THE inaugural meeting of Stanford-le-Hope's new forum discussed a wide range of topics on Monday evening (17 February) and, if the low numbers of residents attending was disappointing, the optimism of the forum going forwards remained undaunted.

Topics at the meeting at East Thurrock Community Association included the town's railway station development, the application to create a new quarry on green belt land close to Stanford, parking issues in the town and the proposals to celebrate Christmas in the community.

The meeting was led by John Weekes of the East Thurrock Community Association, who has accepted the challenge of being the forum's chair and he was assisted at the top table by secretary and treasurer Fiona McLoughlin and Thurrock Association of Forums member Kim Towlson.

Just ten local residents, including Stanford West ward councillor Terry Piccolo, attended the meeting, but from their ranks Jacqui Mann and Lin Swords stepped forward to join the new committee, while businessman Blair Lloyd-Warne and the remaining Hope committee member James Bayford pledged their support going forwards.

Mr Bayford told the meeting that the future of the town's 'Hope Committee', which has been responsible for a number of community initiatives, was in doubt but if it folded he said its assets, which include the town's Christmas lights, would pass to the forum and he gave a prersonal commitment to work with the forum.

Mr Lloyd-Warne, on hearing that the issue of public liability might be an issue with the transfer of responsibility for the lights and the town's Christmas tree - annually donated by Wharf Timber - to the forum, committed to pay any insurance costs.

Other items on the agenda were problems including the long-running saga of the town's Sandpits car park and parking permits, with the forum agreeing to try and open constructive dialogue with Thurrock Council over issues - and possible long term developments. A petition opposing the current Sandpits development was highlighted by Cllr Piccolo. The petition can be accessed via the red information link below.

The impending impact of a quarry development to the south of Stanford was discussed and those present at the meeting were pleased to hear that opinions on it will be accepted by Thurrock Council until the end of April. You can submit your opinion via https://consult.thurrock.gov.uk/Orsett-Quarry-Petition