The Trashing of the Roach Valley Way

Calls to Rochford District Council to prevent the worsening Environmental blight alongside the River Roach are not being taken seriously.  We want residents, users of the 23 mile Roach Valley Way route and all those who care about the Environment to be aware of what's happening.

Most importantly, we want the Roach Valley Way to be a source of pride and enjoyment for all and protected for future generations.

Watts Lane 1932 (Hubert George Allnutt 1886 -1960)

This picture, unrecognizable today, is where many people begin the 23 mile Roach Valley Way at Watts Lane, near the Horse and Groom Pub in Rochford. If you're unfamiliar with the location please see link here The AA recommended "Peculiar People" walk 

It doesn't really require much imagination to guess what the Painter's reaction would be if he was still around to visit the area in 2016.

The photos below were taken along the stretch of The Roach Valley path running alongside Purdeys Industrial Estate and clearly show the rubbish and waste that continues to accumulate. Some of the waste is believed to contain ASBESTOS and through the dogged and determined efforts of a nearby Resident, the Council has agreed to clear the offending material only.  It is a small victory but we need the Council to take action to throroughly clear the path and prevent the problem recurring going forward.  

Essex Wildlife has confirmed that the Roach is incorporated into the Marine Conservation Zone and is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation, one of the highest environmental designations available for a coastal area. So why is the Council seemingly so apathetic in protecting this area? We know that pollution has been a problem along the Roach in the past year  Roach Pollution  Admittedly it is a challenging location to protect with the Industrial Estate bearing down on the River with its towering waste recycling, car scrapage and other noisy, messy operations.  The Council may point to a number of litter picking exercises that have taken place over the years - both voluntary (by local residents) and involuntary (community "payback" teams have been involved) but, whilst welcome, they will never properly address the source of the problem.

Waste running into Roach

Rubbish and Waste on Roach Valley Way

Flooding

Remains of Stambridge Mill adjacent to the Roach

Industrial Waste alongside the Roach

We urge you to take a walk to see the extent of the problem for yourself.  If you can ignore all the rubbish and waste it's a good time of year to vist.  Trees are blossoming and wildlife is breeding. Watch out for the Ducks and Swan activity near the Mill as they continue life as normal ignoring the shopping trolley and other discarded waste in the River.

And if what you see annoys you, please let the Council's Environmental Health know Rochford District Council Report Fly Tipping.