Why has this been allowed to happen?

Date: 29-12-2021

Over the last 16 years since launching the Oracle, I have never used the magazine to write my own personal views, however I feel I can’t stay silent any longer. I know my sorrow and frustration regarding Southend’s accelerating demise, is shared with many of you. Share your views on this issue by writing to info@oraclepublications.co.uk

I grew up in Southend and I remember a very busy and vibrant High Street. As a teenager, the highlight of my week was to catch the bus to meet friends on a Saturday, walk the high street, shop and enjoy a Knickerbocker Glory at Tomassis's!

Alarming crime rate

The reason I have decided to speak out is that I have been shown some alarming figures about Southend which I want to share with you all. According to Crimerate.co.uk for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Southend’s crime rates have risen sharply, especially around the areas of Southend Central, Victoria and the Kursaal. I feel the time is right to share this information with you not only because Southend has recently been given the prestigious honour of city status but my confidence in the people running our city council is dwindling. The circumstance surrounding Southend’s City Status award was horrendous but making this award count is vitally important to the town. My fear is that larger businesses won’t be interested in Southend especially when they visit the High Street in its present state. Debenhams has recently gone, leaving another large retail unit empty and the town less inviting to would-be shoppers. Amongst the visitors Southend seems to be attracting these days are too many undesirables and to top it all the town’s police presence is at an all-time low.

Treat the cause

There are obviously many factors arising outside of the council’s control, but we must ask why there is increased crime? What socio-economic factors have contributed to this rise? A campaign to highlight these issues could be effective, but we need to treat the cause rather than the symptoms. Is it a public health issue rather than a police issue?

Suggested satellite police station

In the short term, I have suggested to the Council that a satellite police station be placed in the High Street to deter anti-social behaviour. I feel if the town was to focus on improving Southend’s alarming crime rate, then perhaps shoppers would feel safe enough to return. This in turn would encourage outside investment to the town centre and the city status award would not have been in vain.

Chelmsford, with its city status, has a bustling and thriving High Street and I know that many Southend residents shopped there prior to Christmas as our own High Street currently has so very little to offer. Our town is unable to attract restaurant chains such as Brasserie Blanc, Cote Brasserie or Rick Stein. We don’t even have a Pret a Manger! Is it because they don’t want to be seen here?

Spend locally

Southend needs its residents to spend their money locally to thrive again; creating a safe environment for that to happen would be a start. It is simple, the town needs the senseless disagreements at the top of the council to stop. This is not about political point scoring or egos; this is about Southend and its residents. Shame on anyone who has been given the privilege to represent this town and wasted that privilege with-in house politics! The town is now at an all-time low and it is crucial that Southend’s council work together with local businesses and residents to create a brighter, safer and more prosperous town.

Emma Wynne-Morgan
Publisher

Comments (14)

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Date: 27-01-2022 | 22:29:36

I am writing in response to your recent article on the crime rates in Southend on sea. As a parent of 16 year old twins I really just wanted to give my view on how the safety is perceived by us and by the youngsters themselves. Late last summer my daughter was in the high street with some friends when a group of kids on bikes wearing balacla ...   continue reading

By: Samantha Gundy

Date: 2022-01-27 22:29:36

I am writing in response to your recent article on the crime rates in Southend on sea. As a parent of 16 year old twins I really just wanted to give my view on how the safety is perceived by us and by the youngsters themselves. Late last summer my daughter was in the high street with some friends when a group of kids on bikes wearing balaclavas walked over to them and threatened them with a knife and told them to hand over their phones and money. It was the middle of the afternoon in a busy high street. She thought the kids were younger than her probably around 13/14. She was in a larger group of people and they did not give anything over, the kids moved on to another smaller group and I believe they were successful in getting phones, watches and money from them. You only have to walk down the high street or along the seafront to feel a sense of insecurity. People hanging around openly taking or smoking drugs, drinking, shouting, swearing. I actually had to walk around a man who was completely unconscious and had soiled himself outside Marks and Spencers. It’s embarrassing, uncomfortable and most importantly not a safe place for younger people to go. They are targeted by gangs of kids. I will no longer let my children go to the high street. Their options for doing anything socially are very limited. There are known gangs causing all sorts of issues in town and they clash with gangs from other local areas, westcliff and leigh-on-sea. They follow kids, chase them, regularly get things stolen in broad daylight. We all know the smell of strong weed and never seems to be far from somebody smoking it in broad daylight. We really do need to feel that our young people are being watched out for, being given some kind of provision for social interaction that is safe. We are failing as a community to offer protection and life chances to our young people. I have been thinking about offering a place for young people to go and to be part of but I am afraid of the issues that will bring from the troublemakers, gangs and drug dealers that operate pretty brazenly in our town. I really hope that you bringing this issue to light will be the beginning of change which is long overdue.

By: Samantha Gundy

Date: 27-01-2022 | 14:12:53

I used to love coming to Southend with my wife. No more shall we do so … It was a Friday night and I decided to leave work and meet my wife in the Last Post in Southend. After a couple of hours and a few drinks later, we were both feeling a little Peckish, so we decided to go on to the high street to have something to eat. KFC was close by ...   continue reading

By: Scott (from Basildon)

Date: 2022-01-27 14:12:53

I used to love coming to Southend with my wife. No more shall we do so … It was a Friday night and I decided to leave work and meet my wife in the Last Post in Southend. After a couple of hours and a few drinks later, we were both feeling a little Peckish, so we decided to go on to the high street to have something to eat. KFC was close by (about 50 yards away) so we decided to head there, but we were stopped just outside by a homeless man who asked if we could buy him something to eat. We both felt empathy for the guy, so we offered to by him a burger for which he gratefully accepted. My wife went into KFC to buy him something to eat. All of a sudden 2 more people strolled up to me. I asked the homeless guy if he knew these people, for which he replied “no”. I could tell that he was lying, I think that he did know these people, as he appeared to cower away from them. He decided to then stand outside KFC while he waited for my wife to bring him some food. These new people that showed up, did not look hungry or homeless unlike the first guy. They were intimidating, and I don’t think they were from around here, by the way that they spoke. They made me feel very uncomfortable and nervous. The drinks I had in the pub must have numbed my nerves a little, so I was able to act calm. I did not want them to know that I was nervous, so I asked them some questions. Whilst I was talking to these men, I felt my bag being pulled. I turned to find another man trying to open my bag. He then joined the other 2 men, they were obviously working together. I told the guy “There is nothing of value in my bag, I’ll open it for you to show you if you want me too?”, which the man replied “yes”, so I did just that and showed him the contents of my bag. Thankfully I had nothing of value, but I would have handed over anything to keep them happy. My wife then come out of KFC and handed the homeless guy his food and he quickly walked away from the whole scene. The 3 guys asked if she could go back into KFC to buy them all some food. I said, “I will buy you all a burger”. To my surprise, this changed the behaviour of one of the men. He put himself in front of the other 2 men in order to keep them away from me. He said “You don’t need to buy us anything, both you and your wife should go”. I was grateful that this guy stood up for us and we did exactly that and walked very fast to the train station. Thankfully no one was physically harmed, and I am grateful to the guy who had a change of heart. The next morning, I awoke thinking about the whole event that took place. In 2 years, I have not stepped foot on the High Street after work hours, then this happens. I asked myself, why did people just walk by and not do anything? Why in that space of time, did I not see a police officer? I heard from various sources that the High Street was dangerous, now I know it is. My advice to anyone thinking of going out to eat or drink in Southend High Street in the evening is DON’T. Both my wife and I live in Basildon, but we loved coming to Southend to eat and drink, stroll up and down the seafront no matter the weather. I’m extremely saddened to think that we can no longer do this anymore.

By: Scott (from Basildon)

Date: 27-01-2022 | 10:56:53

Just some personal thoughts on the situation with Southend High Street, following your message. The pedestrianisation, in my opinion, causes a great deal of the crime issues. I’m pretty relaxed about walking around at night, but I wouldn’t feel at all comfortable running the gauntlet of the High Street after dark. The fact that there is no ...   continue reading

By: Jo Curtis

Date: 2022-01-27 10:56:53

Just some personal thoughts on the situation with Southend High Street, following your message. The pedestrianisation, in my opinion, causes a great deal of the crime issues. I’m pretty relaxed about walking around at night, but I wouldn’t feel at all comfortable running the gauntlet of the High Street after dark. The fact that there is no passing traffic makes it a very easy place for drug dealing and other crimes to take place. Police presence would be an idea but to be honest if they just opened up the road to traffic at night it would create a safer feel for pedestrians. Many successful town centres have adopted this approach where the road is closed to traffic during the day but opened at night. Also, I’ve always felt that Southend High Street is a bit all over the place by having shopping centres at both ends. Why have two half empty buildings instead of all the big names under one roof? Maybe even have retail at one end and entertainment at the other end? As you say in your article the more popular, larger type retail outlets won’t be attracted to an abandoned High Street, but surely now we have City status they will rethink their positions? We do need the council to raise Southend’s profile and encourage chain retail stores to open and if they do then people will come and shop… it’s a vicious circle! And if there was more retail and more general activity this would also be a deterrent to crime surely? It does seem that money is being spent on ‘cosmetic’ things which in my opinion are the equivalent of just papering over the cracks. What on earth is going on at the top end of the High Street by the Odeon? That project has run into several months and is seemingly just a new bit of paving with some bollards. Spend some money and time attracting the big retailers and less time on plants and concrete! The sad thing is that Southend could be such a great place, particularly with its fantastic transport links and not least its fantastic views. I’d love it see it flourishing again.

By: Jo Curtis

Date: 26-01-2022 | 22:29:43

I totally agree with you Emma saying about the state of Southend town centre it’s nothing how it used to be it’s gone down so much I don’t even go there anymore The famous Kiddies & many more shops have gone such a shame I don’t shop there anymore it’s untidy & I don’t feel safe at all So glad Emma has spoken about the state of ou ...   continue reading

By: Sandra poulain

Date: 2022-01-26 22:29:43

I totally agree with you Emma saying about the state of Southend town centre it’s nothing how it used to be it’s gone down so much I don’t even go there anymore The famous Kiddies & many more shops have gone such a shame I don’t shop there anymore it’s untidy & I don’t feel safe at all So glad Emma has spoken about the state of our town centre which so many people agree Let’s hope one day it will be a thriving and safe place to shop again

By: Sandra poulain

Date: 26-01-2022 | 21:48:34

Hi I agree with all your comments raised in this publication. I must also add the condition of the roads are appalling too.

By: Phil Webster

Date: 2022-01-26 21:48:34

Hi I agree with all your comments raised in this publication. I must also add the condition of the roads are appalling too.

By: Phil Webster

Date: 25-01-2022 | 20:04:40

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you mention in your insightful account. Like you, I was brought up in the borough and am now witnessing the slow tatterdemalion of the town’s high street. I recall Southend being a bustling town centre with plenty of good shops to attract local folk and visitors from outside the borough. What I find re ...   continue reading

By: Karen Wilson

Date: 2022-01-25 20:04:40

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you mention in your insightful account. Like you, I was brought up in the borough and am now witnessing the slow tatterdemalion of the town’s high street. I recall Southend being a bustling town centre with plenty of good shops to attract local folk and visitors from outside the borough. What I find really difficult to believe is how this has happened. Southend has a bustling seafront all year round with millions of visitors per annum. We need to encourage those people up into Southend High Street to spend their money. We need to attract local businesses and larger national stores and conglomerates such as the John Lewis Partnership, for example, to entice them to visit. However, it is unlikely to happen with the town in the state it is. Which brings me to Chelmsford where I lived for a few years. Chelmsford City Council had a vision for their City and have turned it into a thriving centre. In contrast, Southend Borough Council have failed in their approach to Southend’s future with what, by all accounts, appears to be complete and utter inertia - a distinct lack of imagination or enthusiasm. I moved back (to Leigh) from Chelmsford 8 years ago and I have in that time visited the high street on two occasions. After my initial visit I chose not to return as it felt unsavoury then. Since, I have chosen to travel to Chelmsford to shop, go to the cinema/eat out with the family etc. I would like to add that I am not alone in this - many of my friends with good incomes and disposable cash avoid Southend and opt to spend their money elsewhere. Last November I visited the high street once again to attend a meeting. I nearly cried at what I saw! Empty shops and unfortunate homeless people seeking shelter in shop doorways. I was approached by a poor homeless (inebriated) man desperate for money. I was truly shocked by the decline and demeanour of the town centre I was witnessing. I did however notice that there remains some determined business owners miserably trying to make a living. I realise the pandemic has not helped matters but this dismal situation has not happened over night. I beseech the Council to act now before the town is lost beyond redemption and to cease with their apathetic attitude. A campaign should be launched to treat these social and economic matters - tackle the problems head on and deal with them from the root cause up. Help the homeless; provide decent, safe shelter for them, get them and others help with their addictions. Provide more visible policing. Attract traders and visitors alike to the town. Or knock it down and turn it into modern apartments with shop units underneath but DON’T JUST DO NOTHING!! Southend has the potential to be the jewel of the Estuary - it has everything to offer. The town and it’s people deserve a strong direction and a well thought out visionary plan to achieve this potential and regain it’s pride. Many thanks for highlighting such an important issue.

By: Karen Wilson

Date: 25-01-2022 | 12:10:24

I hope your words have an impact with the powers that be and something is done about it soon. In the meantime, Southend is pretty much becoming a no go area. I and many of my friends only visit on the very odd occasion now, and that's usually just a trip to Boots or M&S. We no longer stop to browse, we leave as quickly as possible! I know a lot of ...   continue reading

By: Karen Mason

Date: 2022-01-25 12:10:24

I hope your words have an impact with the powers that be and something is done about it soon. In the meantime, Southend is pretty much becoming a no go area. I and many of my friends only visit on the very odd occasion now, and that's usually just a trip to Boots or M&S. We no longer stop to browse, we leave as quickly as possible! I know a lot of high streets nationwide are being affected now with the prevalence of online shopping, but as you rightly say, a lot more could and should be being done to protect our hight street. Chelmsford being a prime example of this. If there's anything I can do to aid the cause, let me know!

By: Karen Mason

Date: 12-01-2022 | 15:17:55

The fact is we now have two underused covered shopping centres connected but a depressing grey high street. No flower beds. No chiming clock. Nothing at the heart of a once thriving seaside town. The money spent on laying and relaying miserable grey swathes of pavement is beyond belief. What is the plan ? What is the sea of greyness outsid ...   continue reading

By: Sharon Elfallah

Date: 2022-01-12 15:17:55

The fact is we now have two underused covered shopping centres connected but a depressing grey high street. No flower beds. No chiming clock. Nothing at the heart of a once thriving seaside town. The money spent on laying and relaying miserable grey swathes of pavement is beyond belief. What is the plan ? What is the sea of greyness outside the Odeon actually used for ? Summer concerts? Artisan markets? Anything that might actually draw people into the town? Could Warrior sq actually be used. Table tennis, giant chess flowers beds, music . If not, why not? Visit other failing sea side towns to see whats possible .Waiting for the new ugly developments behind the seafront to solve the towns problems can’t be the answer. The council bought the Victoria centre so there must be a plan. We just don't know what it is!! Hope somebody does

By: Sharon Elfallah

Date: 11-01-2022 | 22:11:23

Your Oracle article has expressed I am sure, the views and concerns of many residents of all ages. I have been involved in business and lived in Southend for nearly sixty years. Obviously in that time much has changed - a lot for the good, but also some very damaging events, actions and circumstances, especially Certainly Covid has taken its to ...   continue reading

By: Ian C Green

Date: 2022-01-11 22:11:23

Your Oracle article has expressed I am sure, the views and concerns of many residents of all ages. I have been involved in business and lived in Southend for nearly sixty years. Obviously in that time much has changed - a lot for the good, but also some very damaging events, actions and circumstances, especially Certainly Covid has taken its toll, however there are other challenges that seem to have destroyed the excitement and pride of 'coming into town'. In my view both the rising crime and internet shopping have created the main problems that our future High Street now faces. Simple statements, but how to correct them. We need a dynamic High Street with suggestions on how to rapidly improve the shopping and visiting experience. This would create a more positive environment. Security is very important but it starts with the regeneration of the High Street. Bringing people back to the centre is not just about arranging things like free parking on Saturdays and a late night shopping. We need a continuous events list for the High Street. The current organisers on behalf of the council do an excellent job, but there needs to be 52 weeks of events, specifically in and around the town centre. This will give retailers the encouragement to open the empty shops or to create other uses for those empty shops - things like indoor virtual sports, drop-in clinics, children's play areas and many other entertainment, sporting or creative activities that could start on short lease empty shops. It could also bring thousands to Southend, if our High Street were to become a general market for a couple of days a week, from near the top - down the centre to the Royals. All shops and businesses would benefit from a busy market town. Once again well done Emma, I do hope your article promotes all involved in the future - to join together in such a worthwhile cause - the new city centre.

By: Ian C Green

Date: 11-01-2022 | 16:08:54

I have been a resident of Southend Central for over 20 years. The increase in crime in the High Street and the surrounding area has been noticeable. In particular - violence, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. Not only have I read about these crimes, reported in the media, but have witnessed them with my own eyes. Whilst we have seen an in ...   continue reading

By: Philippa Coe

Date: 2022-01-11 16:08:54

I have been a resident of Southend Central for over 20 years. The increase in crime in the High Street and the surrounding area has been noticeable. In particular - violence, knife crime and anti-social behaviour. Not only have I read about these crimes, reported in the media, but have witnessed them with my own eyes. Whilst we have seen an increase in 'Community Police' in the High Street, I question if this is enough. Community Police do not have the powers or training that the Police Force has. I am sure that the criminals will be well aware of this fact. Your suggested satellite police station is a fantastic idea and would surely assist in reducing the alarming crime rate. I noticed that the figures you quote in the article are for reported crimes to 2020. Whilst looking into this I discovered that the crime rates for 2021 have now been published - see www.police.uk. The figures for 2021 are shocking and should give even more reason for concern. Please see below.

By: Philippa Coe

Date: 05-01-2022 | 16:01:46

I agree. I live close to the town but don’t feel safe. If I’m going shopping I’ll go to Basildon. Southend is lacking in shops and safely. Too many bikes/scooters speeding up and down. Too many pick pockets. Too many aggressive beggars (they aren’t homeless, just drunk and abusive)

By: David Scott

Date: 2022-01-05 16:01:46

I agree. I live close to the town but don’t feel safe. If I’m going shopping I’ll go to Basildon. Southend is lacking in shops and safely. Too many bikes/scooters speeding up and down. Too many pick pockets. Too many aggressive beggars (they aren’t homeless, just drunk and abusive)

By: David Scott

Date: 04-01-2022 | 13:03:57

I have noticed what seems like a significant increase in violent crime in the area since the start of the pandemic. Perhaps this is not a coincidence. But solutions need to be found as it has gotten out of hand and is even affecting areas that perhaps previously experienced less violent crime, such as Old Leigh. I think that in truth, it's a ...   continue reading

By: Gary

Date: 2022-01-04 13:03:57

I have noticed what seems like a significant increase in violent crime in the area since the start of the pandemic. Perhaps this is not a coincidence. But solutions need to be found as it has gotten out of hand and is even affecting areas that perhaps previously experienced less violent crime, such as Old Leigh. I think that in truth, it's a societal problem that goes way beyond Southend. Knife crime figures in London, for example, are horrific. Big picture, we need more educational and employment opportunities to try to turn this around, so that young people in particular are less minded to engage in mindless thuggery. And of course, we also need what you referred to, which is a greater police presence.

By: Gary

Date: 02-01-2022 | 10:19:30

The decline in the High Street and surrounding areas is due to the success of other parts of the town. Leigh is clearly thriving despite being drenched in middle class drug culture. Most of the seafront is pleasant and attracts day trippers looking for sea air, a bracing walk and undemanding but reasonable eateries. Quality is poor but the ...   continue reading

By: Alexander Grant

Date: 2022-01-02 10:19:30

The decline in the High Street and surrounding areas is due to the success of other parts of the town. Leigh is clearly thriving despite being drenched in middle class drug culture. Most of the seafront is pleasant and attracts day trippers looking for sea air, a bracing walk and undemanding but reasonable eateries. Quality is poor but the town has never been able to sustain restaurants anywhere close to London standards. The high educational standards bolstered by the 4 high performing Grammar schools has encouraged a bizarre dash for overpriced properties in close proximity, making housing out of reach for many locals. This has lead to the less well off being driven to cheaper alternatives and the areas around the high street, Queensway, Sutton Road and the Kursaal has seen a concentration of low paid and anti social types. Cheaper housing is needed to disperse this concentration which is difficult because previous planning has created a large and voiciferous opposition to further development beyond middle income enclaves like Hall Road Rochford. Investment in the High Street is desperately needed, but I doubt we have the free thinking on the council necessary to provide a radical solution to the crisis there.

By: Alexander Grant

Date: 01-01-2022 | 15:13:11

It was interesting to read your thoughts on Southend High Street, sadly I think it is beyond repair for a place to shop. As a child I remember visiting the town centre to meet friends, I would not allow my 15 year old daughter to spend any length of time in the area as it is frequented by drunks, homeless and visiting undesirables. I would pr ...   continue reading

By: Lisa (Thorpe Bay)

Date: 2022-01-01 15:13:11

It was interesting to read your thoughts on Southend High Street, sadly I think it is beyond repair for a place to shop. As a child I remember visiting the town centre to meet friends, I would not allow my 15 year old daughter to spend any length of time in the area as it is frequented by drunks, homeless and visiting undesirables. I would prefer to see our council tax go towards thriving areas like, Leigh Broadway than a lost high street. Maybe the High Street needs to be more residential with garden spaces created instead of trying to bring back the olden days. If you want to shop in a pleasant and safe way you travel to lakeside or Bluewater. The council should stop investing good money in a lost cause. It would be good to see the council asking for residents opinions.

By: Lisa (Thorpe Bay)