I am a great believer in the importance of open spaces and wildlife conservation. In Great Wakering we are blessed with a fantastic areas of countryside, sea walls, parks and of course, our Common.
However these areas are gradually being chipped away at. The Recreation Ground ("Rec") is a disgrace, with uncut grass, litter, dog mess and anti-social behaviour becoming the norm.
Essex Highways have a schedule of maintenance for footpaths, but most are only cleared very occasionally, or at the wrong end of the year.
And our own Parish Council let the lease lapse on the Common last year, after many years of neglect.
I have been campaigning against litter, fly tipping and dog mess for many years. I have personally been involved in the removal of fly tipping and regularly volunteer for litter picks. I also help to keep footpaths clear and have recently strimmed and cleared footpaths 8, 11 and 15.
In September 2017 I helped to form the charity "Friends of Wakering Common" and as a trustee I have been involved in the removal of rubbish; re-establishment of paths including a new woodland path; planting of bluebells, gorse hedging and daffodils; ditch clearance and bridge building; wildlife conservation; establishment of meadows; and general landscaping and maintenance. Since we restored the Common, it has become the jewel in Wakering's crown and is now heavily used by parishioners, both young and old.
I believe the Parish Council should be heavily involved in schemes like this, but they have done nothing but distance themselves.
