Connaught Avenue

Frinton Residents' Association - About Our Town

Frinton is a residential town situated by the sea. As such we welcome summer visitors, but this means that there are two Frintons: a Summer Frinton of some 6-8 weeks where the day-time population can double and another, more tranquil Frinton which residents inhabit for the other 44-46 weeks of the year. A railway line runs through the middle of our town, and a level crossing has to be negotiated in order to visit the town centre or the seafront.

Frinton's Key Features

On the seaward side of the level crossing, Frinton's key features can be listed as its fine, safe beach and promenade, with the associated greensward and generous free car parking; its conservation areas; The Avenues; period properties at one end of The Esplanade and Art Deco buildings at the other; and the town centre located around Connaught Avenue where some traditional shops can still be found. Together they create a pleasant ambience with a yet persistent air of past times, but to ensure this environment is maintained and conserved, proper maintenance is required.

On the other side of the level crossing, the key features are smart, modern housing developments, the Triangle Centre which includes a pedestrianised shopping precinct, the Town Hall, a Community Centre, and plenty of free parking.

Frinton benefits from its railway connection meaning that the centre of London is only approximately an hour and a half away.

The Threat to Frinton

The threat to Frinton arises from expansion in size and population, increasing housing densities, and vastly increased car ownership and usage. There is also the threat to the independent shops in our high street (Connaught Avenue) if they are not supported by local residents. None of these threats are unique to Frinton. They are part of the conundrum confronting many small towns in England. However, in Frinton the Residents' Association is working towards ensuring that these threats have minimal impact on the environment.

The History of Frinton

A brief report on the town's history has been compiled by local historian, David Foster. Read David's Brief History of Frinton.

Local Facilities

Shops

A wide selection of retail outlets, together with a Bank, Building Societies and offices offering professional services, can be found around Connaught Avenue and within The Triangle Centre. We have several cafes and restaurants, and quite new innovations for Frinton are a pub, a fish and chip shop, and a betting office on the seaward side of the level crossing.

Schools and Colleges

There are three primary schools in Frinton-on-Sea: St Philomena's Preparatory School in Hadleigh Road, Frinton-on-Sea Primary School in Fifth Avenue, and Hamford Primary Academy in Elmtree Avenue. In addition, older students can attend Tendring Technology College situated in Rochford Way.

Transport

There is a good railway connection provided by Abellio Greater Anglia and we also have a bus service which can convey people to Walton-on-the-Naze, Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester via local villages, plus local taxis are available. Bus timetables are available via Essex Travel. There is also a Frinton and Walton Community Minibus Service.

Clubs and Associations

In addition to the Frinton Residents' Association, there are many other clubs, groups and associations in the area - some of which are listed below:

Banking

Unfortunately, as in many small towns, there are limited banking facilities. However, a paying-in service for all banks is now offered by the Post Office as long as you include a pre-printed paying-in slip.

Health Care

There is a doctors' surgery, called Caradoc (which is situated in Station Approach) as well as a choice of dentists, opticians and other health care practitioners.

Emergency Services

Fire and Ambulance stations are situated on the seaward side of the level crossing.

Places of Worship

Frinton has a wide variety of places of worship including: Frinton Free Church, Frinton Gospel Chapel, the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart and St Francis, St Mary's Parish Church, the Frinton Methodist Church and services are still held in St Mary's Old Church, which is the smallest complete church in Essex. (The first recorded rector was in office in 1199!)

Entertainment

In the Summer, entertainment is provided by the Frinton Summer Theatre, and usually during August the Frinton Mission have a tent on the Greensward. Throughout the whole year events take place at the various clubs and other venues, including those provided by the Saxon Theatre Group and The Frinton Players.

Places to Visit

Apart from the beach, there is the greensward and the beautiful public gardens along the Esplanade, the jewel in the crown of which is the award-winning Crescent Gardens. Then there is The Heritage Garden and Museum by the station as well as The Spinney which provides an area to sit down by the station. There is also the original Parish Church (St Mary's) at the opposite end of Connaught Avenue. Play equipment, etc, is provided in Jubilee Playing Fields, located off Roydon Way. The Frinton and Walton Indoor Swimming Pool is situated near the Columbine Centre on the seafront in Walton and there is also a pier in Walton which is only a short walk along the seafront from Frinton.

Local News

The local newspaper is the Clacton & Frinton Gazette. Additionally, the Tendring Talking Times is a weekly newspaper which is available FREE OF CHARGE to all blind and partially-sighted people in the locality. They can be contacted on 01255 422307 or email Tending Talking Times.

Crime

Apparently, reported crime in this area is falling and Frinton-on-Sea is one of the safest places in the country. However, everyone should remain vigilant with regard to bogus callers and pickpockets, avoid providing ways in for opportunist burglars by not leaving windows open when you are out, or even opportunities for people to walk in unseen when you are at home. In other areas, pickpockets have targeted charity shops and taken things from bags of those who are browsing which proves that nowhere is completely safe.

If you would like to report an incident, there are PCSOs patrolling constantly and they can be contacted by dialling 101, or via your Local Ward Councillor whose contact details can be found on the Finton & Walton Town Council website. Nevertheless, if it is a serious crime always ring 999 immediately. Anti-social behaviour can be reported on 01255 686359.