People power has come to Great Holland.

A residents' association has been formed in the village to give people a bigger say in what goes on.

A meeting was held at the village hall and more than 80 people attended.

It was agreed to form the association to deal with various issues in the area.

Alan Large, who represents the village on Frinton and Walton Town Council, said the idea originated after opposition to a gipsy site in the area.

He explained: "We had got together the nucleus of an organisation to fight the gipsy site appeal in Great Holland.

"Once that was over and the appeal had been dismissed it seemed sensible to have something a bit more permenant, to have something that if any events did arise we would leap into action more quickly."

The village hall was packed for the meeting at which Mr Large was selected as chairman, Malcolm Graham as vice-chairman, Peter Jones as treasurer and Jill May will be secretary.

A committee of around 15 people was also selected. Mr Large has spoken with Roy Caddick of the Frinton Residents Association, Christine Turner of Walton's group and councillor Terry Allen for advice.

One of the first campaigns to be launched could be to fight for a pedestrian crossing in Main Road.

A newsletter will be sent out and another meeting will be held on May 8 to give people who did not attend the first meeting the chance to learn of events.

Mr Large said he was impressed by the turn-out at the meeting and hoped the group would be able to help the village.

"I was not expecting as many people to turn up, I was surprised and delighted so many people did and were prepared to help."

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