This month, Oracle Publications is giving one lucky reader the chance to WIN a £100 voucher for Raynor Advanced Massage & Bodywork with specialist therapist Pam Donaldson.

An overview of Essex’s bathing water quality reveals successes and challenges, highlighting beaches with Excellent and Good ratings, pollution risks from storm overflows, and opportunities for Blue Flag recognition and improved coastal management.

Southend Council refused an application for 2,000 homes, backed by MP Bayo Alaba. The campaign urges protecting Green Belt land and exploring brownfield sites, with ongoing challenges and calls for community involvement.

Four children from Leigh took part in the historic Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament debate in the House of Commons, promoting the voices of children with disabilities and inspiring future young leaders.

Campaigners secured a Tree Preservation Order for Chester, a 150-year-old London plane tree, but delays in footway improvements continue. Legal advice highlights council errors, while the fight to protect green heritage and improve safety goes on.

It’s a question local residents living and working in Shoeburyness ward now have the opportunity to help answer, thanks to the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which has awarded £20 million over the next 10 years to support improvements across the ward.

I always enjoy putting together each edition of Leigh Oracle, especially when it gives me the chance to share stories about the people and places that make our area such a special place to live. This month, we have plenty to celebrate, along with some important local issues to keep an eye on.