Queen Elizabeth II Square in South Woodham Ferrers
The Queen Elizabeth II Square is enclosed by the Asda supermarket, shops, banks and eateries in South Woodham Ferrers town centre. It is a paved square with a bandstand in the centre. The bandstand has not been used very much in recent years although there is some community interest in encouraging performers to entertain the residents. Much of the time, young people hang about on the bandstand or people wait for partners and friends whilst they shop.
During the summer, Asda run an entertainment programme for children one day at week at the bandstand. The local churches have held carol singing there and various tradespeople sell Christmas flower arrangements, garden furniture and anything else that may appeal to passing pedestrians.
Although the square is never crowded, people sit out at the tables and chairs that belong to Costa Coffee and in combination with the excellent South Woodham Ferrers Facebook pages, word soon gets around about anything happening in town.
One of the most long-lived shops on the square is Alistair Blacks Jewellers and Pawnbrokers. Costa Coffee is a relatively recent arrival that replaced Martin’s newsagents.
The Govani pharmacy is also a long-standing local business. There is some concern that due to Internet pharmacies and a reduction in government funding, pharmacies are finding it more difficult to continue to flourish and serve the town. It is good to remember that a local pharmacist dispenses free impartial advice along with medications and it would be sad to lose that.
Timpsons not only deal with shoe repair but also cut keys, engrave metal and offer a wide range of essential services.
The shops in South Woodham Ferrers have a reputation for not lasting long, and certainly many have come and gone because of high rental prices, business rates and a lack of local interest. Asda occasionally comes under criticism for stocking whatever any new shop sells and undermining their business. There used to be video shop in Hullbridge Road, a music shop, and Asda also sells all kinds of media products.
The large Asda George clothing store replaced a furniture shop many years ago. People seem to be happy to go shopping for furniture out of town where they find a wider selection.
