The Official Guides to Benfleet Urban District Council (5)

The 1980s onwards

The “CP” Logo

Of course, the Official Guide to Castle Point now incorporates features on Canvey Island, so the population had expanded to 84,000 in the mid-1980s.  The “CP” logo signifies the amalgamation of the two Districts by the linking of the C and P.   The wavy lines indicate the close links with the Thames.

At no stage has there been a realistic population figure for the Parish of South Benfleet, although Norman Chisman in Bygone Benfleet gives various estimates of 281 in 1600 through to about 15,000 in 1991.

However, the population expansion generally created the need for new schools, notably the Holy Family and Kents Hill Schools in Kents Hill Road and Jotmans Hall School in the High Road.

Richmond Hall, seating 135 people, had been built adjacent to South Benfleet Playing Field and a Swimming Pool constructed alongside the Runnymede Hall behind the new Council Offices in Kiln Road.

New Armorial Bearings

By the early 1980s the Official Guides had a full colour cover and included, after the granting of the new Armorial Bearings in 1987, a colour representation and explanation of the Coat of Arms for the new District Council.   With only two Councils amalgamating, it was relatively easy to incorporate elements of each of the existing Armorial Bearings but the Motto remains as on the old Benfleet UDC arms referred to above.

2008 Onwards

From the 2008 Guide onwards, the magnificent colour photography is overwhelming and these recent Guides provide a comprehensive account of the area, with superb pictorial additions to bolster the text.

A splendid view from the Water Tower across to the village of South Benfleet nestling in the hollow by the Creek, accompanies the “Welcome” page and the work of the Castle Point Regeneration Partnership, to look at long-term improvements in the Borough covering transport (including the improvements at Sadler’s Farm), the business environment, sustainable housing and job creation, is highlighted.

The current Official Guide is available, free of charge, from the Council Offices.

We would like to thank Castle Point Council for supplying us with the photo below.

View from the Water Tower at the top of Essex Way
Castle Point Council
Council's Official Emblem
Castle Point Council
A view of The Downs - Guide dated c. 1981/2
New Bridge at Benfleet Creek - Guide dated c.1981/2

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