Cllr Sophie Preston-Hall Rochford North

02/11/2026

Every child deserves somewhere they can play, have fun and simply be themselves. 🧡

Today, I was delighted to be invited to the launch of the new monthly SEND play sessions at Monkey Bizness Rochford, organised by the wonderful team at STRM – SEND the Right Message.

These sessions give neurodivergent children the opportunity to enjoy themselves, while parents and carers can meet other families, share experiences and speak to the STRM team about SEND-related questions.

Sometimes, having a chat with someone who understands can make such a difference. That feeling of being welcomed, supported and knowing you’re not facing everything alone matters enormously.

Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families is something I care deeply about, both personally and as Essex County Councillor for Rochford North. It was lovely to meet the people putting so much care and energy into making these sessions possible.

A huge thank you to the STRM team, Adam and everyone at Monkey Bizness Rochford for the invitation and all your hard work. 🧡👏

Please visit STRM’s page for future session details and share this with a family who might benefit.

29/10/2026

🚧 A130 WEEKEND CLOSURES — PLEASE PLAN AHEAD 🚧

An important heads-up for residents and anyone travelling between Chelmsford and Rayleigh this November.

Essential road maintenance will mean two weekend closures on the A130 between Howe Green Interchange and Rayleigh Spur Roundabout:

📅 SOUTHBOUND
From 8pm Friday 6 November until 6am Monday 9 November.

📅 NORTHBOUND
From 8pm Friday 13 November until 6am Monday 16 November.

📬 A letter has also been sent to local residents living in the vicinity of the works who may be affected.

🚗 A signed diversion will be in place via the A12 and A127. Please allow extra time for your journey and be aware that surrounding local roads may experience increased traffic.

The works form part of the ongoing programme to improve the condition of the A130 and are weather dependent.

For enquiries, please contact CountyRoute:
📞 24-hour helpline: 0845 351 1130
📧 [email protected]

Please share this notice to help residents, businesses and fellow road users plan ahead. Thank you for your patience while these essential works take place.

29/10/2026

“BREATHING SPACE”… but what happens when that space runs out?

Watching yesterday’s Budget, those two words really struck me. The Chancellor used them THIRTEEN times.

As a mother and business owner, I understand why people need help now. Every pound matters when you’re trying to balance the books.

But “breathing space” sounds temporary to me. My concern is that we’re being offered a little respite, with much harder times still ahead.

And, in my opinion, this had all the hallmarks of a Budget before an election. The more Andy Burnham insists an election isn’t happening any time soon, the less convinced I feel.

That’s my reading of it. Families and businesses deserve lasting financial security and a government they can trust to deliver it.

Did yesterday’s Budget reassure you—or leave you wondering what comes next? 👇

28/10/2026

28/10/2026

🏡 Planning Application Update – Woodside Road, Hockley

I wanted to keep residents informed about planning application 26/00575/FUL for Woodhouse, Woodside Road, Hockley.

The proposal is to demolish the existing buildings and construct four 4-bedroom homes, together with private parking and a shared access road.

Essex Highways has reviewed the application and has raised no highway objection, subject to a number of conditions. These include measures relating to visibility at the site entrance, parking provision, cycle storage, construction management, and road safety. A minor amendment to one parking space layout has also been requested.

The application will now continue through the planning process at Rochford District Council.

I will continue to keep residents updated on significant developments as and when I get them.

Cllr Sophie Preston-Hall
Essex County Cllr
Rochford North

27/10/2026

An absolute pleasure to be invited to the Hockley Chamber of Trade and Commerce meeting this evening! 😊

A lovely welcome and a really valuable opportunity to hear directly from local business owners about the challenges they face and their ideas for Hockley.

From banking services to promoting local businesses and bringing people together through community events, there was plenty to discuss.

As your Essex County Councillor for Rochford North, and a business owner myself, I know how much hard work goes into running a business. I also shared why I’m such an advocate for business awards — a fantastic opportunity to reflect on your achievements and get your business noticed! 🏆

Thank you for having me and for everything you do for Hockley. Let’s keep supporting the businesses that bring jobs, character and life to the community. 💙

26/10/2026

💷 ROCHFORD NORTH — COULD YOUR COMMUNITY PROJECT BENEFIT FROM FUNDING?

A reminder to our brilliant local charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations: get your requests in now for consideration through Essex County Council’s Locality Fund! 🩵

New equipment? Improvements to a community space? A project that brings people together? I want to hear your ideas!

📍 You must be based in my Rochford North division, and your project must benefit local residents.

I’ve already received requests from local organisations, and I’d love to hear from more of you. Tell me what you need, how much you’re seeking and the difference it would make.

📩 Email me now to apply:
[email protected]

Let’s turn local ideas into something that makes a lasting difference.

🔄 Please share and tag a local group that could benefit!

Funding is subject to eligibility, available funds and approval.

24/10/2026

🌧️🐴 WET WEATHER UPDATE – GIDDY UP FARM 🤿🤣

Well, we've officially reached the point where Elvis needs goggles, a snorkel and flippers just to get around the paddock 😂🐎

No horses were harmed in the making of this photo! 🤣 Elvis is just modelling his new wet weather gear.

On a more serious note, due to the weather and muddy conditions, all lessons are cancelled for the remainder of this week. 🌧️

We apologise for any inconvenience, but the safety of our riders, staff and horses will always come first. ❤️

As much as we love seeing everyone, we'd rather wait until conditions are safe than risk anyone getting hurt.

Thank you all for your understanding, and hopefully we'll be back to riding soon 🥰🐴

In the meantime, Elvis reckons he's ready for swimming lessons 🤣🤿

24/10/2026

🩵 What a brilliant day meeting residents in Hullbridge and Hockley!

Thank you to everyone who came along to our joint councillor surgeries today. Sitting down together, listening and having a proper conversation is one of the parts of this role I value most.

📍 At Hullbridge Library, Cllr Tina Hughes and I welcomed two residents who raised several local issues with us. Thank you for taking the time to explain your concerns, hearing directly from you helps us understand where our attention is needed.

📍 Then at Hockley Library, alongside Cllr Gary Wheeler, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely gentleman and his son who had come along especially to meet me. How lovely is that? It meant so much that they made the effort to pop in. 😊

These surgeries are for you. Whether you have a concern, an idea for our community or simply want to meet your councillors, you are always welcome.

A big thank you to Tina and Gary, and to both libraries for hosting us. It’s a privilege to represent Rochford North and to work together for our residents.

💬 Please keep talking to us, your voice matters.