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 continues to review the situation following the withdrawal of a proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) due to objections in 2025.
Essex Highways has approved a Safety Audit of the village, which was commissioned and will be paid for by the Parish Council. The parameters of this Safety Audit will be discussed and put in place.
The Parish Council will also consult fully 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 Parish Council has spoken to Sir John Whittingdale MP, who has requested an urgent meeting with Essex County Council cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport Mark Platt.
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 Tuesday 7 April, a ‘Zero Vision Day’ Speed Watch session was held, supported by Essex Police and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP).
Over 700 motorists have been detected travelling in excess of speed limits since Speed Watch Sessions began in April 2024.
The badly damaged sections of the High Street pavements were patched in March and new litter bins installed in the village centre.
Moving onto general maintenance work, drainage clearance has taken place along Common Road near to the Bakers Arms. The drain near the junction of Common Road and Mill Road has been unblocked, but two other drains in Common Road remain blocked and works will continue. A drain in Well Lane has also been cleared.
The Parish Council’s Memorial Trees policy has been agreed. A number of villagers have expressed a firm interest in planting a Memorial Tree and Plaque. A suitable tree, the species of which will be chosen by the villager, and plaque will be planted responsibly and looked after for an agreed contribution. Interested villagers should email clerk@stock-pc.gov.uk
Looking forward to future events, villagers are invited to join a working group to plan and organise the 2026 Christmas Fayre. Interested villagers should email Cllr Mark Rolph at mark.rolph@stock-pc.gov.uk
A working group has been put together to organise the 2026 Remembrance Service and procession/road closure. The first meeting was held on 10 March and a road closure will be requested as members feel it is very important. The working group will continue to meet regularly to ensure the event planning progresses smoothly and relevant stakeholders are contacted.
