https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group en-gb Podomatic RSS Generator Sat, 11 Jan 2025 05:00:25 +0000 south, ,woodham, ,ferrers, ,essex, ,dengie, ,infrastructure, Copyright 2025 Woodham Infrastructure Group Additional information relating to infrastructure issues in South Woodham and the surrounding area (audio) episodic false no https://assets.podomatic.net/ts/0f/5b/6f/woodham-infrastructure-group/1400x1400_15611943.jpg https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group Woodham Infrastructure Group Fighting for adequate infrastructure provision in the wake of the new housing developments in South Woodham and The Dengie A132 15 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2024-10-02T01_20_28-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2024-10-02T01_20_28-07_00 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 08:20:28 +0000 2024-10-02 2024-10-02 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2024-10-02T01_20_28-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 161 false A132 - Extract from comments made by Bob Massey + one resident at meeting in 2021 A132 - Extract from comments made by Bob Massey + one resident at meeting in 2021 Traffic (incl tyre & noise pollution) - edited version from Inside Science programme 14 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-08-18T03_16_12-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-08-18T03_16_12-07_00 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 10:16:12 +0000 2023-08-18 2023-08-18 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-08-18T03_16_12-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 250 false This is a short version containing just the bits that are of most relevance to SWF.The programme notes are as follows: "We investigate a sometimes overlooked and under-reported source of pollution: particles from vehicle tyres. Dr Marc Masen from Imperial College London tells us about the impact they’re having on our health.And pollution from tyres is affecting flora and fauna too. Dr Paul Donald, senior researcher at Birdlife International, explains how vehicles on our roads have impacted wildlife in the environment."The full version can be found at  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001p23zThis section starts at about 17 minutes into the programme  (BBC Radio 4 - Inside Science). This is a short version containing just the bits that are of most relevance to SWF.The programme ... Michael Gove appeared on the Today programme on 25th July emphasising the importance on infrastructure considerations. 13 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-07-25T14_54_12-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-07-25T14_54_12-07_00 Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:54:12 +0000 2023-07-25 2023-07-25 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-07-25T14_54_12-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 53 false The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Gove) appeared on the Today programme (25th July) emphasising the importance on infrastructure considerations. Here is an extract (His full interview was 2hrs 10 into prog. and can be found at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001p1nw) The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Gove) appeared on the Today pro... Planning Meeting on 7th February 2023 (at which the application was nodded through.) 12 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-13T14_12_43-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-13T14_12_43-08_00 Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:12:43 +0000 2023-03-08 2023-03-08 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-13T14_12_43-08_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 884 false There are people in South Woodham who think the battle is lost - there is no point in fighting on. In fact there are options.Have a listen to this. It's a brief synopsis of the case we made for improved infrastructure during a very long and very boring meeting. We were supported by two of the Chelmsford City Councillors (Graham Pooley and Richard Poulter.) It didn't make any difference of course - we all knew in advance that the application would be nodded through and the meeting was set up in a way that pretty much guaranteed that would happen. But this exercise did expose (yet again) the grave deficiencies in the entire planning system in this area - this is a swamp that needs to be drained - and it provided a wealth of ammunition for anyone who wants to take this further. The entire meeting was recorded - those with a strong masochistic streak can watch and listen using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88a6vGpGwkA There are people in South Woodham who think the battle is lost - there is no point in fighting on... Planning - kicking the can down the road 11 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-07T07_01_34-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-07T07_01_34-08_00 Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:01:34 +0000 2023-02-26 2023-02-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-07T07_01_34-08_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 471 false Throughout the planning process for the SWF development (North of the Burnham Rd) important decisions have repeatedly been delayed. A 'let's leave it all to the last minute' attitude has prevailed. This recording gives an example.The good news, though, is that we are now in a new era as far as the planning process is concerned. Those who take what they think is the easy way out – succumbing meekly to the pressure exerted by those who want to make £millions - and ignoring the wants and needs of those they are supposed to represent - can no longer fade into anonymity. There’s no hiding place. Their names, faces, and voices are part of the public record and will be resurrected every time there is a problem which could and should have been foreseen. Those who really ought to have checked the facts will find their smiling photographs juxtaposed with pictures of mile long traffic queues, their smug voices mixed in with vox pops of angry motorists.That said there is a note of pessimism here too. Those who are determined to see infrastructure improve in tandem with the new developments in the area are gearing up for a very long hard struggle.PS (7th February 2023).  At the planning meeting today (at which the application that is the subject of this referral was approved despite the request made by two voting members for a deferral in order to study the SCP report)  Cllr Graham Pooley said: "At the Policy Board, which councilors will remember, this was the thing that held us back from recommending the master plan without reservation. The comments we made at the Policy Board, if I remember rightly, were to be passed on to cabinet so that they were aware that we were unhappy about the highways implications without an awful lot of further work." So the misgivings expressed at the Policy Board were passed on - and at the meeting referred to above it was discussed again but, because of an intercession by Councillor Roy Whitehead, the can was kicked down the road. There have been assurances all along that the matter would be dealt with satisfactorily - and yet, at the planning meeting on 7th February, the matter was airily dismissed. Throughout the planning process for the SWF development (North of the Burnham Rd) important decis... 31st Jan 2023 - SWF Town Council Planning meeting - Alan Brunning put the case for WIG & UDC 10 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-01T11_10_23-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-01T11_10_23-08_00 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 19:10:23 +0000 2023-02-01 2023-02-01 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-02-01T11_10_23-08_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 4125 false This is the last SWF planning meeting before the definitive decision is likely to be made on 7th Feb This is the last SWF planning meeting before the definitive decision is likely to be made on 7th Feb A councillor's view of the infrastructure needed to make the new development sustainable. Bob Massey asks if SWF is about to be "thrown under the bus." 9 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-01-07T15_28_08-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-01-07T15_28_08-08_00 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 23:28:08 +0000 2023-09-17 2023-01-07 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-01-07T15_28_08-08_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 651 false ARE WE ABOUT TO BE 'THROWN UNDER THE BUS'?  At a Chelmsford Policy Board meeting, after mentioning that "traffic" had been getting attention,  Cllr Bob Massey (a former Mayor) said:  "I think we should take this beyond traffic and include the school and include the flooding. Because if those three areas are not fully covered then I'm afraid you're throwing the residents of South Woodham under the bus." THE HIGHWAYS DEBACLE. There is major widespread concern about a road system that many feel is already inadequate - and which is due to be made a whole lot worse.  What will happen to all the additional traffic that developments here and elsewhere will cause when the B1012 is demoted to an urban street complete with half a dozen pedestrian crossings and extra roundabouts.  The Town Council's initial response was very encouraging – take, for example, its Response to Stage 2 Masterplan Consultation for Site 10 - Land North of South Woodham Ferrers. Here's a quote: "The Town Council finds the plan lacking in a cohesive road transport plan that takes into account all the factors that are likely to cause ingress and egress traffic congestion through the Local Plan time period until 2036."  The Town Council must keep up the pressure.If you talk to John Frankland, the 'architect of SWF' you'll be told that the B1012 was moved northwards at the time the new town was planned to prevent it being split into two by a busy road.  This bypass needs to be replaced - constructed to the north of the new development - but the developer intends to start building on the only strip of land on which a replacement bypass can be built - thereby scuppering this solution to the problem (unless its plans are thwarted.)  If common sense doesn't eventually triumph, these plans will greatly disadvantage SWF and all those who use the Burnham Rd (B1012/A132) for decades to come.  Bob Massey did not attend the important planning meeting on 7th February 2023 but 4 other Town Councillors (and two members of the Woodham Infrastructure Group) were there to put the case for South Woodham. ARE WE ABOUT TO BE 'THROWN UNDER THE BUS'?  At a Chelmsford Policy Board meeting, after ment... Cllr Murrough O'Brien (former Mayor of SWF) trying to explain SWF's unique situation to CCC & planners 8 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-01-05T16_42_37-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-01-05T16_42_37-08_00 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:42:37 +0000 2023-01-06 2023-01-06 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2023-01-05T16_42_37-08_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 65 false Cllr Murrough O'Brien (former Mayor of SWF) has been trying to explain South Woodham's unique situation to CCC & planners.Because the town bordered by the River Crouch to the South and by the fens/tributaries to the East and West (see the tiny map shown here) it's a 'virtual peninsula' - so the only roads in and out of the town are situated on its Northern border.  Because the means of escape for motor vehicles are so limited, the slightest problem on the B1012 or A132 causes the town to become gridlocked.Murrough has obviously tried to explain this to people who are used to towns where the entire periphery is permeable to traffic - so, if there's a hold up in one area, you can divert to another - but one senses that he feels he's been beating his head against a brick wall.Source - this was his brief introduction to a SWF Town Council meeting which was broadcast/open to the public. Cllr Murrough O'Brien (former Mayor of SWF) has been trying to explain South Woodham's unique sit... Murrough O'Brien's intro - followed by Darren Thompson's views on highways (in the context of the development North of the Burnham Road.) 7 full https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2022-11-30T00_54_08-08_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2022-11-30T00_54_08-08_00 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:54:08 +0000 2023-09-19 2023-09-19 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2022-11-30T00_54_08-08_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group discussion highways infrastructure south woodham 182 false This recording is taken from a meeting held in 2020 which was chaired by Murrough O'Brien. He starts by talking about the fact that, with regard to road traffic entering and leaving SWF, the town cannot be compared with e.g. Chelmsford - a point that CCC/ECC councillors find it very difficult to grasp. The reason is that SWF is a virtual peninsula being surrounded on 3 sides by water - so vehicles have to enter and leave via the road along the northern border of the town ... a road that it shares with much of the traffic entering and leaving the Dengie. The other councillor whose views as recorded at this public meeting appear here is Darren Thompson. He stated that there was not enough information at that time to make an informed judgement on the plans for highways (something he continued to say until the 11th hour.) He wants to do what's right for SWF - which presumably includes bringing the local roads up to a  standard that meets 21st century standard (a laudable aim.)  However, he does not want to encourage traffic from The Dengie to use this route - so he doesn't want a bypass. Looking at a map, much of The Dengie doesn't have a vast amount of choice of route (particularly if you're heading South on the A12 to e.g. London) and there is a plethora of new developments either completed or in the pipeline. These will inevitably generate more traffic, as will Bradwell B (if it ever gets the go ahead.)The argument for dealing with the hundreds of massive HGVs that will backwards and forwards to Bradwell each day (if it happens) is that whoever is responsible for the power station will also b responsible for the road improvements - so we don't need to worry about this yet. The flaw in this argument is that, if you build over the only feasible route for a road that can cope with this volume of traffic, then you're snookered.The unanswered question is, how do you bring the roads up to a standard that will meet the requirements of the residents of SWF, and its businesses without allowing others to use the road.Another question is: What do the residents of SWF think of Darren Thompson's views? Is his proposal as stated on this podcast in line with their wants and needs? Over and above the comments made by residents which are stored on the planning portal (which give a fairly uniform response to the proposals for highways) there was a local survey which sheds some light on this matter. In this, 95% of respondents thought that a new bypass should be built to replace the existing bypass whilst only 5% of those who responded thought a new bypass will not be needed. And when asked if the A132 from South Woodham to the Rettendon Turnpike should be strengthened/widened and/or converted to a dual carriageway ...30% thought it should be strengthened/widened - and -66% thought it should be strengthened/widened AND converted to a dual carriageway- whilst only 4% thought it doesn't need alteration and/or improvement.                                                               ___Needless to say, other Councillors spoke at this meeting but their comments have not been included. They appeared to be acting in the best interests of the residents and it's likely that history will look on them favourably.  This recording is taken from a meeting held in 2020 which was chaired by Murrough O'Brien. He sta... Essex County Council’s Leader, Cllr Kevin Bentley, on infrastructure. 6 full https://woodham-infrastructure-group.podomatic.com/entry/2021-11-04T15_11_20-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-11-04T15_11_20-07_00 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 22:11:20 +0000 2023-01-07 2021-11-04 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-11-04T15_11_20-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 34 false Kevin Bentley says that, if you're building lots of new homes you have to make sure the infrastructure is adequate. If you don't then "people not only'd be sitting in traffic jams, they probably wouldn't get off their driveways."He is referring to infrastructure in Colchester. Given that actions speak louder than words, he doesn't appear to think that infrastructure in South Woodham and the Dengie should be given the same priority. This clip is from Breakfast on BBC Essex - Ben Fryer/Kevin Bentley (03/04/2021)The link is/was  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09bgs6fKevin Bentley - press comments:https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/councillor-kevin-bentley-hits-back-1998236https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/19333528.new-leader-essex-county-council-kevin-bentley-future-county/https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/19288917.essex-county-council-elections-kevin-bentley-set-lead-council/ Kevin Bentley  on ECC website - https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/cllr-kevin-bentley-outlines-his-ambitions-for-essex-as-he-officially-takes Kevin Bentley says that, if you're building lots of new homes you have to make sure the infrastru... The SWF Town Council's position on Infrastructure - then and now 5 full https://woodham-infrastructure-group.podomatic.com/entry/2021-10-11T13_53_22-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-10-11T13_53_22-07_00 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 20:53:22 +0000 2021-10-11 2021-10-11 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-10-11T13_53_22-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 803 false ARE WE ABOUT TO BE 'THROWN UNDER THE BUS'?The town has understandably been concentrating on the Neighbourhood Plan and what is to become of our fire-station and fire-fighters recently. That's all well and good - these are important issues  - but should we be looking at them in context. Where do they fit into the grand plan? The Town Council hasn't been clear about this.This wasn't always the case. For example, earlier this year at a Chelmsford Policy Board meeting, after mentioning that "traffic" had been getting attention, Bob Massey said:  "I think we should take this beyond traffic and include the school and include the flooding. Because if those three areas are not fully covered then I'm afraid you're throwing the residents of South Woodham under the bus."THE HIGHWAYS DEBACLE. There is major widespread concern about a road system that many feel is already inadequate - and which is due to be made a whole lot worse. In his article for a recent issue of Focus, the Mayor wrote: "Your Town Council supported the downgrading of the Burnham Road to a 40mph one." What he doesn't say is what will happen to all the additional traffic that developments here and elsewhere will engender when the B1012 is demoted to an urban street complete with half a dozen pedestrian crossings and extra roundabouts ... something that the previous Mayor has highlighted in the past. Winding the clock back, the Council's initial response was very encouraging – take, for example, its Response to Stage 2 Masterplan Consultation for Site 10 - Land North of South Woodham Ferrers. Here's a quote: "The Town Council finds the plan lacking in a cohesive road transport plan that takes into account all the factors that are likely to cause ingress and egress traffic congestion through the Local Plan time period until 2036." The former Mayor, Bob Massey, whose opinions (which were in accord with Response to the Masterplan), features in this podcast as a good deal of what lead up to the point we have now reached transpired during his period in office.In the Oct 1 issue of Focus Bob Massey (whose opinions as expressed in this podcast appeared to be in accord with Response to the Masterplan) comes at this from another angle. He says: " the Neighbourhood Plan will not influence Essex County Council’s highways plans, including the mythical ‘Northern Bypass.’ It may come as news to him but we already have a northern bypass - the B1012 Burnham Rd. If you talk to John Frankland, the 'architect of SWF' you'll be told that the B1012 was moved northwards at the time the new town was in its infancy to prevent it being split into two by a busy road.  The fact that the Council resolutely refuses to say what it wants and merely contents itself with trying to pick holes in what others suggest creates a vacuum; one which others will inevitably be filled with the half backed plans dreamt up by G. K. Chesterton's rolling English drunkard ... plans which will disadvantage SWF and all those who use the Burnham Rd (B1012/A132) for decades to come. What is needed here is for the Town Council to level with the townsfolk about the current position. If it has changed its position on infrastructure considerations, why has it done so? Are the residents of SWF being thrown under a bus? Where exactly does the Neighbourhood Plan fit bin with all this. It's none of our business how residents vote in the referendum - that's entirely a matter for you. We do ask, however, that, if the Council believes that a 'yes' vote for the Neighbourhood Plan at the referendum will not be taken as acquiescence to the Local Plan and/or the 'Masterplan', (despite the mention of highways issues in the Neighbourhood Plan) it should say so clearly in writing. That will dispel any doubts there may be in the minds of voters - and it will make it more difficult for those who don't have SWF's best interests at heart to make mischief. ARE WE ABOUT TO BE 'THROWN UNDER THE BUS'?The town has understandably been concentrating on the N... BUILDING HOUSES WITHOUT ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS - WHY SOUTH WOODHAM DOESN'T OWE ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ANY FAVOURS. 3 full https://woodham-infrastructure-group.podomatic.com/entry/2021-08-09T02_55_10-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-08-09T02_55_10-07_00 Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:55:10 +0000 2021-08-09 2021-08-09 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-08-09T02_55_10-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 668 false South Woodham Ferrers has, from its inception, been regarded as a milch cow by Essex County Council (ECC). When the New Town was given the go ahead, the land required was compulsorily purchased at a knock-down rate and sold on at an exorbitant price to the various developers involved. ECC made no provision for healthcare which was left to grow up as the Cinderella Service in the wake of the development. It also made sure it was able to continue its ability to milk the local business and practices by retaining ownership of the land in the town centre and charging punitive ground rents.To add insult to injury, around 20 years ago, ECC sold off the freeholds for the town centre businesses plus the GP and dental practices to Asda and SW Investments (a company with no links with South Woodham) having previously given the town centre leaseholders the clear impression that they would be given first option. The first that many knew about this development was seeing an article in a local newspaper. This resulted in funds hemorrhaging from the SWF healthcare budget subsequently. The local businesses also suffered considerable financial losses thereafter because of the spiraling ground rents and the loss in value of the properties in the town centre which resulted. The costs to the town have been estimated at £30 million. This recording of a discussion with one of the key players in the company which benefited from the sale of the town centre leases behind the backs of the leaseholders is a reminder of the shabby way in which the town has been treated by ECC.This may have happened some time ago but, to quote Winston Churchill: “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”                                                                       +++An article by Piers Meyler in the 10 Feb 2021 edition of the Yellow Advertiser appeared under the headline: "COUNTY COUNCIL WOULD SEEK GUARANTEES OVER A SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT." It goes on to say: "Essex County Council (ECC) would need a guarantee on the number of homes it could claim a 50 per cent financial return on before entering an agreement for a major housing development in South Woodham Ferrers." (The link to the complete article is: https://www.yellowad.co.uk/county-council-would-seek-guarantees-over-a-south-woodham-ferrers-housing-development/) If the developer and ECC both have a financial interest in the venture there is an incentive to do this on the cheap in order to maximise the profits for all those with a finger in the pie - and to pay no heed to those who have to live with the consequences for decades to come. This could well mean ignoring the requirement for essential infrastructure improvements.Here's a link to the latest news: https://maldon.nub.news/n/burnham-road-concerns-county-council-refuses-to-commit-to-building-new-south-woodham-ferrers-primary-school-to-cater-for-housing-developmentIn the present economic climate some might take the view that, with regard to the planned developments in Essex, we build the houses first and think about the infrastructure later. Given the way South Woodham has been treated by Essex  County Council in the past, however, trust is in very short supply - so it must not be allowed to do the dirty on us again. Adequate infrastructure improvements MUST be agreed BEFORE work starts on the new developments planned for South Woodham and The Dengie. South Woodham Ferrers has, from its inception, been regarded as a milch cow by Essex County Counc... Colin Baldy & Trevor Fernandes discuss the battle for a 'New St Peter's' in Maldon 2 full https://woodham-infrastructure-group.podomatic.com/entry/2021-07-14T01_59_24-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-07-14T01_59_24-07_00 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 08:59:24 +0000 2021-07-14 2021-07-14 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-07-14T01_59_24-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 375 false Healthcare in Maldon, South Woodham and The Dengie must expand and improve to cope with the sharp rise in population resulting from extensive housing developments.Colin Baldy & Trevor Fernandes discuss the battle that has taken place over the decades to replace St Peter's' Hospital in Maldon (a former workhouse - built in 1873) with a modern state of the art facility.They are suitably diplomatic about what is, not to mince words, a major scandal. Ineptitude and a 'mañana' attitude have resulted in £hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' money being frittered away with precious little to show for it.Is there any prospect of bringing this project to a successful conclusion within a reasonable timescale? If it doesn't happen it won't be for want of trying on the part of patients and their representatives.This is a short audio 'trailer' for a more in-depth discussion. For further details - see the video link below.Video entitled:  Maldon Health Hub - Colin Baldy and Trevor Fernandes discuss how we got to this point.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME8AEQAP4FIExplanation: Local people, like Trevor, have been campaigning for at least 20 years for a replacement facility for St Peter’s Hospital. The hospital is long past its sell-by date and not fit for purpose. It costs around £1 million per year just to keep it standing and cannot provide the services required in 2021. The two existing surgeries in Maldon are already oversubscribed and with the population rising by an extra 4,500 residents, the situation will shortly become critical. Maldon Lib Dems have been campaigning for a modern replacement and Colin will work vigorously to see the campaign to a successful conclusion. Healthcare in Maldon, South Woodham and The Dengie must expand and improve to cope with the sharp... Colin Baldy & Trevor Fernandes discuss the battle for a 'New St Peter's' in Maldon 1 full https://woodham-infrastructure-group.podomatic.com/entry/2021-07-13T16_04_54-07_00 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-07-13T16_04_54-07_00 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 23:04:54 +0000 2023-02-10 2021-07-13 https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/woodham-infrastructure-group/episodes/2021-07-13T16_04_54-07_00 Woodham Infrastructure Group 375 false Healthcare in Maldon, South Woodham and The Dengie must expand and improve to cope with the sharp rise in population resulting from extensive housing developments.Colin Baldy & Trevor Fernandes discuss the battle that has taken place over the decades to replace St Peter's' Hospital in Maldon (a former workhouse - built in 1873) with a modern state of the art facility.They are suitably diplomatic about what is, not to mince words, a major scandal. Ineptitude and a 'mañana' attitude have resulted in £hundreds of thousands of taxpayers' money being frittered away with precious little to show for it. Is there any prospect of bringing this project to a successful conclusion within a reasonable timescale? If it doesn't happen it won't be for want of trying on the part of patients and their representatives.This is a short audio 'trailer' for a more in-depth discussion. For further details - see the video link below. Video entitled:  Maldon Health Hub - Colin Baldy and Trevor Fernandes discuss how we got to this point.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME8AEQAP4FIExplanation: Local people, like Trevor, have been campaigning for at least 20 years for a replacement facility for St Peter’s Hospital. The hospital is long past its sell-by date and not fit for purpose. It costs around £1 million per year just to keep it standing and cannot provide the services required in 2021. The two existing surgeries in Maldon are already oversubscribed and with the population rising by an extra 4,500 residents, the situation will shortly become critical. Maldon Lib Dems have been campaigning for a modern replacement and Colin will work vigorously to see the campaign to a successful conclusion. Healthcare in Maldon, South Woodham and The Dengie must expand and improve to cope with the sharp...