For some 40 years, I have advised either local councils or Essex County Council of various defects around Castle Point, such as street lamp failures, flyposting and tipping, gully cleansing, road and pothole repairs, street nameplates which needed repair or replacement and other forms of vandalism, many of which have been in the Link Road area of Canvey.
On the day the Big Lottery funding was announced for the Link Road area, I noticed early in the day the street nameplate for Second Avenue was hanging by the last rivet from its frame Later in the day, a photo was taken of residents, councillors and Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris standing behind the name frame, while another person supported the nameplate, which had been torn from the frame.
Residents have been asked how this sum of money should be spent, with some seeking their own police force, others wanting CCTV to spot the drug dealers.
Others want trees, shrubs and gardens, which all provide ideal material for vandals.
Perhaps this could be put to a vote to spend some of the money on street nameplate replacement. There are four other nameplates in the area needing replacement.
The reason for their destruction can be put down to either vandalism or being hit by a vehicle.
B C Keeler
Greenwood Avenue
Benfleet
...The proposal that a £1million lottery grant to Canvey and Pitsea could be used to improve policing in these areas has many shortcomings.
Even if the whole amount was used for this purpose, it is only a one-off grant and not an annual allowance.
Round-the-clock policing for these areas would need in excess of 30 officers. To supply them, Essex Police would need to increase numbers, which they could be unwilling to do as the lottery funding would not last more than two years, leaving the force with surplus officers.
To hire private security staff as wardens would not be highly effective, as they would have limited powers in dealing with public disorder.
Perhaps a better solution would be to use the grant for facilities to give the youths interests which would keep them off the streets.
W H Diment
Church Road
Laindon
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