Hedingham Castle

Essex once had at least 26 castles and forts, however, a majority are now just earthworks, such as Mount Bures and Rayleigh Mount. There are still a few great castles that you can visit though. Essex has several impressive castles that are open to the public all year round.

Here are the best castles to visit in Essex. Always contact the castle before leaving home as opening times and dates can vary.

Hedingham Castle

• Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3DJ
• Tel: 01787 461174
• Web: hedinghamcastle.co.uk
• Norman Keep built in 1140. Frequently visited by kings and queens, including Henry VII, Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Hosts the largest single piece of medieval wooden arch in Europe.

Mountfitchet Castle

• Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex CM24 8SP
• Mountfitchet Castle is located in Stansted Mountfitchet, off the B1345.
• The site is owned by Mr Alan Goldsmith and is open daily from 8th March to 6th November 10:00-5:00pm, and from 8th November to 15th November 10:00-4:00pm
• Tel: (0) 1279 813237
• Web: mountfitchetcastle.com – provides admission rates and special events

Hadleigh Castle

• Hadleigh, Essex
• Tel: 0870 3331181
• Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk
• Hadleigh Castle is an impressive ruined castle that was built 700 years ago. The barbican and 2 towers remain.

Harwich Redoubt Fort

• Behind 29 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT
• Tel: 01255 503429
• Web: www.harwich-society.co.uk
• Circular fort built in 1808 to defend the port of Harwich against a Napoleonic invasion.

Colchester Castle

• 14 Ryegate Road, Colchester, Essex CO1 1YG
• Website: colchestermuseums.org.uk
• Tel: 01206 282 937
• Colchester Castle is surrounded by a small park that is a pleasant place to walk. Inside it hosts a museum to Essex life over the centuries.

Rayleigh Mount

• Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
• Tel: 01206 282939
• Web: nationaltrust.org.uk
• This is an 11th-century earthwork. The original castle was built by Sweyn of Essex, and dates from the period following the Norman invasion of 1066. This motte and bailey mound is what remains of the castle. It is an impressive earthwork and display boards provide information on the key features.

Tilbury Fort

• Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7NR
• Tel: 01375  858489
• Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk
• Originally built in the 16th century to protect London’s seaward approach. It was still used as a military defence during World War II.

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Lloyd Green solicitors, an established and successful specialist no win no fee personal injury law firm in Chelmsford, have launched a new website emphasising the benefits of using specialist solicitors locally and aiming to make legal advice far less faceless and interesting.

As an established practice, Lloyd Green are able to offer all the benefits of using one of the national personal injury practices such as:

• 100% guaranteed compensation
• No win no fee advice

They also offer a local service where from the outset you will know who you are dealing with, they are local, they care about Essex and you.

Lloyd Green call this concept “for the people” and unsurprisingly their new website can be found at
www.forthepeople.co.uk. The firm also believe that using the simple but highly memorable
slogan for the people will make them instantly identifiable and that the public will understand that the firm has a different approach.

Like many personal injury law firms, Lloyd Green can advise on the full range of injury claims, including:

• Accidents at work
• Slip accidents
• Traffic accidents
• Whiplash

Contact Lloyd Green

• Kensal House
• 77 Springfield Road
• Chelmsford
• Essex, CM2 6JG
• Tel: 01245 294600

The campaign to raise awareness of the new concept from Lloyd Green includes very regular message on Heart FM Essex.

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The new John Lewis at Home store is due to open in Chelmsford in 2014. This will be the 12th John Lewis At Home store. The first one was built in Poole in 2009 and the most recent one opened just before Easter in Chichester.

The new John Lewis at Home store has given Chichester a much needed boost. When it opened just before Easter and immediately proved to be a great success with thousands of shoppers queuing and exploring the store on its opening day.

John Lewis at Home stores are the new format of John Lewis stores that were first introduced in 2009. These stores are usually located within larger shopping precincts and the stores sell a range of home products, such as electrical goods, home and technology products.

John Lewis at Home in Chelmsford City

The new John Lewis at Home store in the Chelmsford is being built by Aquila Developments Ltd. It is due to be constructed in the area between Gap and Superdrug on the High Street and Bond Street. Currently there is a large carp park in this area.

The store will be a part of a shopping centre costing £100m. It will include the John Lewis at Home store plus 20 other shops and five or six new cafes and restaurants, along with a basement car park including 280 spaces.

Construction work should start soon. It will take two years to complete. John Lewis hope that the new store will open in spring 2014.

New Jobs for Chelmsford

The new development will hopefully lead to 500 new full and part-time jobs in Chelmsford.

John Lewis at Home in the UK

There are currently 10 John Lewis at Home stores in the UK. The first to open was in Poole and the Chichester store is the most recent.

The Chichester store is at the Portfield Retail Park which also houses several other bug home store brands such as British Home Stores, Homebase, Currys, and Argos as well as several supermarkets.

Within the first few hours of the new Chichester store opening thousands of shoppers had passed through the doors. Unfortunately this is not all good news as the additional traffic led to queues of customers attempting to park and this has had a knock-on effect on Sainsburys.

Claire Dunkason, the new branch manager for Chichester, was very pleased with the first day of trading. She stated that John Lewis really could not have asked for a better first day than they had. John Lewis is now confident that it can position itself well in the growing community in Portsmouth.

We are still seeing more high street shops close down across Hampshire as rents continue to rise and edge shopkeepers out of the town centres. At the same time huge retailers are opening new out-of-town stores/ The future is not looking bright for the high street in Hampshire at the moment, although the increase in commerce is a relief to many.

For more information on the development visit http://www.aquilaholdings.co.uk/bondstreet.html

Image source: Aquila Holdings

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In the last few months we have heard from people who have received telephone calls offering free roof / loft insulation. We are trying to determine if these are complete scams, maybe a partial con or completely legitimate.

The calls generally follow these lines:

• A cold telephone call saying that we are entitled to free loft insulation
• That it is a Government backed grant that is funding the insulation
• The team are in your area at the moment and will visit you this week
• A no obligation free quote will be given once a salesman inspects our loft space

This therefore sounds plausible. Sometimes the government do provide grants for home improvements that will reduce heating costs. However, it is often the case that if something sounds too good to be true, it actually is.

However, there is always suspicion for the following reasons:

• Cold callers should never be trusted.
• They never know the state of the building before stating that you are entitled to free loft insulation.

Our suspicion is that there probably is a government grant available (this is correct, see full details of the Warm Front Scheme below). The companies that are offering this service are most likely charging a high labour and management fee – probably much higher than the cost of organising it all yourself.

Remember, it costs a lot of money to phone up every household in Essex so any company doing this is hoping to make a good return on that investment.

We shall do some research on this matter and then update this story.

The update:

Warm Front scheme

The following details were correct at time of publication – 8th April 2012.

The UK government does indeed provide grants for households to improve their insulation. It is called the Warm Front Scheme and provides grants of up to £3,500 for houses with gas supplies and up to £6,000 for homes where oil powered heating is the only option. The scheme has been set up to ensure that homes are not only warmer but also healthier and more energy efficient.

Any types of improvements can be carried that will improve a home – it is not restricted to only loft insulation. As mentioned earlier, loft insulation is the cheap and quick way to improve a household (any company offering loft insulation as a part of the government grant before even looking at a house seems suspicious).

Grants Can Cover:

• Loft / roof insulation
• Draughtproofing
• Cavity wall insulation
• Hot water tank insulation
• Gas, electric, liquid petroleum gas or oil heating
• Glass-fronted fire – the Warm Front scheme can convert your solid-fuel open fire to a glass-fronted fire

You Won’t Have to Pay Anything

The Government website (linked below) states that you will not have to pay anything if the work that is required is covered by the grant. If the required work costs more than the grant then you will have to pay the excess. This will be agreed before any work is carried out and you should have a written contract.

Who Is Eligible?

This grant is not available to everyone though. It is available if you are:

• On income-related benefits
• Living in a property that is poorly insulated
• Do not have a working central heating system (this can include an old central heating system that does not work very well)
• You must own your home or rent it from a private landlord.

Eligible customers are all those awarded:

• Pension Credit or;
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support or;
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or;
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance in the assessment phase (first 13 weeks of the claim)

Who must also have one of the following:

• a pensioner premium. or;
• a disability or severe disability premium, or;
• an award of child tax credit that also includes an element for a disabled,  or severely disabled child or young person, or;
• a child under the age of five living with you

Warm Front surveyors

If you apply (or if someone applies on your behalf, such as a company who phones you out of the blue) then you will receive a visit from a Warm Front surveyor. They will then measure the energy efficiency of your home and make some recommendations for improvements.

Not all homes will be eligible for a grant. Many homes that may seem cold are above the threshold required to receive the government grant.

SAP rating of 55 or below

Only homes with a SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating of 55 or below are eligible for the grant. This is the equivalent of a Band D Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

More information on SAP and EPC:

• Standard Assessment Procedure
• Energy Performance Certificates

How To Apply for a Warm Front Grant

You do not need to pay a third party to apply for your grant.

Apply Online

You can apply online here. If you know someone who does not have Internet and may benefit from this you can apply on their behalf.

Apply over the phone

Call 0800 316 2805 (or textphone 0800 072 0156). An advisor will then take you through the application form.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm and Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Apply by post

You can download and print a Warm Front application form: http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_197033.pdf

Then send the completed application form to:

• Carillion Energy Services
• Freepost NEA12054
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• NE2 1BR

Full Details can be found on the Government website, ”Heating and insulation improvements from the Warm Front scheme” - www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/Energygrants/DG_10018661

Advice from the Citizens Advice Bureaux

The Citizens Advice Bureaux offer some advice on the subject here: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/news/whats_new_jan12_warm_front_scheme_grants_up_for_grabs.htm

The Cold Callers and Their Con

So, this begs the question, why are companies calling households across Essex and trying to arrange a “no obligation quote” before any application is made. This is where the scam probably lies, it is it indeed a scam.

We suspect that a company will:

• Charge a fee to process the application on behalf of the resident – and not mention the free call phone number (0800 316 2805) in the process.
• They will not inform the resident that they are only eligible if they are on benefits – they will take the application fee regardless.

This is probably all the scam is. They turn up, tell you your may be eligible, take their fee to “start the complex process” and then inform you later that unfortunately, as you are not on benefits, you are not eligible.

Power Companies

Another trick comes from people working on behalf of Power companies. According to Tony Levene on Lovemoney:

“Power companies can also pay up between 40 and 70 per cent of the cost of roof and cavity wall insulation for others, irrespective of income. And this is where the catch comes. Door to door selling companies – and I failed to find who he worked for – hope you sign up for a package that may not be the best deal or the best quality. They will then claim the subsidy – not from the government as claimed but from the power companies.”

Read more: The new scam on your doorstep by Tony Levene.

So it is very likely that the cold callers on the phone are operating in the same way. They will persuade you to change to a power company that offers an incentive / discount on improving your home insulation.

What is in it for them? They receive a commission for getting you to change power supply.

Worst Cases

Other websites have reported that in some cases the companies carry out roof inspections and some dubious “inspectors” have even removed roof tiles. Why? We do not know. Probably to then say that they house needs urgent roof replacements, which is fortunate, as it will make installing the insulation easier.

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THE HEADWAY DOGATHON IS BACK!

It will soon be time for the annual event that our local canines all look forward to with much tail-wagging excitement!

The 15th Colchester Dogathon takes place from 10.30am on Sunday 24th June in High Woods Country Park and this ever popular event will raise much needed funds for Headway Essex which provides care and support for survivors of brain injury throughout Essex.

The sponsored dog walk is approximately 2.5 miles through beautiful fields and woodland, and  there will be an opportunity to pop in to the Visitors Centre for a rest and refreshments, before returning to the start for the Fun Dog Show where pooches can compete for the title of Dog & Owner Lookalike amongst others! With the chance to win prizes, certificates and rosettes.

Every dog participating in the walk will get a bag of doggy treats and a personalised Certificate of Thanks for the money they raise, and there are super prizes for top fundraisers too.

The Dogathon is sponsored by:

• Penrose and Partners Veterinary Surgeons

Supported by:

• Snoopies Grooming Salon
• The Essex County Standard
• Barking Mad
• Bow Wow Pet Photography

If you would like to join in please call the Headway Town Office on 01206 547616 for a registration form or email Headway on fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk

You will be sent an information pack for participants with sponsorship forms, posters and a map of the route.  More information can be found at www.headwayessex.org.uk/fundraising

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Trade shows and exhibitions are not a new concept; some cite biblical references to gatherings of different merchants displaying their various wares as representing the first recogniseable ‘trade shows’.

Certainly within the last two hundred years trade shows and exhibitions have become an accepted and widely used means for companies operating within a particular field, such as the automotive or information technology industry, to showcase and market their latest products and keep an eye their competition.

Europe can boast some of the largest trade show and exhibition spaces in the world and as a result many of the world’s largest, most prestigious and most successful companies choose to exhibit their products at European trade shows. Here, in no particular order, are five of Europe’s biggest and most popular trade shows and exhibitions.

1. Autosport International

Autosport International is billed as the world’s greatest motorsport show and features exhibitors representing legendary manufacturers such as Lotus, Porsche and Subaru as well as companies associated with every aspect of motor racing, from precision timing by Tag Heuer to car polish by Autoglym.

Held in January each year, the 2012 show more than 80,000 visitors and 28,000 trade buyers attend Birmingham, England’s National Exhibition Centre over the four days that the show is held.

2. Defence and Security Equipment International

Great Britain is the world’s second largest exporter of arms, beaten only by the USA. Each September around 1,300 exhibitors, representing every sector of the security and defence supply chain, head for the DSEi trade show held at the ExCel Centre in London’s Docklands.

Inevitably, security is high: there are roughly twice as many security guards in attendance as exhibitors. However, the British defence industry swells Government coffers by an estimated £5 billion each year, and DSEi brings in exhibitors and visitors from around the world to compare weapons and security technology.

3. Fastener Fair Stuttgart

Stuttgart, Germany is the venue for the biennial Fastener Fair, Europe’s foremost showcase for the latest developments in the diverse world of fixings and fasteners. Covering everything from industrial fasteners, construction fasteners and fixings, fastener manufacturing technology and even fastener packaging, storage and distribution this three-day fair held every second February is popular with both exhibitors and visitors.

The 2011 show attracted almost 700 exhibitors from 40 countries and a record 8,300 visitors; a 38% increase in attendance over the previous show.

4. CeBIT

Not merely the largest in Europe, Hannover, Germany’s CeBIT is the largest Information Technology and telecommunications trade show in the world. With origins dating back as far as 1950, CeBIT has seen an explosion in popularity since becoming an independent trade show in 1986.

Held in March each year at Hannover’s Exhibition Grounds, CeBIT attracts a truly global audience. The 2012 show saw more than 4,000 exhibitors from over 70 countries demonstrate the very latest advances in business, leisure and communications technology to almost 350,000 visitors from 110 countries over the course of this five-day trade show.

5. FIBO

Once again Germany takes the honours for hosting FIBO, the world’s leading international trade show for fitness, wellness and health. Now in its 26th year FIBO is held over four days every April in Essen’s Exhibition Centre and showcases the latest in gym , spa, and training equipment, sports and training fashion, cosmetics and beauty therapy, sports nutrition and more.

Six hundred exhibitors fill the Exhibition Centre’s twelve halls, and around 60,000 visitors, an estimated 33,000 of whom are trade visitors rather than members of the general public, continue to ensure the ongoing popularity of this trade show.

Amy is a guest blogger on behalf of Just Displays who offer great deals on twist banners and display boards.

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For every business meeting, it is essential to seek a meeting room which emphasizes how important the clients are, and gives ample importance to the business. This is surely going to set the mood required for their clients and associates. So, it should be noted that the building is properly viewed in and out, including the interior design, style and the overall impact that it would have on the mood of the people present in the meeting room. As the meeting room is surely going to be an important and serious factor in the hosting of a meeting, it is vital to make a selection wisely.

In London, if it is in one of the top areas, those attending the meeting would be expecting a small room. How exciting it would be, if one could offer them the finest buildings available in London! One should be thoroughly careful to choose meeting rooms which are stylish, exuding an executive or traditional feel to the clients. Also, they need to be fully well equipped. The room should have proper lighting for long meetings and presentations.

Apart from spacious venues, one should choose meeting rooms that are fully furnished with modern facilities. Of course, there are many meeting locations in London that are hardly equipped. So, give due care in choosing an appropriate meeting room when looking at the different locations available in London, in order to host your important business meeting.

An apt example for what they can offer is a wonderful meeting room which has a 50″ plasma screen television. See to it that the meeting room has DVD playback facility and laptop connectivity. The room should also have digital phone facilities in the main conference hall. In addition to this, flip charts should also be provided.  Any additional needs you may have can be arranged in advance.

The clients should not be disappointed after the meeting.  So, ensure that complimentary coffee and tea come as a part of the services of the company. At times even additional catering can be booked upon request. The decorations in the meeting room should be elegant as well as stylish so that almost everyone comments on the effect of the splendid meeting room, where a whole day’s long business meeting had successfully taken place. Remember that with a spacious, attractive and convenient meeting hall, one gets respect among colleagues, staff, clients and customers alike.

Meeting Rooms in Essex

There are many meeting and conference rooms across Essex, they all offer a professional setting with excellent amenities:

• Ashwells Sports and Country Club – Brentwood
• County Hotel – Chelmsford
• Ivy Hill Hotel – Chelmsford
• The Colchester Centre – Colchester
• Great Baddow Centre – Great Baddow
• Harlow Centre – Harlow
• Five Lakes Resort – Maldon
• Harefield Manor Hotel - Romford
• Radisson Blu Hotel - Stansted Airport
• University of Essex Meeting and Conference Rooms - Southend-on-Sea

Dan Blinman writes for Hubworking, a company based in London offering Meeting Rooms and Meeting Rooms in London

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Olympic Park in London - New Home for Essex County Cricket Club?

This is a very exciting and bold move on the part of Essex Cricket Club. However, it does raise the question of what will happen to the Chelmsford ground if they succeed?

It is likely that the main interest in the Olympic Stadium would be to get closer to London to build on the Twenty20 success. Floodlit cricket is where the money is now – shorter games of 20 overs held in the evening after work. Many cricket fans will make the short hop to Stratford to watch some cricket after work. In 2011 the Essex ground at Chelmsford made a profit of £300,000, which is a reasonable profit for a second division cricket club.

Also, Essex will have ground worthy of hosting test matches which will boost revenues and hopefully raise awareness and increase influence for Essex Cricket Club.

Essex County Cricket Club have stated that they cannot provide any more details at the moment due to legal reasons. Hopefully we will learn more soon.

It would certainly be a a great loss for Chelmsford if Essex Country Cricket Club moved to Stratford.

There is also a bid from West Ham United.

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In December 2011 the McDonalds restaurant in Boreham had a major makeover. McDonalds decided to create a more modern restaurant with a stylish interior. They also updated their children’s soft play area. All of this encourages diners to stay for longer and enjoy their meal then allow their children the time to play with friends before going home. It all sounds wonderful.

However, there is a problem. McDonalds have decided that its customers should not park for more than 90 minutes. If you stay for longer you will receive an automatic fine of £50. The Boreham restaurant is built out-of-town. Having ample car parking is one of the reasons many families go there for a meal.

We have heard several stories from local residents who have been fined by McDonalds for staying too long. One mum took her children there for a treat after school one day. They had their Happy Meals, then played with the new toys, and while the mother order another coffee and chatted with friends the children played in the soft play area. Everyone had a great afternoon and enjoyed the new, modern McDonalds. But all that changed when the fine came through the door a couple of weeks later.

Even after several telephone calls to McDonalds customer services no resolution was made. Customer services simply stated “it is unfortunate, sorry” but refused to waiver the fine. The mum involved made it clear that she is a customer of McDonalds, she spent the whole time in the restaurant with her family and friends, and between them they spent a lot of money. How can McDonalds feel that it is fair to fine them?

This is not the only story. It gets worse.

McDonald’s Party Guests Receive Parking Charges

Earlier this year one group of Essex mums from a local nursery decided to host a birthday party at McDonalds. This is something that McDonalds promotes on its website – “a Birthday Adventure”. On the website they say “Choose between a Jungle or Ocean Adventure and prepare for an hour and a half of action-packed fun“. That is 90 minutes of fun. It is obviously impossible to get parked, enter the restaurant, gather the children, eat, have the party and leave again in less than 90 minutes.

Therefore, what happened should come as no surprise. Most of the guests to the child’s birthday party received a parking charge. McDonalds staff were supposed to take down registration numbers, but they did not.

No Warnings Inside the Restuarant

McDonalds’ defence is that they have signs in the car park detailing the parking restrictions. However, this is certainly not a normal policy. No other pub or restaurant chain that we are aware of in Essex will fine is customers for staying too long. And as every parent knows, when you are taking a family to such a place you really do not have time to start reading the small print on the signs in McDonalds’ car parks. You are more interested in getting your children safely into the restaurant.

McDonalds should really have large banners inside the restaurant “reminding” its customers that they have strict time limits on how long you may dine for. Ideally they should stop fining their customers completely.

We are not the first to raise this though. McDonalds actually appeared on Watchdog for this same reason in April 2010 - Big charges with your Big Mac.

County Court Actions?

One reader on the Watchdog website (they call themselves McRipoff) stated that they have a County Court Action looming. They received a fine of £120 for overstaying. However, this may have been an empty threat.

Another victim explained that they arrived in the pouring rain and did not see any warnings. At the Heathrow McDonalds the time limit is 60 minutes, which is not enough time to sit down for a meal with a family. If the signs are not clearly visible, the parking company is in breach of the British Parking Association code.

Variations in Time Limits and Fines

It is also not a case that McDonalds has a set rule. In some restaurants the time limit is 60 minutes, sometimes it is 75 minutes, some 90 minutes, some more. And the fines seems to vary too. With no set rules how can customers be expected to know how long they can stay for?

Another Watchdog reader explained that they received a £100 for staying at McDonalds in Newark. “I was there with a foster child who was meeting his parents. I didn’t know there were any parking restrictions and because of that I didn’t look for signs.”

In Sittingbourne one poor customer received a fine for going to McDonalds twice on the same day – they accused him of staying for 555 minutes when he just stopped there for breakfast before work and then a snack on the way home. “Only two photographs were shown instead of the four that would actually have been taken.”

Another victim who went to McDonalds twice in a day had £125 taken from his wages as his company did not want to have to deal with McDonalds.

Alan Chorlton wrote on Watchdog: ”I had similar experience at McDonalds in Chadderton. Took my two children (3 and 10) for something to eat. By the time they had eaten, used the facilities and eaten desserts, we went over the allowed 75 minutes (trying to get a 3 year old to eat is not always easy!). I received a fine for £100”

McDonalds Response

McDonalds has responded to some customers in writing to explain why they have opted for this harsh and unfair policy. LoobyLou23 (posting on Watchdog) received this reply from McDonalds Customer Services:

“I can confirm this parking area is managed by an independent company who are responsible for monitoring the car park and taking details of registration numbers. The regulations and signs at the restaurant clearly state our policy and the relevant charges.

I trust you will appreciate that in order to maintain a consistent approach; we have to adhere to the guidelines in place. As such, in a situation such as a clear contravention of parking regulations, we are unable to deal with any specifics or cases on an individual basis.

Suffice to say, if a customer contravenes the clearly displayed parking regulations, they will receive a ticket.

Thank you for contacting us and again for the opportunity to comment.”

They are very adamant that their decision is the right one.

Is it a Scam?

Further research reveals that this has been going on for a long time. A discussions on Money Saving Expert shows that many people strongly believe that it is a scam and that the car parking companies who work on behalf of McDonalds have no legal power to fine anyone.

“Nobody can touch your possessions/edit your credit record without winning a court case first.” ~ Crabman on Money Saving Expert.

By law, only a court can send debt collectors. If a parking company sends debt collectors they may be breaking the law. According to Appeal Now;

“If for any reason they do send round debt collectors (which some try on – I repeat it is not an enforceable debt until a court declares it to be a judgement against you!) I would not open the door – tell them that they are demanding money with menaces and are trespassing and you will have them arrested. Also see my note below on The Administration of Justice Act 1970.

Few of these companies pursue these matters to court because so many people just roll over and pay up!”

The parking companies will never listen to an appeal. The business that you visit may do so and cancel the charge with the parking company. Really, McDonalds should be in a position to cancel those charges when a customer requests, and not just say “it is unfortunate”.

How to deal with Penalty Charge Notices issued by private companies

Watchdog speaks to Tim Cary, a Norwich-based solicitor specialising in traffic law at Leathes Prior.

Tim says that people don’t have to deal with them. It is not a criminal offence to ignore the notices. They cannot affect your credit rating.

“If my mum got one of these I would tell my mum to take it and make ones of these with it (make a paper aeroplane) and do this with it (throw away)”.

There is a story here of a woman who ignored all the notices and eventually nothing happened, even though they threatened legal action: My FURY with Met Parking Services.

Advice on Consumer Action Group

Consumer Action Group also say not to pay.

Asmodeus makes a good point:

“McDonalds employ them so it is also their responsibility

Complaining to them is frustrating as they just pass the blame onto MET and the head turd at one local establishment (- sorry I mean ‘manager’) just states that 75 minutes is more than enough time to eat what they pass off as a meal and depart.

Unfortunately when you have several kids to feed and who then want to go on to the thoughtfully provided McD’s swings and slides 75 minutes is a short time thereby making certain that they catch a good number of customers, probably mostly Mums and Dads with kids.

It is called ENTRAPMENT

All correspondence should be treated with contempt it deserves – i.e. IGNORED”

Asmodeus also points out;

“I notice the reptile in McD’s Customer services only gives the premium rate number – cheaper to use either 0208 700 7500 or 0208 700 7505″

Not all PCN’s are Equal

It seems that Tim Cary has been following these parking fines for years. In an older Watchdog article, Should you, by and large, pay your parking charge?, he explains:

“When a local authority issues a ticket, it is known as a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Local authorities issue these tickets under law and you are required to pay them as such (though you can appeal). Private companies use the same initials – PCN – but they use it to represent a Parking Charge Notice, which is issued under civil law, where there is less regulation.”

DVLA makes around £3.4 million a year

What is most interesting is the private parking companies have to pay DVLA a fee to obtain drivers’ names and addresses. The DVLA make around £3.4 million a year by selling this information to parking companies. They charge £2.50 for each vehicle.

Some parking companies even charge customers £10 to view the evidence against them (according to Watchdog).

No Power Under Criminal Justice System

Private Parking Companies have no Power Under Criminal Justice System. Also the British Parking Association code is designed to ensure that parking companies, e.g.:

Section 15.4: You must not use terms which imply that you are acting under statutory authority; this will include terms such as ‘fine’, ‘penalty’ or ‘penalty charge notice’.

Source: http://www.britishparking.co.uk/write/BPA_CodeofPractice_v8.pdf

Watchdog – Private Parking Company Info

Boycott McDonalds

So, why are McDonalds doing this? Other than driving away customers and generating bad publicity, it serves little purpose, especially when in a car park in an out-of-town restaurant. It is a general assumption that in any out-of-town car park, parking is free. Whether it is a sports centre, shopping mall or restaurant, you should not have to pay to park your car, especially when there is no other way to get to the restaurant.

The customers that we have spoken have decided to boycott McDonalds now. More people are doing the same by all accounts. There are so many good pubs and restuarants that allow children to dine with families and also provide play facilities.

The idea of fining customers to who stay “too long” is pretty daft in the minds of most restaurateurs. If McDonalds wants to be a modern, healthy and family orientated restaurant, they really need to start acting like one.

Have you been fined by McDonalds for enjoying your Happy Meal too much? Let us know!

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By Jon Wade, editor of Essex Portal

Today I downed tools at around 4.45pm to make the most of the glorious sunshine we had across Essex today. By all accounts most of the country was in bathed in sunshine also. I left my Great Baddow office and strolled up to Sandford Lock and then along the Blackwater Navigation to Chelmsford.

It was a lovely walk, the birds were singing, the river was full of fish, there were ducks, swans, baby horses, people cycling and running, parents walking with their children, a man in a canoe, several people tending to their boats, and many more making the most of the weather. I even saw a picnic on the fields between Barnes Mill Lock and Moulsham Mill.

What struck me as I walked along the Blackwater into town was how tranquil and beautiful the route was, and how lucky I was to be able to take such a nice walk into town, or should I say the city, on the spur of the moment.

Sandford Lock and the Blackwater Navigation

The Southern loop of the Blackwater at Sandford Lock

Although my walk actually started at my office, the first part of the journey is not a lot to shout about. The walk really starts on Sandford Mill Lane, off the Maldon Road (A414) in Great Baddow.

The lane soon ends where a footpath starts. Immediately I came to the river and was surprised to see that it was full of fish. There were a couple of teenagers in waders out catching them.

I took a photo of the fish but it did not really come out very well. Not sure what the southern loop of the Blackwater at this point in the river is actually called, maybe it has a name in its own right.

Boats of Sandford Lock, Chelmsford

Once I got to the main Blackwater at Sandford Lock it was like being on holiday again. Many years ago I used to go on canal boat holidays with friends and this area reminded me of those days.

There were a few people out tending to their boats, no doubt getting them ready for some barging. Let’s hope the water levels stay high enough.

There were also several people out running, cycling and walking along the paths in the area. There are also some lovely ponies / horses which a family was patting. That was towards the A12, the opposite direction to town though.

I learnt two things about the Sandford Lock and Blackwater navigation today. The first is that there is a boat that does trips on a Sunday along the water. The Blackwater Rose can take up to 12 passengers along the river. They charge around £5.50 per adult, less for kids, and the trip takes around 1 hour. Call 01206 853282 for more info or visit www.blackwater-boats.co.uk.

The Essex Police Speed Boat

I also learned that Sandford Lock is currently home to Essex Police’s speed boat! OK, this is not the sort of police speed boat seen in Miami Vice, but hey, we have a river speedboat!

Although you cannot see it in the photo, the cover on the outboard motor says Essex Police. So it really is their boat! I wonder how often it gets used.

Fishing on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation

I do not fish, and never have. However, I can see how it can be a pleasant pastime especially in an area is tranquil as the Blackwater. There is a sign up detailing the fishing rules. You cannot fish from 15th March until 16th June as this is a “Main River” and subject to Environment Agency Byelaws. No fishing within 30 metres of a lock, near boats etc.

A nice spot for running, cycling, walking or fishing

You can fish anywhere along the navigation from the tow path bank providing you have a rod licence and a valid day ticket or club membership. Day tickets are available from local tackle shops in advance (try Ronnie Crowes in Great Baddow) or from a Maldon Angling Society bailiff on the bank. For more places to fish in Essex see Essex Fishing Lakes and Rivers.

I continued my walk towards town along the tow path. Soon several runners and cyclists were passing me. The path is narrow so you have to keep your wits about you and be ready to move out of the way of the more athletic people in the area. There were also several dog walkers who had parked up near Sandford Lock.

Barnes Mill Lock

Bridge across the river near Barnes Mill Lock

I soon arrived at Barnes Mill Lock on the edge of Chelmer Village, just off Chelmer Village Way. There was not a lot to see from the river side really, but Barnes Mill looks impressive. I think it is a residential property now though. It is here that I crossed the river to continue on towards town across pasture for horses.

I rather liked the white metal bridge so photographed that. Although I fear my 2008 G1 Google phone’s camera did not do it justice (that’s it, blame the tools).

The lock was actually full of rubbish, included a half submerged tyre. It seems that the lock gates have remained firmly closed for some time, I assume to preserve the water in the navigation for as long as possible.

The Fox and Raven

The back of the Fox and Raven in Chelmer Village

As my walk continued I passed the back of the Fox and Raven pub in Chelmer Village. I have been there a few times before but never sat in the beer garden at the back.

In fact, I had never noticed it before. I could smell char-grilled steaks / burgers, and suddenly fancied something to eat. I could certainly hear people enjoying themselves at the pub. I also started to fancy a pint at this point on the walk.

A swan!

I fought the temptation to make a detour and marched onwards to town.

My determination paid off, as shortly after passing the pub I caught sight of a swan. It was ahead of me on the river and travelling the same direction. At this point the river starts meandering so I decided to take a short cut, dodging the stingers and horse poo, and managed to cut the swan off at the pass, as it were. The swan seemed pleased to see me as it cruised carelessly along the river.

A baby horse in Chelmsford

The next nice sight was seeing a horse with its baby (foal? I am not a horsey person). Another reminder that it is Spring. In this part of the field / meadow / flood plain (and it does indeed flood when we get a lot of rain) there are many horses grazing away.

Some horses even stroll underneath Chelmer Road, which is essentially a bridge at this point that links the Army and Navy to Chelmer Village. Never before while crossing the bridge in a car did I think that there may be horses sheltering beneath my wheels!

Chelmer Road Underpass, with Cave Paintings

As I approached Chelmer Road I had a real feeling that I was now finally leaving the countryside and entering town (city!).

The road was busy, and pretty jammed as it was rush hour. To get from the fields to the south of town to the path on the north side of the Chelmer Road you have to go through a very urban underpass that is covered in graffiti.

However, this urban decoration does not last for long, soon it is all quiet and peaceful again (apart from some loud dog walkers who prefer to yell than use a lead ….).

Next on the journey was the final lock of the day….

Springfield Lock

Springfield Lock, Chelmsford

Springfield Lock is to Chelmsford as Canary Wharf is to London. You may think that I jest (I partly do) but it is a great little area.

It is pretty, quiet and many of the flats overlook the water. There are still a few boats too. The water is clean and considering how close we now are to Chelmsford town centre, it really is a pleasant area. Not actually listed as one of the best places to live in Chelmsford, but it probably should be.

An interesting information panel shows that the river was often used for pleasure cruises back in 1899.

There us a great photo of a very busy boat passing under the bridge from July 1899. There were probably far more people on the boar than health and safety will allow today.

Party Boat leaving Springfield Lock, July 1899

Moulsham Mill and the River Can

Moulsham Mill and Bloke in a Canoe

From here I headed along the river path, passed the back of the Moulsham Mill, which today is home to offices, craft outlets, meeting rooms and also has hosted science fairs in the past.

Just here I was the only canoeist of the day. It was still a little early for the after work canoeists I think, as it was just before 6pm. Maybe most canoeists prefer the summer weather – but today was fantastic.

This is the stretch of river just before the point where the rivers Can and Chelmer merge together to form the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation. Although you can hear the road traffic it is still a lovely area for walking.

Chelmsford Sea Cadets

The final points on my walk saw the Chelmsford Sea Cadets boat house, which is really not much to look at. However, the sea cadets themselves, at least I think it was them, were have a ball shooting some hoop. For those that enjoy fishing, there are some fishing spots along this part of the river.

I continued towards town and was soon on French’s Walk and passing the Meadows Shopping Centre. I stopped for a coffee at Costa at just gone 6pm, I think I was lucky to get served. The coffee was good and it was still warm enough to sit outside in shorts and T-shirt.

A great journey from Great Baddow to Chelmsford, the pretty route.

Journey's End - Coffee at Costa

I walked back to Great Baddow along Baddow Road. The journey into town took about 90 minutes and the journey home around 35 minutes. Nothing much to report on the journey home, although I took some photos of some business and pubs in Great Baddow, however, that really requires another post.

I was out walking and drinking coffee (plus a quick burger ….) for around 2 3/4 hours. Was a great way to finish the day. Writing up my walk has taken almost as long!

You can see all the photos from my walk, plus a couple of random shots from the other day, here:

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