The Association would wish, in due course, to publish its agreed Minutes on this site but, initially, to establish the need, interested Members are asked to apply to The Secretary. Frinton Residents' Association, PO Box 10, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex CO13 9WZ. Copies will be posted out to them.

Frinton 21

1. Introduction

During the latter half of 2005 and early 2006, the Association’s Committee considered the production of a strategy paper to guide its discussions and actions over the short and middle terms. An outline paper was introduced to Members by virtue of discussion at the October General Meeting and concurrent coverage in the Association’s newsletter.

2. Information

2.1 Frinton’s Key Features.

Frinton’s key features can be listed as its fine, safe beach and promenade, with the associated greensward and generous car parking; its railway connection; The Avenues conservation area and Connaught Avenue. All these create together a pleasant ambience with a yet persistent Edwardian air. And all these require proper maintenance to conserve them properly.

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 can be unique to Frinton It is part of the population conundrum confronting the South-East of England. Perhaps the real threat is that Frinton, unlike other places, is ignoring that threat.

3. Discussion

3.1 The aim of the Association is to work through Frinton’s duly elected councillors by virtue of presenting valid, measured details of local problems for their considered action. It also seeks to present any proposals as part of a coherent, incremental and sustainable plan, in addition to the inevitable short term problems which must arise in any community.. In this, the Association seeks to work with as many other voluntary groupings within Frinton as possible eg Friends of Frinton Theatre, The Heritage Group, The Chamber of Commerce, The Beach Hut Owners Association, The Cricket, Golf and Tennis Clubs. In many ways, the Association would wish to keep alive the spirit and impetus of the Frinton Environmental Action Committee (FEAC 1994 - 2002).

3.2 FEAC was an extraordinary and very successful initiative by local, committed people to define and to promote the key features of Frinton over five main areas. Their main disappointment was the failure to halt the slide in the appearance of Connaught Avenue. An Association aim must be to pick up that particular banner.

3.3 A review of current topics can produce over 30 items and the mechanism chosen for this paper is to list them as an appendix. This should allow items to be grouped logically, to be accorded some level of priority and to be progressed by cross reference to supporting papers.

3.4 Topics vary enormously in complexity. Some are very straightforward and only require one committed Committee Member, or active Association Member, to monitor the situation and inform the appropriate Councillor, or indeed, the Town Council either directly or, preferably, via the Association’s Secretary and using the Association’s address. Action here can be almost immediate. Other topics require measurement and outline costing within a more closely argued case.

3.5 Finally, there is the need to remember that there are two Frintons viz., a Summer Frinton of some 6 - 8 weeks where the day-time population can double and the other, more tranquil Frinton which residents inhabit for the other 44 - 46 weeks.

4. Acknowledgements

As stated earlier, there has been a wide imput to this paper but the contributions of Len Brooks and of Richard Fletcher must be particularly noted.

Appendix

Topics have been identified by discussion within and outside Committee and are grouped mainly by geographical area. They are coded to indicate the level of support given by Committee viz.

1. Supported by the Committee.
2. Partially supported by the Committee.
3. Opposed by the Committee.
4. Noted

Where an issue is shown coded as 1, then a formal case will be prepared for presentation to the appropriate authority and progress will be tracked.

1. The Beach, Promenade and Esplanade.

a. Support for lighting and CCTV on beach access paths eg Holland-on-Sea. (3)
b. Refurbishment of promenade toilets. (1)
c. Installation of cold showers by existing water tap points. (2)
d. Programmed resurfacing of promenade. (1) (Frinton Beach Hut Owners’ Association (FBHOA} to liase with FRA. on items b, c, and d.)
e. Support for cycle path on greensward to seaward side. (4)
f. Support for proper display and enforcement of bye-laws. (1)
g. Support for improved training and supervision of seasonal staff. (1)
h. Opposition to metered parking on the Esplanade. (1)
i. Maintenance of the “herring bone” parking system along the Esplanade. (1) (The FRA view on item i. must be made known to Essex CC.)
j. Encouragement of regular mowing. (1) Also see Environment Section.

2. The Railway Station and its Gates.

a. Emphasis on importance of good station maintenance, security and operation. (1)
b. Pursuit of improved pedestrian gates at crossing. (4)
c. Opposition to automated crossing gates unless service to Walton is threatened. (1)

3. Connaught Avenue.

a. Promotion of repaving programme. (1) Also see Environment Section.
b. Promotion of traffic throats to slow traffic and assist pedestrians crossing. (1)
c. Enforcement of bye-laws on pavement selling pavements. (2)
d. Enforcement of ban on pavement “A” boards. (2)
d. Enforcement of bye-laws on delivery vehicles. (1)
e. Maintenance and promotion of the ratio of A1 (Retail) to A2 (Office) premises. (2)
f. Cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce to promote vigour of the Avenue. (1)

4. Traffic.

a. Promotion of a 20 mph speed limit within all or part of Connaught Avenue. (2)
b. Restriction of throat into Upper 4th Ave. from Ashlyn’s Road. (2)
c. Pursuit of a pedestrian-priority route from the station to the greensward. (4)
d. Pursuit of a pedestrian-priority route from Connaught Avenue to both Frinton schools.(4)

5. Environment.

a. Maintenance footpaths, cycle paths and bridle paths out of Frinton. (1)
b. Action against building skips parked upon grass verges or unlit on the streets. (1)
c. Encouragement of regular mowing of verges. (1)
d. Rationalisation of flower bed maintenance. (1)
e. Action against neglected houses, gardens. (1)
f. Promotion of a replacement programme for dead, diseased, vandalised trees. (1)
g. Encouragement of prompt reporting of low level crime. (1)
h. Promotion of garden waste refuse collection. (1)

February 2006