GREAT WAKERING residents have come together to discuss the future of their village in a community engagement event.

Issues including schools and healthcare centres, broadband coverage and traffic congestion were discussed during the interactive session with Rochford District Council looking to help shape the local plan- a document which will set the strategy for the future development of the District beyond 2025 .

Residents spoke directly to planning policy officers and councillor responsible for planning Ian Ward, about their concerns.

Officers explained that although Rochford District Council may not be directly responsible for these areas, they do liaise with partners including the education authority, healthcare providers and the Highways Authority as part of the planning process.

This workshop follows on from five other successful events held in Canewdon, Rochford, Ashingdon, Hockley and Hullbridge.

The sessions all involve a presentation, an opportunity to take officers on a ‘walkabout’ of the area to identify issues, and an interactive map session designed to draw out solutions.

Tory councillor Ian Ward said: “This has been yet another successful workshop, where we have had some very positive participation from the residents of Great Wakering, who have raised issues which we will look at carefully.

"Already from this session we have come up with some solutions which we will be looking to put into practice, thus making a huge difference to the lives of the people who live here.”