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Newsletter Autumn 2005 In August of this year I left Manor Terrace for pastures new; Trimley in fact! Having lived in that part of town for morIe years than I care to remember I shall of course always be interested in what is happening there. My recent move means standing down as Chairman of the West End of Felixstowe (SOUTH) Residents Association and I would not like to bow out without thanking members and past and present Committee members for their support since the formation of WEFRA almost twelve years ago. My telephone number remains the same and I shall be pleased to help whoever decides to take up the reins. Time has proved that forming a Residents Association in 1994 was definitely NOT a mistake! At that time some elected representatives were unapproachable and unhelpful towards those with concerns or grievances. At that time residents became known to them as “whingers” and “troublemakers.” We were left with no alternative but to form ourselves into a determined body of people intent upon being heard. Since 1974 and the introduction of district councils our once clean and pleasant area had become run down and neglected. There was a marked difference in the way in which the former Felixstowe Urban District Council cared for the town and the way in which District Councils worked. As landmarks and open spaces began to disappear so too did a good quality.of life. WEFRA was formed when it was feared a jet ski launch site was destined to be built close to homes in Orford Road and Tacon Court, with the Herman de Stern housing club and shower rooms. This was a vigorous, long-lasting campaign. At about the same time we spoke out about Sunday Market traffic congestion and the mess left behind by market traders. The end result was a courtesy car park, with traders ensuring they cleared the market site of rubbish before leaving the area. Numerous problems were highlighted and brought to the attention of Town, District and County Councillors, and to the local constabulary. They included early hours of the morning noise, rowdyism and vandalism carried on by those leaving local night clubs. It was some time before the situation was eased, thanks to the co-operation of Town and County Councils, the Police, and night club owners. We protested (through newsletters and the media) against the urinating in streets, gardens, and shop doorways. The practice has all but ceased since the introduction of new laws and fines. We next targeted litter-louts and unswept streets and through newsletters sent out helpful information including telephone numbers of various departmental heads based at Suffolk Coastal District Council. Some were more co-operative than others. Open meetings were organised for the purpose of enabling residents to question local councillors if it was felt the latter were being too complacent over certain issues and that they were not listening to people who relied upon them to protect their interests and their quality of life. In addition I represented residents at Town and District Council meetings held at Felixstowe and at Woodbridge, including South Sea Front Land Forums.I think it is obvious from the above that WEFRA was interested in the area as a whole and not just in south sea front land as rumoured by armchair critics. More recently we supported residents in their complaints about boy racers using Sea Road and side-roads as race tracks, so that now offenders run the risk of having their vehicles, or their parents vehicles, impounded. Unfortunately some “racers” have moved from the sea front area to the car park at the top end of Manor Terrace; it would be nice to see a police presence in that area between the hours of 11.00pm and 1.00am. There were failures as well as successes, but at least we tried. It would be a pity to lose valuable ground and contact with helpful people by abandoning the idea of a West End of Felixstowe(South) Residents Association in the mistaken belief that such a group is no longer necessary. If, as is feared, local democracy is on the wane then it makes sense for local folk to gather together with like-minded people and groups from other parts of the town and surrounding area. I hope someone will come forward to once again set WEFRA on a fair course. Doreen Rayner, former Chairman, West End of Felixstowe(South)Residents Association. |
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