Campaign issues on the River Roach

• There is now only one place on the Crouch with public access where a boat can be launched. There is none on the Roach, although at least two slips were regarded as public in the past.
• Many privately owned quays, hards and jetties have fallen into disuse.
• Unrealistic land speculation has put existing boatyards under threat throughout the East Coast.

• Under certain conditions we believe that floating sewage effluent from the Thames is blown up the Crouch and Roach, leaving a foul-smelling scum. RAFCC have contacted the Environment Agency about this.
• Recent Environment Agency samples appeared to show the Roach a clean bill of health. However samples were not taken in the upper reaches, and probably did not coincide with the conditions mentioned above.
• The sewage works at Stambridge processes lage amounts of sewage brought in from Southend area. The effluent is discharged into a holding lake and thence into the Roach. This effluent is monitored and currently is not thought to pose a risk. However the air smell does affect local residences in Paglesham and Stambridge under certain conditions.
• In 2004-5 a large amount of sewage solids were stored in a field near Pagleshanm East End. The smell and flies from this prompted "The Pong" email campaign from the Parish Council.
• Dumping of building and domestic rubbish on country lanes is a well-known problem in the area. This also affects some river sites, such as the causeway to Wallasea Island. This adds to the amount of flotsam in the river, much of which is non-degradable and washes around the creeks indefinitely. There is currently no policy of removing this rubbish once it has got into the river system.
• Abandoned boats are becoming an eyesore, a hazard to navigation, and a pollution risk. Formerly, wooden boats left to decay in backwaters were an interesting part of the scenery and did no real harm. However modern boats do not decay naturally. A policy is needed to remove and recycle unwanted boats.

• The occasional live-aboard boat has long been a feature of the river Roach. However, recently the number has increased dramatically. Sometimes there is an accumulation of rubbish and materials on the saltmarh and sea wall adjacent to these boats. Too many houseboats pose a threat in terms of pollution and spoil the attractiveness of the area.
• Few, if any houseboats on the Roach have the required planning permission, harbour licence, and permit to moor. Many are squatting on saltmarsh.
• Abandoned boats are becoming an eyesore, a hazard to navigation, and a pollution risk. Formerly, wooden boats left to decay in backwaters were an interesting part of the scenery and did no real harm. However modern boats do not decay naturally. A policy is needed to remove and recycle unwanted boats.

Contact us if you have any views on these issues.