Frinton Residents' Association - About Our Town

Frinton-on-Sea

1. Introduction

Frinton is a residential town situated by the sea. As such we welcome summer visitors, but this means that there are two Frintons: a Summer Frinton of some 6-8 weeks where the day-time population can double and another, more tranquil Frinton which residents inhabit for the other 44-46 weeks of the year. A railway line runs through the middle of our town, and a level crossing has to be negotiated in order to visit the town centre or the seafront.

2. Information

2.1 Frinton's Key Features

On the seaward side of the level crossing, Frinton's key features can be listed as its fine, safe beach and promenade, with the associated greensward and generous free car parking; its conservation areas; The Avenues; period properties at one end of The Esplanade and Art Deco buildings at the other; and the town centre located around Connaught Avenue where some traditional shops can still be found. Together they create a pleasant ambience with a yet persistent air of past times, but to ensure this environment is maintained and conserved, proper maintenance is required.

On the other side of the level crossing, the key features are smart, modern housing developments, the Triangle Centre which includes a pedestrianized shopping precinct, the Town Hall, a Community Centre, the Council Offices and plenty of parking.

Frinton benefits from its railway connection meaning that the centre of London is only approximately an hour and a half away.

2.2 The Threat to Frinton

The threat to Frinton arises from expansion in size and population, increasing housing densities, and vastly increased car ownership and usage. None of this is unique to Frinton. It is part of the population conundrum confronting the South-East of England. However, in Frinton the Residents' Association is working towards ensuring that these threats have minimal impact on the environment.

2.3 The History of Frinton

A brief report on the town's history has been compiled by local historian, David Foster. To read click here.

2.4 Local Facilities

2.4.1 Shops

A wide selection of retail outlets, together with Banks, Building Societies and offices offering professional services, can be found around Connaught Avenue and within The Triangle Centre. We have several cafes and restaurants, and quite new innovations for Frinton are a pub, a fish and chip shop, and a betting office on the seaward side of the level crossing.

2.4.2 Schools and Colleges

There are three primary schools in Frinton-on-Sea: St Philomena's Preparatory School in Hadleigh Road, Frinton-on-Sea Primary School in Fifth Avenue, and Hamford Primary School in Elmtree Avenue. In addition, older students can attend Tendring Technology College situated in Rochford Way.

2.4.3 Health Care

We have several doctors' surgeries and a clinic base for district nursing and the children's services teams, together with a choice of dentists, opticians and other health care practitioners. For a fuller report on services available in the area click here.

2.4.4 Transport

As mentioned previously, there is a good railway connection provided by National Express East Anglia and we also have a bus service which can convey people to Walton-on-the-Naze, Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester via local villages, plus local taxis are available. Bus timetables are sometimes available from Smiths Newsagent in Connaught Avenue or they can be found on Traveline. There is also a Frinton and Walton Community Minibus Service.

2.4.5 Emergency Services

Fire and Ambulance stations are situated on the seaward side of the level crossing.

2.4.6 Clubs and Associations

In addition to the Frinton Residents' Association, there are many other clubs, groups and associations in the area, ie The Friends of Frinton Theatre, The Association of Frinton Beach Hut Owners, The Heritage Trust, the Frinton & Walton Bowls Club, the Cricket Club, the Frinton Golf Club, the Frinton Lawn Tennis Club, the Frinton Watercraft Club, the Frinton & Walton Youth Football Club, the Frinton War Memorial Association, and a Rotary Club, plus the Frinton in Bloom group, the McGrigor Hall Committee, the Frinton Community Centre and the Frinton Chamber of Commerce.

2.4.7 Places of Worship

Frinton has a wide variety of places of worship including: Frinton Free Church, Frinton Gospel Chapel, the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart and St Francis, the Christian Science Society, St Mary's Parish Church, the Frinton Methodist Church and services are still held in the Old Parish Church of St Mary which is one of the smallest churches in the country.

2.4.8 Entertainment

In the Summer, entertainment is provided by The Frinton Summer Theatre, The Saxon Players, and usually during August the Frinton Mission have a tent on the Greensward, whilst throughout the year events take place at the various clubs and other venues.

2.4.9 Places to Visit

Apart from the beach, the greensward and the beautiful public gardens along the Esplanade, there is The Heritage Garden and Museum by the station and the original Parish Church at the opposite end of Connaught Avenue. The Frinton and Walton Indoor Swimming Pool is situated near the Columbine Centre on the seafront in Walton and there is also a pier in Walton which is only a short walk along the seafront from Frinton.

2.5 Local News

The local newspaper is the Frinton & Walton Gazette. Alternatively, the Tendring Talking Times is a weekly newspaper on tape or CD which is available free of charge to all blind and partially-sighted people in the locality. The Secretary/organiser is Mrs Barbara Thomson (Tel: 01255 423113) or they can be contacted by email.

2.6 Crime

Apparently, reported crime in this area is falling and Frinton-on-Sea is one of the safest places in the country. However, everyone should remain vigilant with regard to bogus callers and pickpockets, avoid providing ways in for opportunist burglars by not leaving windows open when you are out, or even opportunities for people to walk in unseen when you are at home. In other areas, pickpockets have targeted charity shops and taken things from bags of those who are browsing which proves that nowhere is completely safe.

If you do want to report an incident, there are PCSOs patrolling constantly and they can be contacted on 07850 631017. Nevertheless, if it is a serious crime always ring 999 immediately. Anti social behaviour can be reported on 0845 6052222.