We live in one of the UK’s most isolated towns – we’re cut off from the world and it’s like stepping back in time
LOCALS in an isolated town, with just one road in and out, say it’s like going “back in time”.
There is only one way to arrive at Mersea Island, Essex, by taking the Strood – a road that floods at high tide leaving residents cut off from the outside world.
But, homeowners love their bustling market-town, full of shops, eateries and attractions which draw in tourists.
Proud local, Debbie Moore, told EssexLive: “It’s like going back in time to how the world was 40 years ago when everybody knew their neighbours and people would say good morning, good evening in the street.
“It takes me back to the days when everyone had time for each other.”
The centre administrator at the Mersea Island Centre even loves the fact their route out of town gets flooded in high tide.
“We love it. Because for that time, we’re completely cut off”, the 61-year-old added.
“It’s a real community.
“Everyone looks out for one another. No one needs to be on their own.”
Another local, Tim Gannon, hated the idea of a bridge being built over the Strood, he said: “We don’t need to change and people don’t want the change either.
“They want to keep it how it always has been.”
Savvy locals are never caught out by the changing tides, according to Debbie, who explained a free timetable ensures everyone is safe.
In an emergency, air ambulances can be sent and the island does have its own fire station.
Meanwhile, devoted resident Linda Sterry, who has lived in the area for 25 years, explained the doctor’s surgery and primary school haven’t changed since she’s been there.
And, the rest of the town also keeps in with traditions, some shops close for lunch, others shut down at midday on Wednesdays – while many close completely on a Sunday.
NEW PROBLEMS
However, some residents worry their hometown is becoming modernised with the construction of newbuild properties.
They live in fear that their small island won’t be able to cope with an influx of new residents.
Linda, 75, said: “If you have a lot of rain we end up being flooded, and in the summer we have twice as many people because of the campers.”
Another major issue with the newbuilds is their in-affordable price tag for many of the existing locals looking to get onto the property ladder.
Tim, 50, and manager at the Mersea community centre MICA, said: “It’s upsetting a lot of the locals because we’ve got one school, one doctor’s surgery, they’re not big schools, not big doctors.
“It’s just not sustainable.”
CHANGING TIMES
Another new development, according to residents, is the increase of crime.
Linda pointed out that some people are taking advantage of the fact there is no police station on Mersea Island, after being closed down.
“There was a time when we didn’t see a policeman on the island at all”, she said.
But, now there is one patrolling officer on the island in case of emergency.
Other officers have to travel from Colchester, and it can take up to 20 minutes to reach West Mersea.
Although Tim reckoned they have arrived within 15 minutes before, and debated whether or not crime was really much of an issue.
Overall, Mersea Island homeowners expressed gratitude for their hometown and praised its strong sense of community.
Debbie said she couldn’t live anywhere else and: “I’ve felt like I have always been here and should have been here.”
“I like coming home. If I’ve been on holiday, once you pass the Strood you know you’re home”, agreed Linda.
“When the tide’s in you get that lovely, fresh smell. It’s a lovely place to live.”