The battle over the car park in Old Ship Lane, Rochford, has finally been won by protesters who opposed it being sold off for development.

The full district council backed a committee resolution to demolish the derelict public toilets next to the existing car park and use the whole of the land to provide a ten space car park, including a facility for the disabled.

Members of the finance and procedures overview and scrutiny committee recommended a proposal to use the whole site for housing should not be pursued because of the clear public opposition to the plan.

Committee chairman Terry Cutmore said: "With this solution, we are retaining car parking spaces to make it easier for people to use the shops and facilities existing in Rochford town centre."

Published Friday, August 1, 2003

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