A group set up "to give local town and parish councils more clout" is urging Dengie residents to discuss 'infrastructure problems' in a new survey.

The United Dengie Councils (UDC) says it was set up to give local town and parish councils more clout while representing the views of local residents and businesses when dealing with planners and developers. It has written to all member councils, asking them to publicise a new survey of the Dengie Peninsula.

The survey focuses on current and future 'infrastructure problems'.

UDC says one of the parishes involved is "ahead of the game". 

An article in the previous issue of North Fambridge magazine In Touch described how 'major' new housing developments in the Dengie and surrounding areas will put 'considerable extra pressure' on roads and public services. One example given was a proposed housing scheme at South Woodham Ferrers, "which could seriously impact a vital road corridor for the Dengie (the B1012/A132)".

The current issue explains that campaign groups – such as the Infrastructure Group and the United Dengie Councils – are "urging decision makers to ensure that public service infrastructure is improved along with new developments: so that you don't see your quality of life suffer. If people speak up, housing developers and local government can make parallel improvements to local services happen, rather than being an afterthought".

Dengie residents now have an opportunity to give their personal opinion via a newly launched survey set up by the Infrastructure Group. Organisers say survey is brief and should only take five minutes. The collated (anonymised) output from the survey will be used to support further discussions with local authorities and other external agencies. 

A spokesperson said: "All input from Dengie residents will be gratefully received.

"Please take a little time to add your views on this important issue by clicking here."