Calls for Rochford to have its own museum have reached the ears of the town's working group.

Lib Dem councillor Heather Glynn, who is a member of the forum, would like to see something in the town showcasing its history.

Mrs Glynn said: "The Cramphorns building in West Street would be ideal.

"Perhaps we could get funding from the National Lottery or county heritage and buy it as something for the people of Rochford."

Labour councillor Maureen Vince explained the parish council had been trying to get a museum for Rochford for around 30 years.

She said: "We carried out a public survey in one of our parish pump newsletters and did not get a great response.

"I do see it as something of merit but we would have to be very conscious of the cost of running it."

Rochford is a historic market town dating back hundreds of years.

Some of its buildings, such as the Old House in South Street, were constructed more than 700 years ago.

Members of Rochford Chamber of Trade feel a museum would enhance the town from a visitor's point of view and are sure somebody would be able to run it for Rochford.

The idea is just one of a number of issues on the table as part of the proposed community consultation on Rochford town centre.

Rochford District Council has already commissioned a study and should have the results by the end of August.

It will be looking at what people want and would like to see in Rochford.

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