South Woodham Ferrers Residents Party

09/09/2026

Following the government's decision to put on hold the proposed reorganisation of Essex, the leader of the South Woodham Ferrers Residents Party Keith Bentley, said: "While we supported the 5-unitary option when there was nothing better on offer, we are happy that the government has decided to return to the current more representative set-up. We would ask the government not to abandon devolving powers down to more local authorities and look forward to seeing how they will do it. Meanwhile we are preparing to contest the Chelmsford City Council elections on behalf of all our residents in May 2027."

Review launched into plans to streamline local government, to ensure it is robust and aligns with new government priorities.

07/08/2026

Some of our footpaths in South Woodham are in in quite a state and overgrown with weeds or overhanging trees and bushes (even in this heat). Essex County Council are responsible for making our footpaths and cycleways are safe and passable. Have reported these ones but have you seen similar, or worse, in South Woodham recently?

29/07/2026

NEW BUS SERVICE TO MALDON AND BROOMFIELD HOSPITAL FROM SWF

Residents may not be aware but a new South Woodham Ferrers to Maldon 99 bus service has just started. The service only runs during the week and there are 3 buses daily in both directions. The 99 service also continues from Maldon to Broomfield Hospital. We understand it is being run by Stephensons of Essex. We applaud this long-awaited addition to our public transport links and would encourage as many people as possible to use it.

Remember there is a bus fare cap of £3 at present but the new Prime Minister has said this will be reduced to the previous £2 in the near future. Unfortunately, there is no late evening bus at the moment. If this proves popular we may be able to convince Essex CC and Maldon DC to introduce it. The timetable link is at:

16/07/2026

WHEN WILL ESSEX HIGHWAYS TAKE THEIR SIGNS BACK?
For the third time, Essex County Council's contractors have carried out repairs to the A132, the main exit route from South Woodham Ferrers and the Maldon peninsular. But have the current repairs been completed? We are concerned because temporary speed signs, which should have been removed once the repair work was done, are still in place more than 3 months later. Similarly the uneven surface signs are still there, too. Maybe the signs have been left to save putting them out again when future repairs are needed! Whatever the case, it is unfortunate for vehicles using the road that they are must continue to keep to the 40mph limit for the foreseeable future, unless someone at Essex Highways decides they need them somewhere else!

03/06/2026

Having been involved in standing for the recent Essex County Council elections I was struck again by how different the results could have been under a different voting system. That's not to take anything away from Cllr. Christopher Benn's victory, which we congratulate him on. However, if for example, 2nd choice was taken into account what difference would that make. It would make the eventual winner somebody who had been wanted by more voters - possibly a majority of voters. This is just one possible alternative way of voting and we are asking you to help the campaign by Action Network to bring an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill. Currently, there are 100 MPs supporting it - the highest for any amendment to the Bill. We would like residents to ask our MP to sign up for it, too. Please use the link to access the pre-written letter:

Last month’s elections have shown just how broken our voting system is. 100 MPs have just supported an amendment demanding a total review of this system, and a change to proportional representation. But to make an impact, we need many more. I’ve urged my MP to support it with this tool. Can you ...

08/05/2026

I would like to thank all of you who turned out to vote in yesterdays election (44.5%!) and particularly those who voted for me, the local party candidate. Unfortunately, we came in 5th this time round. We hope to see you about town in future, so keep your eyes open for us and our boat logo. We are always looking to welcome new members into our party and if you are interested in real LOCAL politics you might like to take a look at our website: www.swfrp.org.uk and/or contact us on [email protected]
Once again, thank you for your continued support. Keith Bentley, leader of SWFRP.

06/05/2026

Don't forget to take valid ID with you when you vote on 7th May. A passport or driving licence is OK. For a full list of valid ID check the Electoral Commission website at:

You need to show photo ID when voting at polling stations in some UK elections. Find out about the different types of photo ID accepted.

04/05/2026

Keith's thoughts on our crossings...Vote SWFRP on 7 May https://www.facebook.com/reel/2307134566481950/

02/05/2026

What we think should happen to our libraries.

02/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/swfrpkeithbentley/posts/pfbid0sXedN9SKnboBHcy8HSdieFQ5A5DDBxP85RF78xPTCcyh6axXWZhLmyh3ukpgT8rvl

Great to be out campaigning in SWF town centre today and listening to residents' thoughts about the town and what we could do better...