Ice and Snow – keeping WIW businesses moving
WIW has been determined to improve the roads and travelling conditions in winter on industrial estates, after the chaotic snowy conditions in 2010-11 when roads were not cleared or gritted. David’s persistent calls to Essex County Council have brought some results and the gaps will be covered by WIW BIDs funding so that we can invest in the services of a private contractor to ensure all the roads on the estates are treated. The latest situation is:
1. David, the estate manager, now receives winter weather forecasts from ECC highlighting areas where gritting is recommended
2. MITE, the private gritting contractor, also sends forecasts of weather conditions
3. Essex County Council has agreed to grit Freebournes Road (only), but that is a good start.
4. WIW have an agreement with MITE who will grit and clear roads on the Freebournes, Eastways and Crittall Road estates, including the side roads this winter.
Ensuring staff, goods and visitors can travel safely to the estates during bad weather is vital for business continuity in bad weather.
Signage Update
There is still a sponsorship opportunity available on three signs; the one at Eastways has been booked. Three of the new large directional signs should be in place by the end of February and the fourth sign, to be placed at the narrow end of Freebournes Road will follow. The improved signage will help visiting drivers and is only possible thanks to WIW BIDs and the contributions from the local businesses.
Scams to Avoid
The people trying to sell advertising and purporting to be from a police neighbourhood watch magazine are targeting Essex again; just be aware. They all sound so plausible and they obviously find it profitable to target the business community, especially smaller businesses.
Manager at Work
Witham Industrial Watch can help others and it does. We recently received two very different requests:
Convenient storage space for emergency grit for use on the industrial estates was needed; two companies offered space, both were visited by David, the Estates Manager, and a site has been agreed – thank you to everyone who tried to assist.
The Witham Amateur Operatic Society asked for help in their search for suitable local dry storage; we hope they will soon be able to move onto the estates with props and tutus.
SIGNS APPROVED SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE
Great news and another success for WIW is on its way. After months of work we are delighted to report that three of the new large street signs designed to help drivers locate the roads on the estates have now received planning approval. The signs will be placed at the entrance to Freebournes Road (Colchester end), Eastways and Crittall Road. Unfortunately there was a minor planning objection for the sign due to be placed at the other end of Freebournes Road; as soon as this has been resolved this too will be ordered. We hope the delay will not cause unnecessary additional costs.
Raise your profile and be seen by thousands of people who work and visit Witham every day. There is still an opportunity to sponsor a sign but hurry and contact Chris Dale on 01621 856716 or email David Cocker
ESTATE MANAGER AT WORK
David has been working on the new street signs and liaising with DAT and the directors to ensure a speedy conclusion; we are keen to see the signs in place as soon as possible.
Unwelcome visitors to Witham were monitored and we hope they will soon discover that WIW’s effective cctv and number recognition cameras can provide a record of their activities; a record they may not wish to repeat.
Top Tips for Reporting Incidents
- Dial 101 to report an incident to Essex Police, the operator will issue an incident number and advise the local Police Station. (Dial 999 in emergency).
- Most of us have a collection of old telephone numbers for the Police, 101 or 999 are the most effective.
- If possible write down information: the date, time and place of the incident, vehicle registration plus the make, model, colour, sign writing and direction it was travelling or a description of the individual concerned: height, clothing, anything unusual (tattoo). Even if you can’t remember it all, a little will help.
- For incidents in the Witham Industrial Watch area please telephone or email David, the estate manager. If appropriate he will alert WIW business members.
- The quicker that the incident is reported the more effective the response from Essex Police.
The Manager at Work
Meeting members, listening and acting on their concerns, providing advice on security fencing, for example, is part of David’s role as WIW estate manager.
