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HERBERT Grove is a peaceful backwater in the centre of Southend, where residents have a strong sense of community.
The row of terraced properties facing Seaway car park, with the graveyard of St John's Church behind, is surprisingly quiet, considering how close it is to the nighclubs of Lucy Road and the amusement arcades in Marine Parade.
A mixture of owner-occupied and rented homes, together with two successful guest houses, some residents bought their homes as an ideal retirement property.
From the first floor windows, there are spectacular views of the estuary across the rooftops of Marine Parade.
But this idyllic scene was rudely shattered last summer, when it emerged the properties could be bulldozed to the ground at some indeterminate time in the future.
Normally, one would have expected the residents to have been consulted or at least given some advance warning that there could be proposals ahead.
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However, as it was, they only found out by accident when the town centre regeneration masterplan was unveiled by Renaissance Southend at an exhibition in the Royals.
Herbert Grove was right in the centre of the St John's Quarter redevelopment to be built on the Tylers Avenue and Seaway car parks.
It was to be a new area of shops, restaurants and homes, together with entertainment venues and improved access between the town centre and the seafront.
Despite the plan being thrust on residents, Renaissance Southend has been at pains to point out all they are putting forward are plans, and that the final say is with Southend Council.
Chief executive Mike Lam-bert said: "We have been charged with bringing foward a plan for the town centre, which we have done.
"The final decision on whether or not to go ahead rests with Southend Council and this is what I have been saying to the residents."
However, it was Southend Council that has really angered the residents with comments made at a cabinet meeting earlier this year.
The council already owned the Rossi ice cream factory, on the corner of Lucy Road, and the house next door - the only derelict property in the whole road.
Now they have also acquired the Elizabeth Guest House at the other end of the road.
Borough treasurer Martin Hone, recommending the purchase, said it was the intention in the long or medium term to demolish the properties for redevelopment.
Now, Herbert Grove residents feel that they cannot sell their properties or are in danger of losing their homes at any time.
Detailed plans for the St John's Quarter include developing the Tylers Avenue and Seaway car parks with a shopping centre, town square and boulevard leading to the seafront.
I fear a huge rent increase
MARTYN Wood, a 45-year-old single father, rents the ground floor flat where he lives with son Tom, 15, pictured with him, and daughter Katherine, 17.
He has lived in Herbert Grove for ten years and is worried if he is forced to move, he will be faced with a massive increase in rent.
Martyn, a carpenter and joiner, said: "It is difficult when you are bringing up two children and extra rent would make it almost impossible for us.
"It almost feels as if we are just being forced out without having any say ourselves as to what will happen.
"The children love it here as it so near the centre of town and all the amenities."
Katherine, a trainee hairdresser, is waiting to be 18 so she can visit Talk nightclub only a few yards away.
Martin said: "Lots of parents get worried about how their children will get home from Talk and the other clubs, but from here it only takes a couple of minutes."
This flat was dream home
LISE Hodgson, 66, bought her first floor flat less than two years ago as her dream home for retirement.
She said: "The searches at the time showed up nothing about any plans for redevelopment in this area or else obviously I wouldn't have bought it.
"I moved from a flat in Romford to come to Southend because I missed the sea, having lived most of my life near the coast. I looked at other properties but I just fell in love with this flat and the view from the front window across the estuary."
Lise, who still works as a secretary, said: "Now the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning is this threat of a compulsory purchase and finishing up with nowhere to go.
"I just hope those who put forward these plans and make the decisions realise just what they are doing to us."
Delay has left us all in limbo
RETIRED accountant Steve Tomlin is spokesman for the Herbert Grove residents and has led the opposition to the scheme.
Steve, who is disabled, bought his house with a view to carrying out a conversion so that he can have a full-time carer when his disabilities become serious.
He said: "Everyone here is feeling very bitter and angry about the situation. We have been absolutely left in limbo.
"The general feeling is nothing is actually going to happen with the St John's Quarter for the next ten years. We are still determined to stop it ever happening so we can carry on with our lives here."
Posted by: rob atkins, leigh on 10:52pm Sat 10 May 08
Blimey you don't honestly think either the council or reaisance give to hoots about you do you your just a number not a person and if need be they'll build round you so you don't interfere with there back handers and back scratching each other.
Besides they probably wont be in power in 10 years time the BNP will stop the rot in Southend.
Blimey you don't honestly think either the council or reaisance give to hoots about you do you your just a number not a person and if need be they'll build round you so you don't interfere with there back handers and back scratching each other.
Besides they probably wont be in power in 10 years time the BNP will stop the rot in Southend.
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