Deben are the only 3 rivers within the Eastern region that have applied for designated inland bathing areas. Anglian Water are helping to monitor the water quality whilst the application process is completed.
Applications for official bathing water status are required to be submitted by 31st October, ready to take effect as of the following May. It is encouraged for the RCCCT to formally apply to Defra for official bathing water status and Anglian Water would assist in the months leading up to implementation and provide interim water quality monitoring.
In response to an offer from RH, Anglian Water welcomed the opportunity to meet with local groups to discuss matters concerning the river Crouch - Molly and Jenny are the local representatives.
It would be useful for the Steering Group to speak with the River Deben team in Woodbridge who have a similar dilemma with regards to bathers using a large stretch of river and understand how they have captured this within their designated inland bathing application to Defra.
RC invited the Steering Group to attend one of the six water recycling centres along the river Crouch to see in-person what work takes place behind the scenes. A date before Christmas would work well if the group were interested to be shown around a site of their choice.
The group thanked Anglian Water for their attendance.
Action: Anglian Water presentation slides and contact details to be circulated to the Steering Group, together with details for the River Deben Group (Anglian Water)
Note 25/22
Notes of the Last RCCCT Steering Group Meeting Held on 14 June 2022 and Matters Arising
Agreed as an accurate record.
Note 26/22
Working Group Updates
Footpaths Group
In the absence of Cllr Dryhurst, it was a nil to report.
Action: Any updates to be circulated to the Group via email (DME)
RH explained, on behalf of the Battlesbridge Conservation Group, about the restoration of the footpath from Battlesbridge to Wickford. As this is in Basildon's area, however, he is going to liaise with them about joining up with the Chelmsford footpaths.
Water Safety at Hullbridge Group
Post meeting update:
Some highlights from the meeting that took place on Monday, 5
September 2022:
Campaign Plan
KW explained that the campaign did not take place as the harbour guide is very comprehensive. 3,500 paper Harbour Guides are distributed annually, although it is thought that the majority of these are not read. Marcus suggested a digital campaign could be beneficial and that he will discuss further with the RDC Communications Team how best to do this.
Anglian Water Major Initiative to Clean up and Revitalise Rivers Across East Anglia
KW explained that there was a discharge from Burnt Mills which killed some fish up river. A report from Anglian Water was not received on this.
Residents often raise concerns on the quality and safety of the water.
Water Awareness Scheme
The Essex Police Marine Unit were working with Angela Hutchings to seek approval by senior officers in the Command Team. It wasn’t deemed by the Command Team that the issues around anti-social behaviour were great enough to launch the scheme this year. The Marine Unit will use this year to gain a greater understanding and statistics around anti-social behaviour with a hope to introduce the scheme next year.
AOB
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service - Road & Water Safety Manager (Prevention) was working with the Equality & Partnership Advisor at Essex County Council to create a ‘Safer Essex’ meeting. This will be attended by community safety partner managers and they are looking to showcase some partnerships - PC Paul Rawson has been invited at this opportunity.
Vision Refresh Group
Post meeting update:
Notes of the inaugural meeting held on Friday, 2 September 2022 are appended.
Note 27/22
Update on:
Proposal for latest stretch of Wallasea to Burnham Coastal Path
Post meeting note: update provided from Darren Braine at Natural England;
“Its all very much as before. Progress is out of Natural England’s control as we await the outcome of the review of the objections being undertaken by the Planning Inspector.
In order to preserve their impartiality they work in isolation and NE has no input to any timescales they may set themselves. So we wait and we find out their conclusions after they have reported to Defra. Defra post the Inspectors reports on-line and expressly notify Natural England and the Objectors at the same time. As it is posted on the public website this is available for others to view, but no one else is contacted directly.
I appreciate the prior suggestion was that the Planning Inspectorate may have reported in the spring of 2022. This was taken from the verbal comments made by the Planning Inspector when they concluded each visit.
Then as reported in February, if Defra (Secretary of State) has approved the stretch of the England Coast Path as a result of the Inspectors reports it allows Essex County Council to apply to establish the stretch. Another part of the process outside of Natural England’s control. Again ECC will move on establishment at their own pace. Once established we can move to legally commence the access rights and open the stretch. My personal assessment of the timescales for this based on past ECC delivery is that this opening may not be for at least another 2 or 3 years yet. This will mean that the likes of the section from Wallasea to Hullbridge that was approved in spring 2021 and still hasn’t been considered by ECC for establishment (they perhaps understandably prefer to work in a whole stretch) could be almost 5 years between approval of route and the coastal access rights opening to the public.
The celebratory launch of the two stretches that cover Tilbury to Wallasea Island seemed to go really well. A good level of attendance and support from the local authorities and a fair amount of press coverage, including a slot on the BBC regional evening and next morning TV news.”
Path to Prosperity Project
PC informed that, the Rochford part to this project is now considered closed. It would, however, like to use project funds to add Hullbridge to Battlesbridge on the Go Jaunty walking app, wherever possible. However, this in-effect would be adding a route not yet formally recognised by Natural England as part of the Coastal Path and therefore funding is likely to close before this route is approved.
AC confirmed that, the Maldon part of the project has spent its allocation of funds. Two interpretation boards are being installed as part of this work and to complete efforts.
HQ advised that the information board at Eyott Sailing Club is yet to be installed and is subject to conditions being now suitable for works to commence (previously stalled due to flooding). There may still be remaining funds from the original project allocation to Chelmsford City and which confirmation is eagerly awaited on.
Coastal Footpath – Hullbridge Repairs Update
In the absence of Cllr White it was a nil to report.
Note 29/22
RSPB Wallasea Island – Latest Developments
RF advised that the grounds works had completed as mentioned at the last meeting; islands and fencing now in place. The islands should provide better viewing all round for visitors, placed near to the car park and hide.
Winter birds are returning to the area and it is hoped they will remain for the season as per last year.
A rumour of concern about a Solar Farm being installed at Wallasea RSPB site was dismissed by RF.
Post Meeting Update: RF discovered that this is on farmland just west of Canewdon.
Note 30/22
Essex Coast RAMS (Bird Aware) - Update
LB reported that recruitment of rangers has taken place, with arrangements being made for hosting by external organisations. Two rangers should be in post in two weeks’ time and out on the ground visiting areas along the coastline.
Priorities for the winter:
- to be out and engaging with coastal visitors
- confirm baseline date on locations of roosts.
- develop the draft Coastal Code
- Carry out repeat visitor surveys – identifying distances travelled and changes
- Draw up a pipeline of projects to partner up and feed into other relevant wider works
Note 31/22
A Vision for Coasts and Rivers Report
This item had deferred from the previous meeting. Papers already circulated and self-explanatory for the group’s noting. Any questions from members to be emailed to the RCCT Secretariat.
Note 32/22
Date of Next Meeting
The group agreed for the next Steering Group meeting to precede the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the same day in November.
Venue options to be explored so that these events would occur in-person. The Rawreth Parish hall was suggested as an option to explore.
Action: Venue to be confirmed by email (PC)
Post meeting update:
Change of date - The next Steering Group and AGM will take place on Tuesday, 22 November 2022 at the Pavilion, Rayleigh Town Council, King George Playing Field, Rayleigh SS6 8JD