Local News
London Southend Airport announces new ‘Terminal Tour’ dates as part of its Connecting Communities Commitment
London Southend Airport welcomed members of the public into the terminal ahead of flights restarting to gather feedback as part of its preparations.
London Southend Airport launches ‘Connecting the Community’ commitment
London Southend Airport today announces its ‘Connecting the Community’ commitment – which will set out how the airport will contribute to the community around it.
Enough is Enough Leigh, taking back our town
Recent anti-social events in Old Leigh and Leigh itself have left residents with a feeling of unease about what is happening to our town.
Local or National?
I lived in Southend for all my life and run a local business, but because I very much care about the town I decided I would get involved with the local council. Like most people I used to go along every year to vote because I feel that democracy is fundamentally important, and we should all exercise our right to vote.
Vaccine success
The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on all our lives. The world and our country were not prepared for what has happened since the virus first appeared.
Will the bubble burst?
Since 1970 when I entered the property business in Southend, it is true to say house prices have increased nearly a hundred times.
London Southend Airport employees Speak Up for Travel
Join us as we #SpeakUpForTravel on 23rd June. Employees and businesses from across the aviation and travel industries are coming together to raise awareness of the challenges facing the travel industry and to ask the UK Government reinstate a risk-managed approach around a safe return to international travel and to think again about financial support offered to the sector.
Sunsets on the beach for dogs this summer!
The time of year has arrived again where responsible owners and their dogs are barred from our beaches for almost half a year. Rejoice for some people, but for many, a rule that seems a bit outdated and unfair.
London Southend Airport to restart passenger flights as travel restrictions ease
London Southend Airport, 28 May 2021: London Southend Airport today opens its doors to passengers following several false starts due to lockdown.
Gold Standard onsite private PCR testing at London Southend Airport
London Southend Airport has collaborated with Prenetics to offer onsite private COVID-19 tests. Available from today, samples are collected onsite with valid travel certificates and results provided within 24 hours from when your sample arrives at the lab.
Southend’s new music showcase
Music students from South Essex College are launching a brand new record label and social media showcase event to counter the Covid effect of not being able to perform at live shows.
Red Sails over the Estuary
It is difficult to find an historic postcard view of Southend beach without a Thames sailing barge appearing in it somewhere.
Reflections on the pandemic
This past year has been one unlike any other, for all us, it has had a huge impact on our hospitals.
£228k funding boost for Southend to get the High Street re-open after lockdown
The cash boost, which is part of the £56 million Welcome Back Fund, has been welcomed by James Duddridge MP.
London Southend Airport provide greater transparency of aircraft movements in WebTrak launch
London Southend Airport has announced a new online self-service system called WebTrak to enable local residents to view all aircraft movements in the vicinity of the airport. The platform will launch on 31 March following a successful trial.
Southend residents: keep up the good (recycling) work!
Over 94% of Southend residents are using their pink recycling sacks or communal recycling bins every week according to a survey carried out by Veolia, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s recycling, waste and street cleansing contractor.
Rochford Road to be closed in both directions
As part of the ongoing Bell junction improvement works, Rochford Road will be closed in both directions at the Bell Junction from 8pm Friday 19 March until Monday 22 March 6.30am.
New Headteacher for Westcliff High School for Girls
Andrew Cooper will start in September and also become Chief Executive Officer of South East Essex Academy Trust
Southend Adult Community College appeals to adults to nurture the joy of reading on World Book Day
Southend Adult Community College are encouraging people to join their free English courses for those who need to brush up their English or who have missed out on learning the skill of reading altogether.
Fighting the Virus Together?
Southend, alongside the rest of the country is going through hell, economically speaking. Businessmen are counting down the days until breakout day. If Southend is not going to vanish down the financial plug hole, it will need a huge boost to drag us out of the abyss.
Council’s landlord licencing scheme is a tax on good landlords – James Duddridge MP
An MP has criticised plans to hit landlords with a £700 charge for every property they rent out in Southend.
LOCAL ARTIST PUTS LEIGH-ON-SEA ON MAP WITH BESPOKE SIGNS FOR TOWN
A unique wayfinding project has been completed in Leigh-on-Sea in a drive to increase the visibility of what is available in the town and remind people to shop local, as the town begins to think about its recovery when Covid restrictions begin to ease.
MP calls for rethink over Southend seafront parking increase plan
Southend Borough Council is being urged to rethink its plan to double car parking charges in parts of the town.
London Southend Airport commits to carbon neutrality by 2027
Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. It independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through a structured programme.
"A Grateful Nation Soon Forgot". The War Story of Southend Pier
I will be forever grateful to Emma Wynne-Morgan, who in the September 2011 edition of Oracle, printed a story I wrote about our pier in wartime.
London Southend Airport awarded Port Infrastructure Fund
London Southend Airport has achieved Government support to promote trade operations post Brexit.
London Southend Airport welcomes passengers back for festive flights
London Southend Airport, 18 December 2020: London Southend Airport today re-opens its terminal doors to passengers travelling over the festive period. With Christmas decorations at the ready and safety measures in place, passengers are wished a very pleasant onward journey.
Infrastructure Must Be Put on Agenda
The Conservative Group on Southend Borough Council are calling for Infrastructure concerns of residents to be given higher priority after being neglected by the Labour Led Coalition currently running Southend Council.
Queensway Underpass Saga Must Be Investigated
The Conservative Group on Southend Borough Council have called for an investigation on the handling of the Queensway Underpass which is due to close as part of the Better Queensway development, potentially causing gridlock in the town centre
School Streets launched to improve air quality and promote active travel
Two Southend-on-Sea primary schools are supporting the Council with an innovative scheme aimed at promoting active travel and improving air quality near our schools.
London Southend Airport announce Christmas Colouring Competition
London Southend Airport, 4th December 2020: Following the fantastic entries to this year’s poppy display, London Southend Airport is again reaching out to local schools and young people, this time to colour and decorate a Christmas image.
London Southend Airport famous Santa flights cancelled – but don’t worry – the usual Christmas eve deliveries are confirmed.
London Southend Airport, 27th November 2020: London Southend Airport has today confirmed that their famous Santa flights have been cancelled this year due to covid. However, the airport team also confirmed that Santa will visit as usual on Christmas eve.
Essex Libraries Service Update
Libraries to reopen from Wednesday 2 December
Small businesses to be recognised as Essex Business Champions
Small community-based businesses locally will be given the opportunity to be crowned champion of their town or the whole of Essex in 2021 following the launch of an exciting awards programme.
London Southend Airport continues to invest into airport’s future
London Southend Airport, 12th November 2020: Ever wondered where your bags go once checked in at the airport? London Southend Airport has shared rare images of its latest development as it invests in two new baggage X-ray screening machines.
Partnership awareness day for face covering rules
Southend Business Improvement District (BID) teamed up with partners for a targeted face covering awareness day on Friday 23rd October.
Position Statement, Southend Airport
Southend Airport was formally recognised as a municipal airport in the 1930s. It has operated commercially as a municipal airport for over 85 years
Youth Council to hold online Celebration of Black Lives event
Southend Youth Council, working in partnership with the Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS), are holding an online event called ‘Celebration of Black Lives’ on 24 October, beginning at 10:00am
The Bikeability Trust announce winner of photo competition and £235,000 for family cycle training
Leading the way - families learn to love cycling together, thanks to the Bikeability Trust
Southend in Sight staff go that extra mile in 117 Challenge
World Sight Day fundraiser helps mental health and wellbeing
London Southend Airport to mark Armistice Day with Poppy Display
London Southend Airport are asking young people to help to mark Armistice day by decorating poppies and sending them for a window display.
Consultation launched on possible amalgamation of Chalkwell Hall schools
Local parents, teachers and members of the community are being asked to give their thoughts on the possibility of amalgamating Chalkwell Hall Infants School and Chalkwell Hall Junior School as one school - creating “Chalkwell Hall Primary School”.
A country in lockdown
Views are divided within our country as to the way central government has gone about dealing with the Covid 19 Pandemic.
Thank you from Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity
Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity would like to say a huge thank you to the population of Essex for the support they have shown our organisations over the last few months.
Schools - the pandemic, lockdown and reopening
As Headteacher of Southend High School for Boys, I am not alone in looking forward to having a full complement of pupils back in school, actively learning, socialising and being socialised! Our pupils have not only missed out on being in school, they miss school itself. The community is a vibrant and energetic place of learning. Our pupils are keen to return to lessons, with their friends but also – and even more so – eager to return to the extraordinary array of music, sport, drama, art, adventure ... as our recent promotional film celebrates: the ‘sky is the limit’ for learning at our school.
Policing Essex waterways and coastlines
Our county has the second largest coastline in the UK and Essex Police has a specialist unit that police our waterways and coastlines, helping to keep people safe and catch criminals.
Southend's future prosperity
No doubt we are all pretty bored with the virus saga; I’ve got analysis paralysis with all those stats! I’m sure we all have our own personal views on the rights and wrongs, but when it’s all said and done the buck will stop with Boris.
Seaside town going places
I wanted to write an article with a view of explaining why I appreciate being part of the Southend community, both in terms of specialist retail and as a resident. Many years of living within easy reach of London, the beach and open countryside have been a joy.
Outstanding efforts from Southend's Town Centre Team
Officers from Southend’s Town Centre Team have dedicated more than 6,000 hours to patrols and activity to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour over the last six months.
No to 5G in Southend?
For those who don't know or are interested to learn more, there is a global stop 5G campaign which is growing daily and here's why.
Rejuvenating Southend
We are living at a time where there seems to be so much bad news, anger and resentment in the world that it is worth remembering that it can be the simple things that can make us happiest.
The continuing demise of Southend (dire) High Street
It’s been over a year since I wrote my 'Save Southend Dire Street' article
Seaway - Are redevelopment plans, right?
The arguments surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the Seaway Car Park continue and some of the issues were highlighted in the last edition of Oracle, when Independent Party Councillor and current Cabinet Member Martin Terry commented that “I did like and support the scheme in its original design concept but I now have serious questions which need to be answered”. He further said that “There does seem to be a driving determination and obsession to get this scheme through at almost any cost”.
The Seaway Saga
We are now approaching the deadline where a planning application must be submitted by Turnstone, the contracted developer of the valuable, Council owned, Seaway car park. This divisive matter has been travelling through the Council for well over a decade and was initially devised by the now defunct, and often criticised quango, Renaissance Southend, under the stewardship of former Conservative Leader and local solicitor, Nigel Holdcroft, who stepped down many years ago.
Addressing homelessness in Southend
Homelessness is a widely talked-about and controversial topic in Southend, particularly rough sleeping, which is the most visible end of the homeless spectrum. However, it is not just about people sleeping on the streets. It all begins with addressing the causes of homelessness in the first place.
Is there a future?
High Streets across the country have been evolving for many years - Southend High Street being no exception. Originally ‘The High Street’ mostly a range of terraced three and four storey housing to cope with the burgeoning population of Southend transformed into the retail shopping area we know today. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Southend High Street was one of the most highly valued (in rental value) High Streets in the UK outside Central London.
New administration at SBC
It is a huge honour to have been elected Leader of Southend Council, there is a huge amount to communicate to residents. The position following the elections was far from ideal, but there is now a strong partnership agreement between Labour, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors to form a robust administration. We know it can work, we ran the council in partnership between 2014 and 2016 and delivered many successes whilst faced with the hugest of financial challenges. I’ve obviously been asked a lot about what changes the new administration wishes to make – there is too much to fit in one article but here is a flavour of what we think is important.
All change at SBC
Political turmoil continues this month on both the local and national stage. It looks like Boris versus the two Jeremys for PM whilst locally the tories have lost control of both Basildon and now Southend councils.
Results of your vote
It is 10.50pm, Thursday May 2nd and I await a car to take me to the Count at Garon Park. All day, spent sitting outside the polling Station, listening to residents condemning the Conservative and Labour Parties and their role in the Brexit negotiations but these same residents also acknowledged the role of Independent Councillors in the Ward who have worked hard to create a better community and fight against the negative efforts of the Tory led Council.
Southend - it's a shame!
After 15 years at Woo Hairdressers in Clifftown Road we have with a heavy heart relocated to Thorpe Bay. Sixteen years ago the town was thriving and there were many top brand shops, however, now we have to settle for coffee and pop up phone case shops that open and close at an alarming pace to avoid the rates. I was very proud to have a Southend Business...
Petition grabs SBC's attention!
I am the local resident, who with your incredible assistance, gathered 2276 signatures for a petition to be submitted to the Council regarding helping our floundering Town centre by requesting action with parking charges as they are astronomic and keeping shoppers, visitors away and discouraging them for staying longer than an hour, get your hair cut, lunch, gift, dentist it costs an average £1.90+ for an hour.
History is not just a load of bunk
Famously Henry Ford said on 6 June 1916 "History is more or less bunk. It's tradition. We don't want tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker's damn is the history that we make today."
Reflecting on the good in Southend
I was trying to think of a song to describe Southend at the moment. Personally I think that old Monty Python song “Always Look on the Bright Side” probably describes it best.
A new shed in town!
Wellbeing at Garon Park is proud to be a member of the UK Men’s Sheds Association and bringing this exciting opportunity to Southend.
Breaking Loneliness and Isolation
Southend Association of Voluntary Services and Shoebury Residents Association announce the expansion of the ‘Folk like Us’ project in to Shoebury. The project will provide support and information to lonely isolated and elderly residents living in Shoebury.
Our failing High Street
Emma kindly asked for an update since my October 'Save Southend High Street' article. I was touched by the many supportive emails I received at the time and I thank you for them.
Housing and the homeless
Homelessness is not a new issue. I have been involved with property real estate for 48 years and although the issue is much greater now than it was in the 1970s it has always been a problem.
A change of attitude is needed
In the last issue of Oracle, it was asked “please help save Southend High Street”. I maintain that the High Street does not need saving, but it does need changing, and fast.
Should SBC be buying commercial property?
Southend on Sea Borough Council are not alone in choosing to buy commercial investment property in order to boost their flagging fortunes but beware there are a number of reasons why local authorities including Southend should not be engaged in this highly risky and volatile activity.
Southend Town Centre A different approach?
10 years ago, the regeneration of Southend Central Area began with projects like Civic Beach, The Forum and more recently Victoria Avenue among others. Government assisted funding was obtained for many of these projects. This has encouraged private sector investment.
Are parking fees killing trade?
Grateful Heads has successfully traded in Alexandra Street, Southend for nearly 35 years - but the past few years have definitely been a little harder for the salon.
Dreamland?
I have lived in this Borough for many years: during the past 24 years I have been privileged to live in the Southend Conservation area. The High Street is, literally, just around the corner.
Seaway, the debate continues.....
Recent Oracle articles on the decline of our High St. by Philip Miller MBE and my article on the proposed Seaway development have certainly sparked a debate into life, amongst concerned residents, businesses and councillors, and rightly so.
Seaways' brighter future
On 7 December, the developer Turnstone submitted a planning application to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council for a £45-£50m leisure development on the site of the Seaways Car Park. If it gains planning approval, it could generate 500 jobs and turn around the fortunes of our High Street by bolstering it as a leisure destination.
The loss of a baby
The article called ‘I lost my baby – please ask me his name’ on the BBC website and the Channel 4 TV programme ‘Child of Mine’ is about those who have suffered the loss of their babies were both sad, moving and yet so inspirational it just made you want to do something useful to help!
Development of Southend Seafront
In 2002 I switched from my city job to running a business on Southend Seafront. My family had previously run businesses on the seafront in the late 70’s so the concept was not entirely new to me.
Memory Worship - Worship for those with and without dementia
Memory Worship is a new service that has been created to support the spiritual needs of people living with dementia.
A new direction?
Southend is a town built on family businesses who track their beginnings back through several generations. To this day those businesses are still fighting for survival, in particular those that operate in and around the seafront, still relying very much on day trippers!
Walk for Wards Sunday 16th September 2018
To mark the 20th Anniversary of the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, the For Wards Appeal has recently been launched and aims to raise £500,000 for 20 transformational projects across 20 different areas of Southend Hospital. As well as funding life-saving medical equipment and pioneering new technology, the appeal will fund additions such as patient friendly artwork and amenities to keep patient comfort and well-being at the heart of the hospital.
Folk Like Us (FLU) - Breaking Loneliness and Isolation Amongst the Elderly
Folk Like Us provides support and advice to people over the age of 65, living in the borough of Southend who are experiencing loneliness and isolation. These people are supported by Turning Tides Team Leaders and if required will be signposted to services who can assist them further.
Pier Pressure
"Welcome to Southend Marina," the new Marina Moorings Supervisor called out to the Master of the big Cruiser that had just drawn up to an empty birthing spot connected to Southend’s Pier Head, with the Pier trains ready to take the new delighted tourists into town via Southend’s classy new Marina… Sorry, this was just a pipedream…..
Citizens Advice Southend Helping people find a way forward
Citizens Advice Southend is an independent registered charity. We are affiliated to a central organisation, known as Citizens Advice, itself a registered charity, which provides us with training and support. Citizens Advice is the UK’s largest provider of advice, and nearly half the population has used its services at some point in their lives.
Southend Samaritans and Mental Health Awareness Week 2018
On the 14th May to the 20th May, people all over the UK come together to raise awareness for Mental Health problems for Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, the Mental Health Foundation are focusing on reducing stress. While stress isn't a mental health problem in itself, it can lead to a range of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. By tackling stress, we can go a long way to tackle mental health problems.
Building a Smart City
Southend Borough Council is responsible for many important core services in the town, ranging from adult and children's social care through to refuse collection and pier management. These services are managed by professional officers who work alongside a designated Cabinet Member; who gives democratic accountability to the process, (there are 8 cabinet members). Most peoples vision of the other 43 Councillors is of a bunch of old men and women moaning about holes in the road or change that is happening in the town. That is a pretty accurate description for some... but I have recently been involved with a few Councillors on a working party, looking at the digital transformation of our town into a Smart City; and that has been a pleasant eye opener to the innovative and cutting edge thinking that our officers and Councillors can use to drive our towns' development forward. A Smart City is an urban area that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply informa
To Engage the STP or Confront the STP.. That is the question
The biggest issue within our town continues to be the proposed changes to our Health System. The financial pressures from an aging population, an increase in people with multiple long term conditions, alongside the National change in configuration of specialist services and the size of population they cover; have all fed into the development of the Mid and South Essex Strategic Transformation Partnership.
Eyes along the coast
NCI is a national charity with 50 watch-stations situated around the coast of England and Wales staffed entirely by local volunteers. Its prime purpose is to maintain a visual watch along our shoreline to help ensure the safety of people using coastal waters. This includes people swimming, sailing, kayaking, kite surfing, wind surfing, motor boating and basically anybody using the facilities of, in our case locally, the River Thames Estuary.
Sustaining our health services
The Department for Health has divided the country into 44 health footprints. We reside in the one called Mid and South Essex. Each area is required to produce a strategic document that details how the local health system will operate?– this is called the Sustainability and Transformation Partnership Plan (STP). We have an aging and growing population who have an increasing number of long-term conditions. There is consistent innovation in technology to develop new treatments, and the cost of servicing employee pension costs mean that our local health system could be £400?million in the red, annually, if nothing is done.
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