Stock Parish Council has issued an update for villagers and local businesses on a number of topics following the Council’s latest meeting.
Regarding the potential introduction of parking restrictions at dangerous junctions in Stock village, the Parish Council intends to review the situation following the withdrawal of a proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) due to objections in 2025.
The Parish Council is working with Essex County Council and Essex Police with a view to carrying out a Safety Audit of the village. The Parish Council will also consult with villagers, the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) and other stakeholders before any fresh restrictions are applied for.
The Parish Council also continues to pursue Essex Highways regarding Local Highways Panel (LHP) applications made in November 2023.
These LHP applications were for the installation of average speed cameras in Stock Road/B1007, the reduction of speed limits on the High Street/B1007, Downham Road and other roads in the village, improvements to the pedestrian crossing between The Square and Budgens and the moving of the Billericay-bound bus stop on Stock Hill, all of which were initially rejected by Essex Highways.
The Community Speed Watch team led by Cllr Mark Rolph continue to monitor traffic through the village and report their findings to the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP).
On a more positive note, Essex Highways have informed us that major repairs to the pavements in the High Street will be carried out in the spring of 2026. A number of missing bollards will also be replaced in the High Street.
Parish Council is pleased to offer parishioners the opportunity to remember their loved ones by planting a dedicated Memorial Tree and Plaque.
The Parish Council has been approached by several parishioners who would like the opportunity to plant a tree within the village in remembrance, typically, of a dearly departed family member or significant other who was a parishioner of Stock, or for whom, Stock village was a special location to them.
Parishioners interested in planting a memorial tree will be asked to consider a donation of £500 for the delivery, planting, care and maintenance of an appropriate tree, all necessary additional materials, in addition to a personally engraved plaque in tribute to the person/people being remembered.
For full details, including the costs, criteria and process and examples of the species of trees and plaques available, please view the Parish Council’s Memorial Trees Policy on the official website or request a copy by emailing clerk@stock-pc.gov.co.uk.
The Parish Council is now undertaking the programme for the planting of the memorial trees to Stock Common.
If this is of interest to you, and you would like to plant a tree, please contact the clerk to register, email clerk@stock-pc.gov.co.uk.
Parish Council Chairman Cllr Paul Fenwick has provided an update on the Court action being taken by K.Spiller against the Parish Council regarding the Common Car Park.
One claim by K.Spiller that the works had caused injury to the Common has been withdrawn. A second claim that the works inhibit the enjoyment of the recreational use of the Common, remains outstanding. The next hearing into the outstanding claim will be heard at Colchester Magistrates’ Court in March 2026.
Finally, anyone who would like to play a part in planning, organising and participating in the 2026 Christmas Fayre is invited to join a working group. To express your interest, please email clerk@stock-pc.gov.co.uk.
