Forum - Essex Herts MTB
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Finances for Hadleigh
http://www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk/mountain-bike-chat/finances-for-hadleigh-t4696-30.html
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Author:  chatman [ Tue Oct 08, 2013 1:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Finances for Hadleigh

From what I have herd it will be mostly all kept and routes changed to push you towards easier route, and you have to make the detour onto the harder part.. So no "I didn’t see it coming up" type conversation whilst in the air ambulance" so all have to make conscious decision to use harder part.

Still think Essex CC will put some extortionate parking fee on there as they are rubbish at accountancy and money matters.. (IMHO)

Author:  unityjon [ Tue Nov 26, 2013 11:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Finances for Hadleigh

Cant remember which 'hadleigh' thread is current, perhaps it needs a sticky ? but the benfleet downs preservation society launched another whinge off at the council about the state of the place since they moved heavy machinery in, this is the reply

Quote:
"Firstly the Hadleigh Legacy Project would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the current works taking place within the Country Park.

In October contractors Hugh Pearl began construction work to improve and enhance existing trails to make them suitable for use all year round. They also started to create some of the new network of trails which will cater for different uses and abilities. The project is running on time and on budget and has the full capital funds it needs to be completed. The public will be able to access the full range of paths at Hadleigh Country Park from summer 2014. The final completion of all works, including the ‘Hub’ and Hadleigh Farm, the former Olympic Mountain Bike trails, is scheduled for Easter 2015.

Ultimately the work is being done to improve access for a wider range of users including walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers, runners and horse riders. The trail network will include the adapted Olympic Mountain Bike course, which will connect to the Country Park and the wider area by the network of multi-user trails for walkers, cyclists and other users.

New walking trails with interpretation panels, enhanced horse riding trails and cross-country running trails will also be provided within the Country Park. The improved trail network also includes enhancements to walking and cycling access between Benfleet and Leigh-on-Sea stations.

We are following a comprehensive Wildlife Protection Plan and Ecological Management Plan to manage user conflicts and protect sensitive environmental features from harm. Both plans have been approved by Natural England, who was also a key partner with Essex County Council when designing the Grasslands project. In addition we have an independent Ecological Clerk of Works onsite to ensure the works are carried out to the specification in the plans.

The new trail surfaces will take a few months to settle into the natural environment. The trail borders, which currently appear rather muddy, are being left to go to seed naturally in line with the ecological and protection plans, and the progression of the Grasslands Project to further develop the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status of the area.

In addition to this, to limit the impact of plant machinery working across the site we have been working closely with the contractors and Country Park Rangers to contain plant movement by using just one main access route through the Park. We are aware that recent weather conditions have led to an increase in mud on the access route and some of the trails but we hope that residents will understand that we are doing as much to mitigate this as possible.

In order to complete the works safely and efficiently, it has been necessary to temporarily close some pathways and establish diversions. We appreciate this may be disruptive for Park users and will therefore post regular updates on Country Park noticeboards showing where current closures and diversions are located, so that park users can alter their route if needed. "


all paid for and on track, albeit a bit slow progress....

Author:  andydd [ Tue Nov 26, 2013 11:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Finances for Hadleigh

I expect to see some BDPS members with "Down with this sort of thing" placards :)

Author:  unityjon [ Tue Dec 17, 2013 3:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Finances for Hadleigh

Well BDPS are stil at it but it looks like even the councilors are giving them the gas face, on the plus side Geoff tells me there's a nice 3ft drop thats been made because of the works, just need to move a plastic fence that blocks it, anyways here's the whinge.....

Quote:
Three emails have now been sent to our esteemed councillors and I await a satisfactory response.

26 November 2013
Dear Councillor Finch.
Many thanks for your swift response to my email of 21 November 2013.
I would like to comment that work commenced in September, not October and that far from enhancing existing trails, the contractors have totally ruined them.
I trust you are seeking enormous amounts of compensation for this disruption?
You are correct in stating that recent weather conditions have led to an increase in mud, but we are now in winter and conditions are only going to deteriorate further.
I am also highly pleased that the scheme is on budget and taxpayers money continues to be poured into a scheme that nobody asked for or wants, instead of preventing essential services from being maintained (Deanes School for example), but when are funds going to be spent on repairing the damage that has been done to the Downs to make it usable by walkers and runners, before someone sustains a serious accident?
This is the true legacy of the Olympics.
It is disappointing that none of the other main addressees have bothered to respond or offer support to their constituents and no one has taken up my offer to witness first-hand the abortion that is currently referred to as Benfleet Downs, part of Hadleigh Country Park.
The offer still stands.
Regards

3 December 2013
Ladies & gentlemen,
Obviously too much to expect a response from any of the 7 main addressees during the last week.
UKIP were evidently expanding their presence in the region according to the recent ECHO article. They would probably get more support if they bothered to respond to constituents’ communications.
Despite extensive objection to the work on Benfleet Downs and the way it was concealed within the Hadleigh Farm plans, work has gone ahead and the devastation virtually complete.
If any of the silent main addressees could answer:
1. Why has it been necessary to destroy acres of countryside adjoining the mountain bike trails?
2. Where was this covered in the plans?
3. Whilst it may possibly be considered reasonable to remove some of the excess scrub, please advise why it has been necessary to chop hundreds of well established trees that were not obstructing the development.
4. Although you claim to be on budget for the construction work, please advise the annual budget to maintain these tracks going forward.
I look forward to your response(s) in due course.
Regards

17 December 2013
Dear Councillors Finch, Goodwin, Stanley, Smith & Mr Anderson,
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas, but there seems little point as clearly none of you are in existence, as I am sure you would have had the courtesy to respond to my two previous emails below – going back to 26 November.
(Goodwin, Stanley and Smith – I have been trying to get a response from you for well over a year. Do you actually exist or are you like Father Christmas but without any good cheer?)
Conservatives amongst you will be delighted to know that Mr Huntman for UKIP did respond.
I would like to point out that following last night’s light rainfall, erosion of the tracks already installed has taken place. Will the cost of repair be included in your budget or will you simply let it fall into further disrepair as in the example set by other tracks?
In the meantime, if any of you could possibly spare a moment from your busy festive activities to respond to this point as well as the four listed below, I am sure the residents of South Benfleet, whom you still fail to consult with, will be delighted to hear your answers.
Regards

Author:  andydd [ Tue Dec 17, 2013 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Finances for Hadleigh

He's a happy bunny isn't he !..The councilors are prob sick of his endless emails and have better things to do than respond to each one.

None of the emails are asking serious questions, they are from an individual (Its unclear how much support he genuinely does have) who clearly has made up his mind about the downs/cycle track and isn't going to change instead he is continually going to moan and moan, the plans were decided long ago and they won't be stopped now and will eventually be enjoyed by many thousands, surely the aim of the Olympics legacy.

Author:  Geoff43 [ Tue Dec 17, 2013 8:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Finances for Hadleigh

Wish whoever writing these emails would just bore offf

Author:  chatman [ Tue Dec 17, 2013 9:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Finances for Hadleigh

Geoff43 wrote:
Wish whoever writing these emails would just bore offf

Unfortunately Geoff I think they will keep on going as nothing better to do... Always opposed the MTB track from the off they have....

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