We are deeply grateful for all that the RNLI does for our community.  

  I'm delighted that the flag of the RNLI is proudly flying from the flagpole at Porters Civic House, to show Southend's support for the brave men and women who volunteer to save lives at sea.  As the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Tony Cox, said in a statement: "Every day, RNLI volunteers stand ready to answer the call, giving their time, dedication and expertise to help those in danger at sea and along our coastline. Their courage, professionalism and selfless commitment help keep both residents and the many visitors to our city safe throughout the year.  "As a proud seaside city, we are deeply grateful for all that the RNLI does for our community. Raising the RNLI flag is a small but meaningful gesture of thanks and recognition for the service and sacrifice of these outstanding volunteers." 

Southend-on-Sea City Council's Cabinet has approved the appointment of the main contractor for the Leigh Port Regeneration Project.

Marking a major milestone in safeguarding the future of one of the city's most important historic and economic assets.

The £21.8 million project will modernise port infrastructure, helping to secure the long-term future of Leigh's fishing and cockling industry while protecting the area's unique maritime heritage.

Construction is expected to begin in October 2026 and be completed by June 2028.

The project supports the Joint Administration's priorities of regeneration, civic pride, economic growth and investment in community assets by securing the long-term future of Leigh Port. It will help sustain local employment and businesses, preserve an important heritage asset, enhance the quality of the local environment, and strengthen Leigh's role as a thriving destination for residents and visitors, contributing to the wider regeneration of Southend.

Improvements will include quay upgrades, piling, dredging and other essential infrastructure works to create a safer, more resilient and sustainable working port for future generations.

The scheme is funded through £14.9 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, alongside £6.9 million from Southend-on-Sea City Council.

Councillor Kevin Robinson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Property and Governance, said: "Leigh Port is a vital part of Southend's identity, heritage and economy. This investment will help secure the future of the fishing and cockling industry, support local jobs and businesses, and protect a valued historic asset, demonstrating our commitment to regeneration and growth while preserving the character that makes Southend special."

 Once complete, the regeneration project will help strengthen the long-term future of Leigh's fishing and cockling industries while preserving a key part of Southend's maritime heritage for generations to come. 

The Reuse Shop at Stock Road Household Waste Recycling Centre has reached another significant milestone, celebrating the sale of its 10,000th item since opening in May 2026.

Operated through a partnership between SUEZ, Southend-on-Sea City Council and local charity Havens Hospices, the shop is helping to transform the way unwanted household goods are managed by giving quality items a second life instead of sending them for disposal.

The achievement highlights the success of the partnership in promoting reuse, supporting the circular economy and raising vital funds for local children and adults relying on hospice care, while offering residents affordable, pre-loved goods.

Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "Achieving 10,000 sales shows how small actions can make a real difference. By donating and buying pre-loved items, residents have helped raise vital funds for Havens Hospices, supported a more sustainable city and ensured thousands of useful items stayed in use. It's a fantastic achievement and a credit to everyone who has supported the Reuse Shop.

The Reuse Shop stocks a wide variety of items that are too good to throw away, including electrical appliances, furniture, toys and games, homeware and seasonal goods. Donated by residents visiting the Household Waste Recycling Centre, every purchase helps extend the life of useful products, reduces waste and supports specialist hospice care.

Mark Davies, Head of Trading at Havens Hospices said: “Every purchase made in the shop helps keep quality items in use for longer while generating vital income for Havens Hospices, funding free, expert and compassionate care for local people of all ages. Havens Hospices must raise more than £225,000 a week to be there for everyone who needs us, and this is a brilliant example of how giving items another lease of life can benefit both the environment and our local community."

Since opening, the shop has become an important part of the site's approach to sustainable waste management, making it easy for residents to donate unwanted items in good condition and shop for quality pre-loved bargains in one convenient location.

The Reuse Shop forms part of a wider commitment to the circular economy by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. By diverting reusable items from the waste stream, the initiative reduces environmental impact while creating social value and generating vital income for Havens Hospices. Every purchase made in the shop helps fund free expert, compassionate care for children, young people and adults living with incurable conditions across Essex, demonstrating how reuse can deliver lasting benefits for both the environment and the local community.

James Gatter, Contract Manager at SUEZ said: "Reaching 10,000 sales is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations and communities work together. Every item sold represents something that has been reused rather than discarded, helping to reduce waste and support the circular economy."

"We're proud to work alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council and Havens Hospices on an initiative that delivers real environmental and social value. Residents have embraced the Reuse Shop by donating quality items and choosing to buy pre-loved, helping to support an important local charity while making more sustainable choices."

Residents visiting Stock Road Household Waste Recycling Centre are encouraged to donate items in good condition that could be reused and to browse the ever-changing range of affordable pre-loved goods available in the shop.

    A major new country park could become one of Southend's largest publicly accessible green spaces.

The draft Local Plan would also protect additional green space, support new tree planting and help secure the infrastructure communities need alongside future growth.

 More information is available on Southend’s dedicated Local Plan website  

The Council has confirmed continued funding for Stephensons of Essex's 17 and 17A bus services, helping keep the Highlands Estate and West Leigh connected to Leigh and Southend city centre.      

• Southend residents are urged to respond to annual electoral register checks.
• Recent movers are encouraged to check they're registered to vote.
• Official canvass emails will come from electoral@southend.gov.uk.

Southend-on-Sea residents are being asked to keep an eye out for their annual household canvass communication and to respond promptly if asked to do so.

The annual canvass plays an important role in maintaining an accurate and up-to-date electoral register. It also helps identify eligible residents who are not yet registered to vote and encourages them to register.

Electoral Services are contacting households by email, form or letter, asking residents to confirm that the information held on the electoral register is correct. Official canvass emails will be sent from electoral@southend.gov.uk.

Colin Ansell, Chief Executive of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "To vote in any election, residents must be registered on the electoral roll, and the household canvass plays an important part in making sure our records are accurate and up to date.

"When you receive your email, form or letter, please read the instructions carefully and if required to respond, please do so as soon as possible. It only takes a few minutes and helps ensure you can have your say in future elections.

"Anyone who has recently moved home should pay particular attention to these communications and check whether they are registered at their current address.

"We know residents are rightly vigilant about scams and fraudulent emails and we want to reassure people that communications from our electoral services team as part of the household canvass are genuine."

Residents can respond online, by text message or by telephone. Full details of how to respond will be included in the canvass communication.

Emails relating to the household canvass will be sent from electoral@southend.gov.uk and residents who are unsure whether a communication is genuine are encouraged to contact the electoral services team directly using the contact details below.

Anyone with questions can contact the electoral services team on 01702 215010 or visit www.southend.gov.uk/canvass.

Southend Pier & RailwayThursday, 2 April - Friday, 16 October 2026

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Explore the river Thames from Southend Pier with Southend Cruises from Jet Stream Tours. 

Check out below to find details of the upcoming day trips by river cruiser from Southend Pier and get set for a fabulous sightseeing adventure! All trips to and from Southend include Pier entry within your boat ticket. Various dates are available to book, please find booking information and dates available on the Jetstream Tours website.

Redsand Towers Tour

Take a cruise from Southend Pier to the eerie World War 2 Maunsell Forts, called the Red Sands Towers. The trip will also pass the Montgomery Wreck to closely examine the masts while they are still visible.

Rochester Day trip

The new and exciting trip to Rochester allows you to step back in time and visit Dickens country. Walk in the cobbled street of Historic Rochester, visit the best kept example of Norman Architecture with Rochester’s historic Castle, pop into Rochester’s Cathedral and have a spot of lunch.

Army Fort Experience

Take a cruise from Southend Pier to the eerie World War 2 Maunsell Forts, called the Red Sands Towers and venture further out to the Shivering Sand Towers.

Southend to Queensborough One-Way Only (Trial)

One way travel to Queenborough. Please note there is no return trip on this crossing. This Ticket will not return you to Southend. Please ensure when you are booking your trip that you have checked for a return crossing.

Lunch in Kent

Take a trip across to Queenborough to explore a quaint fishing village in Kent. You will be given time ashore to have a spot of lunch and take a wander. (Lunch not included)

Click here to book on the Jetstream Tours Website

All Cruise experiences depart from Southend Pier head.   

Do you have good quality unwanted items that are just too good to throw away?

The Reuse shop at Stock Road accepts a wide range of items including:

• furniture
• electrical items
• TV's
• glass ware/crockery and bric 'a' brac

By passing unwanted items to the shops, you are:

• helping to stop items being sent to landfill
• reducing waste
• helping to protect the environment

Please check the opening times if you are thinking of visiting as the shops can be busy, particularly on Saturdays.

A new scheme has recently started that will see bicycles that come into the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) refurbished then sold on through the shop.

If you are thinking of disposing of good quality items, please bring them to either shop or visit if you are interested in purchasing second-hand items.

Unfortunately the shop cannot accept some items, examples include:

• safety equipment e.g. Child car seats and motorcycle helmets
• upholstered items without the 1988/93 fire label
• stair gates
• broken toys
• carpets
• any sort of weapon

The Reuse shop is located on the site of Stock Road HWRC. The address is Stock Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5QF.

The shop is only accessible via vehicle. Due to safety reasons, pedestrian access is not possible. Those visiting purely for the shop can check with crew where to park their vehicle.

The shop has a ramp for disabled access.

If you are unable to access the shop, you can browse products through the Havens:

• website
• Amazon page
• eBay page
• Depop page
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             SHOP OPENING TIMES

February 1 to  31 October

• Monday to Friday (closed Thursday's) - 9am to 5pm
• Saturday and Sunday - 9am to 5pm
• Bank Holidays - 9am to 5pm
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• November to 31 January 
• Monday to Friday (closed Thursday's) - 9am to 4pm
• Saturday and Sunday - 9am to 4pm
• Bank Holidays - 9am to 5pm. 

The lease for the historic Kursaal building has now been assigned, marking a major step in bringing one of Southend’s most iconic landmarks back into use.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has confirmed that Remblance Leisure Limited, led by local operator Star Amusements, has taken on the lease following completion of the legal process.

The Council were instrumental in bringing the different partners together and getting the right deal signed.

The Grade II listed building, which has been closed since 2020, has faced well-documented challenges in recent years. The council has worked closely with partners to secure a long-term future for the site, with the agreement involving no financial subsidy.

The new operator will continue undertaking essential repairs to the building, alongside plans for a phased restoration and a renewed leisure and entertainment destination, helping to strengthen Southend'ss seafront for residents and visitors alike.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend

Over the winter, Southend’s dedicated Tree Wardens have been busy carrying out a  Stone Age woodland practice in a small area, known as a “coupe,” within the serene Hadleigh Great Wood.

 Coppicing is traditional practice involves cutting certain trees just above ground level to encourage fresh, vigorous growth. Species such as oak, ash, hazel and hornbeam naturally regenerate, producing multiple stems from the base. These “stools” are then re-coppiced on a 10 to 30 year cycle, creating a sustainable supply of timber while bringing enormous ecological benefits.

Positive practice, longer life

It might feel counterintuitive to cut trees back to stumps, but coppicing is one of the best things we can do for their long-term health.

Believe it or not, by regularly coppicing trees, we can extend their natural lifespan by up to four times. Some of the oldest coppice stools in Southend’s woodlands are thought to be more than 300 years old; living history that continues to regenerate thanks to this traditional practice.

New life emerges

And then there’s biodiversity. When a coupe is cut, sunlight can finally reach the woodland floor, creating the perfect environment for wildflowers and undergrowth to flourish and the results can be seen for years to come.

This burst of new plant life provides food and shelter for a huge range of insects, birds and mammals, including:

• the rare and threatened Heath Fritillary butterfly
• the charming Hazel Dormouse
• the majestic Tawny Owls
• the active little Treecreeper birds

This work supports the Council’s wider commitment to enhancing and protecting Southend’s natural environment under our ‘Safe, Clean and Green’ priority. The Corporate Plan 2024–2028 sets out a clear ambition to “enhance the environment, biodiversity and our coastline” and to upgrade parks and green spaces as part of improving the city’s overall environmental quality.

Nothing goes to waste

Every piece of timber removed from the coupe is reused on site through a traditional craft known as “dead hedging.” The cut wood is carefully stacked into a natural fence that:

• protects the newly opened woodland floor
• prevents trampling
• shelters key wildflowers such as bluebells and cow parsley
• locks up carbon
• creates valuable habitats for small mammals, birds and insects

In our opinion, it also looks beautifully rustic; a feature that blends seamlessly into the woodland landscape while quietly doing important work.

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• £8.5 million confirmed for Southend bus services over the next three years
• Provides long-term certainty to plan improvements across the network
• Builds on recent progress such as the 23A/B Service from Leigh-on-Sea Railway Station to London Southend Airport and Airport Business Park route
• The reintroduced 17/17A service to the Highlands Estate and extended late-night services

Southend-on-Sea is set to benefit from £8.5 million in dedicated bus funding over the next three years, helping to improve reliability, provide better connections, and support the city’s growing transport needs for passengers. Southend-on-Sea City Council will receive:

• 2026/27 – £2,796,830
• 2027/28 – £2,833,477
• 2028/29 – £2,870,123

This multi-year allocation allows the council to plan improvements across the network with confidence. It also enables Southend to build on recent successes, including the new 23A/B bus service from Leigh-on-Sea Railway Station to London Southend Airport route and Airport Business Park and the extension of late-night bus services, which are already giving passengers more choice and flexibility when travelling.The funding will complement ongoing work to make services more reliable and easier to use, helping more people access jobs, education, leisure, and essential services across the city.Cllr Paul Collins, Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Public Transport, said: “This is very positive news for Southend. With the introduction of the Leigh Station to London Southend Airport service, improvements to local routes, and our recently extended late-night services, we’ve already started to make a real difference for passengers. “We need to reduce the use of car journeys, by supporting new and enhanced bus services, and at the times when people need them.”“This £8.5 million in confirmed, multi-year funding gives us the stability to continue that work, plan ahead, and keep improving the bus network for everyone who relies on it.”The allocation forms part of a wider funding package for the East of England, designed to support local authorities in enhancing and maintaining their bus services.For Southend, it represents a significant opportunity to continue strengthening public transport and ensure services remain accessible, sustainable, linked up and fit for the future.   

Southend-on-Sea City Council, in partnership with Arriva, is excited to announce enhancements to bus routes for residents, thanks to the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).Arriva Service 29 now includes two additional return evening journeys between Belgrave Road and the City Centre from Monday to Saturday. These enhancements will greatly benefit residents in Westborough, Blenheim Park, and Belfairs wards. Arriva Service 9 will increase its Saturday frequency from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes between Rayleigh Station and North Shoebury, benefiting residents in Eastwood Park and St Laurence wards.These service enhancements have been made possible by DfT BSIP Phase 2 funding. They follow the recent restoration of the bus route between the City Centre and Garon Park, further strengthening Southend’s bus network. Councillor Paul Collins, cabinet member for finance, assets, and investments, said: “We are delighted to extend the Arriva 9 and 29 bus services, building on the restored City Centre to Garon Park route.“Our Bus Service Improvement Plan and funding support cheaper travel, more  reliable journeys, and increased passenger satisfaction. Enhancing these services aligns with our commitment to improving connectivity and accessibility across Southend-on-Sea. It also encourages more people to travel by bus, reducing car journeys and thereby improving air quality."  

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  On This Day in History  September23

 1338 The first naval battle of the Hundred Years' War between England and France took place On This Day. It was the first naval battle using artillery, as the English ship Christofer had three cannons and one hand gun. 

 1641 The Merchant Royal, a 17th century English merchant ship was lost at sea off Land's End. On board were at least 100,000 pounds of gold (nearly one billion pounds in today's money), 400 bars of Mexican silver and nearly 500,000 pieces of eight and other coins, making it one of the most valuable wrecks of all times. The wreck remains undiscovered. 

1889  Nintendo Koppai (later Nintendo Company, Limited) is founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi to produce and market the playing card game Hanafuda 

 1952 The star of the silent movies, Charlie Chaplin, returned to his native England after 21 years in the US. 

 1974 The world's first Ceefax teletext service was begun by the BBC. 

2019   178-year-old British travel company Thomas Cook goes into liquidation, stranding 600,000 travelers worldwide and prompting the largest postwar repatriation effort by the UK government .

 FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

1946   Aubrey "Po" Powell, British co-founder of album cover design company "Hipgnosis" (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Yes), born in Sussex, 

1949   Floella Benjamin, Trinidadian-British actress, presenter (Play School) and politician, born in Pointe-à-Pierre, Trinidad and Tobago.

1949 Bruce Springsteen  American Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter and rock musician, known as "The Boss" (Born to Run; Born in the USA), born in Long Branch, New Jersey. 

1958  Danielle Dax, British avant-garde rock musician, producer and album art designer, born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex 

1968   Yvette Fielding, English television presenter (Blue Peter), born in Manchester.
 ....AND DEATHS

1995   Lawrence "Booker T." Laury, American boogie-woogie and blues pianist and singer, dies at 81 .

2025   Yvette Fielding, English television presenter (Blue Peter), born in Manchester, 

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Southend Council restrict new hot food takeaway developments within 400 metres of  of school gates  

  New report backs restrictions on new hot food takeaway outlets within 400 metres of schools.

• One in three primary children leaving Southend primary school are overweight or obese
• Cabinet has approved the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, which uses new planning laws, as well as other measures, to battle against the bulge

Southend-on-Sea City Council is backing stronger planning controls to help tackle childhood obesity, following Cabinet's approval of the Director of Public Health's Annual Report on 13 July 2026.

The report highlights the need to create healthier food environments for children and young people and supports planning policies that restrict new hot food takeaway developments within 400 metres of schools. The proposed exclusion zone reflects the distance many pupils walk to and from school, helping to reduce their exposure to unhealthy food options.

The recommendation forms part of the council's wider ongoing approach to tackling obesity through planning, education, physical activity and community support. It will also help inform the emerging Local Plan and future planning decisions across the city.

Southend currently has 219 fast food outlets, a figure above the national average for its population. Childhood obesity remains a significant challenge, with the latest figures showing that 22.7% of children in Reception are overweight or obese, rising to 33.8% by Year 6 – meaning around one in three children leave primary school carrying excess weight.

The Annual Public Health Report highlights how the environments in which people live, learn and work can influence health outcomes and calls for coordinated action to make healthier choices easier for residents.

Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities, said:

"Around one in three children in Southend are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. We cannot ignore the impact this can have on their health and wellbeing both now and later in life.

"Supporting families to make healthier choices remains vital, but we also need to ensure the environments around our schools support good health. Restricting new fast-food outlets within 400 metres of schools is a practical, evidence-based measure that can help reduce children's exposure to unhealthy food options during the school day.

We’ve received reports of individuals going door-to-door in Westcliff claiming to be from the council. They are asking residents to pay £25 by card for installing a device in drains to prevent sewage backups.

This is NOT a legitimate council service.

Please remember: the council will never ask for payment at your door, do not give information or make payments to unverified callers and always ask for official ID and verify independently

If you are approached, please report it to Action Fraud or contact Essex Police on 101. 

Gather your family and friends and join in for a much-loved annual Apple Day at St Laurence Orchard.
Celebrate the apple harvest with a fantastic morning (or afternoon) outdoors, surrounded by nature and community spirit. Whether you’re a returning visitor or joining for the first time, Apple Day offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Pick, Press and Taste!
One of the highlights of the day is the chance to pick your own apples straight from the orchard and create your own fresh apple juice using the apple press. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that both children and adults love and a great way to discover where your food comes from.

Fun for the Whole Family
There will be plenty of activities throughout the day, including:

Apple-themed activities
Children’s crafts and creative activities
Live music
Orchard Trail adventures
Refreshments and tasty treats
Opportunities to explore our beautiful community orchard

Explore St Laurence Orchard
The Orchard Trail is the perfect way to discover this beautiful community space. Wander amongst the fruit trees, enjoy the fresh air, and experience one of Rochford’s hidden gems. It’s a great opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and spend quality time together as a family.
Everyone Welcome 

Apple Day is open to all ages, and we’d love to see local residents, families, supporters, and anyone looking for a fun, affordable day out in the community.
Come along, enjoy the harvest season, get involved in apple-themed activities, and make the most of a wonderful day in the orchard.
3 October 2026  11am-2pm 11am-2pm

No booking required. Simply come along and enjoy a fantastic autumn day with Trust Links at St Laurence Orchard.

St Laurence Orchard, Corner of St Laurence Way and Eastwoodbury Lane, SS2 6UY

11 October 2026  10am-4pm Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Eastern Ave, Southend, SS2 4FA

We are excited to announce that we will be returning to the Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre at Garons park for The Southend Vintage Fair.

Please note that no advance tickets are sold for this event, it is cash on the door only!

A vintage culture celebration in Southend.

Features stalls selling vintage fashion, jewellery, household effects, furniture, collectables, curios, kitsch, kitchenalia and art.

Whether it's that one-off item of clothing or that cool period piece for your home, there really will be something to suit all tastes and budgets.

This fair will be housed in the large sports hall and there will be space for up to 140 dealers.

With live music, dancing and our very own Retro Radio Roadshow.

Vintage tearoom by Vintage Allsorts and much more.

Entrance to the show will be just £3 for adults, £2 for OAPs/Students, and free for accompanied children. Free car park.

For stall bookings please email: info@haddonevents.co.uk

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13 October 2026  Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend, SS0 7RA

An evening of 60s classics performed by the Sounds Of The 60sAll Star Band & Singers, hosted by Radio 2’s legendary DJ, Tony Blackburn OBE. Every week, listeners across the UK tune into BBC Radio 2 to hear the legendary Tony Blackburn play the greatest songs of the 60’s. 

Now, the legendary DJ will be taking his Sounds of the 60’s show on the road, for a UK tour celebrating the music of this much-loved decade. 

Featuring stories and songs from perhaps the most iconic 10 years in music, fashion and popular culture, the Sounds of the 60stour will bring to life memories of the era. The Sounds of the 60s All-Star Band and Singers will perform classic hits from the likes of The Everly Brothers, Elvis, The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, along with fresh medleys from The Rolling Stones, The Walker Brothers, and some of the greatest soul tracks ever recorded, alongside timeless classics from Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder and much more. 

With 2026 marking the 62nd anniversary of his first broadcast on pirate radio station Radio Caroline South in 1964, Tony Blackburnis remembered as a defining voice of the 1960s. His incredible career has seen him present on BBC Radio 1, Top of the Pops, and since 2017 he has presented Sounds of the 60’s on Radio 2, a hugely popular show on BBC Radio.

• Three new Autism Resource Bases have opened at Blenheim Primary, Thorpedene Primary and Shoeburyness High School, providing specialist support within mainstream school settings.
• The bases offer a calm, purpose‑built environment with expert staff, enabling children to access personalised support while remaining included in their wider school community.
• The new provisions form part of the Council’s wider SEND strategy to expand local specialist places, reduce out‑of‑area placements and support children closer to home.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is proud to announce the official opening of three new Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) at Blenheim Primary School, Thorpedene Primary School, and Shoeburyness High School.

Together, the three ARBs significantly increase local specialist capacity, enabling more children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to access specialist support while remaining within mainstream schools and their local communities.

The new ARBs are designed to provide a "best of both worlds" approach: offering high-intensity, expert support in a calm, low-arousal setting, while facilitating meaningful inclusion with mainstream peers.

During the opening of the ARB at Blenheim, Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, highlighted the significance of the project, saying: “I’m proud to see our new Autism Resource Bases being delivered across the city. These aren’t just buildings — they’re a long-term investment in Southend’s children and families. By expanding specialist support within mainstream schools, we’re helping children get the right support close to home, while strengthening the inclusive, compassionate school communities we have in Southend.”

The launch of these three bases is part of the Council’s wider SEND strategy to increase the number of local specialist places, reducing the need for out-of-area placements and keeping children close to their homes and communities.

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  £90m partnership to tackle flooding and wastewater using smart technology and dry-gardens approved at Cabinet

• Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Cabinet has approved a £90 million partnership with Anglian Water.
• The 10-year programme aims to reduce flooding, eliminate sewer spills, and improve public spaces.
• Projects include ‘dry rain gardens’, smart water storage systems, and the Marine Parade Green Oasis.

Residents will benefit from greener streets, fewer sewer overflows, and more resilient neighbourhoods.

The Council is working with Anglian Water on a 10-year programme to reduce flooding, improve wastewater systems, and create more attractive, biodiverse public spaces. The programme builds on Catchment to Coast, an earlier initiative focused on sustainable water management.

One key project is the Marine Parade Green Oasis. This Levelling Up-funded scheme includes £500,000 from Anglian Water and £800,000 from the Environment Agency. It is currently in the design phase.

The programme also introduces innovative measures, including:

• Dry rain gardens designed by Beth Chatto’s award-winning team to manage surface water naturally.
• Smart water butts that store rainwater and release it later to reduce flooding at key times.
• Rain gardens, detention basins, and other green infrastructure across the city to improve streets and increase biodiversity.

The Advanced Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) is a long-term, 10-year initiative aiming to:

• Eliminate Combined Sewer Outfall (CSO) spills
• Reduce surface water flooding
• Enhance public spaces and increase biodiversity

The Council and Anglian Water are working together because partnership and innovation deliver real benefits for residents. Even in the design phase, projects like the Marine Parade Green Oasis show how collaboration can transform public spaces for everyone.

Cllr Lydia Hyde, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Waste, said: “I am pleased this important programme has been approved by Cabinet, this partnership will help reduce sewer spills, cut flooding, and make our streets greener and cleaner for residents.”

This programme is expected to deliver visible improvements for residents across Southend-on-Sea. Residents will see greener streets, rain gardens on grass verges, and other measures that reduce flooding and enhance biodiversity.

Now celebrating its 30th year, Southend City Fireworks has become a shining highlight of the city’s night‑time scene, drawing thousands to the seafront for safe, spectacular, and family‑friendly evenings filled with colour and excitement.

The event is proudly delivered by Seafront Businesses & Partners including: Star Amusements, Kingpins, Adventure Island, Sealife Adventure, Beaches Cafe Bar & Bistro, Southend-on-Sea City Council, Southend BID, c2c, Pebbles, The Hope Hotel, Papillon and Chinnerys.

The fireworks are launched from a barge out in the Estuary, just east of Southend Pier, giving you a brilliant, uninterrupted view of the show from anywhere along the seafront - from Sea-Life Adventure all the way to Genting Casino.

Firework displays may be cancelled in bad weather.

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Visible progress is being made on the restoration of Southend's iconic Kursaal building, with major external repair works now underway on the landmark dome.

Scaffolding has been erected around the Grade II-listed structure, enabling specialist repair works to commence as part of a wider programme to safeguard and restore one of the city's most recognisable heritage assets.

The works follow the appointment of Star Amusements as leaseholder earlier this year and form part of a phased programme focused on stabilising the building, undertaking structural and heritage surveys, and developing long-term plans for its future.

Much of the activity carried out to date has taken place within the building and has not been immediately visible to the public. The commencement of external works marks an important milestone in efforts to address the building's condition and support its long-term preservation.

Councillor Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said:

"It's encouraging to see visible progress being made at the Kursaal following many years of uncertainty about the building's future.

"The Kursaal is an important part of Southend's heritage and a prominent feature of our seafront. These works represent a positive step towards securing the future of this historic landmark and bringing it back into active use.

"We welcome the progress being made by Star Amusements and look forward to seeing further developments as the restoration programme continues."

Originally built between 1898 and 1899 and opened in 1901, the Kursaal remains one of Southend's most significant historic buildings. The current programme of repairs aims to preserve the structure while supporting plans for its future as a leisure and entertainment destination.

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• Southend-on-Sea City Council has secured the conviction of an Eastwood man for 15 animal welfare offences after rescuing 15 German Shepherd dogs from appalling conditions.
• Environmental Health officers say it is one of the worst cases of animal neglect and appalling living conditions that they have encountered in more than 30 years of service.
• A joint operation involving the council, Essex Police and partner agencies helped rescue the dogs, with most now successfully rehomed or undergoing rehabilitation.    

On 1 September 2026, Basildon Magistrates' Court convicted Mr Terence Snooks of 15 separate offences under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The case began following complaints from residents about persistent dog barking and concerns about conditions at a property in Eastwood.

An investigation by the council's Environmental Health team uncovered serious animal welfare concerns. In February 2025, officers worked alongside the council's Community Safety team and Essex Police to carry out a complex operation that resulted in 15 German Shepherd dogs being removed from the property.

The dogs were found living in appalling conditions, without adequate access to food and fresh water, suitable sleeping areas or appropriate socialisation and exercise. The property and garden were heavily contaminated with dog faeces and urine and contained hazards that posed risks to the animals.

When officers removed the dogs, they were found covered in excrement, with matted fur and overgrown claws, while several were underweight and showing signs of long-term neglect. 

 Mr Snooks is due to be sentenced at Basildon Magistrates' Court on 8 December 2026 at 10am (Court 3).   

As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, Southend Police and local partner agencies are coming together at this fantastic free event to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage reporting, and highlight the support available to victims and communities.

Come along to meet the organisations working together to make Southend a safer and more inclusive place for everyone. Learn how to recognise and report hate crime, find out what support services are available, and speak directly with professionals who are here to help.

14 October 2026 

10:30am-2pm

Southend High Street, Southend

• Site on Progress Road cleared after being used as an alleged illegal waste site
• Council and Environment Agency led a coordinated response involving multiple agencies.
• Before-and-after images show the transformation achieved through months of enforcement, monitoring and partnership working.

An alleged illegal waste site on Progress Road has been cleared, secured and restored following coordinated action by Southend-on-Sea City Council, the Environment Agency and partner agencies.

The case began in November 2025 when planning enforcement officers opened an investigation into the unauthorised use of the land as an alleged illegal waste site.

Southend-on-Sea City Council and the Environment Agency then worked together to prevent further waste from being brought onto the site.

Council teams, including Planning Enforcement, Community Safety, Highways and Regulatory Services, worked alongside the Environment Agency throughout its investigation.

Steps were taken to secure the site and prevent further waste being brought onto the land. When the barriers installed to protect the site were removed, the Council arranged 24-hour security to keep the site secure while a longer-term solution was developed.

Officers continued to monitor the site closely after the Environment Agency served a statutory notice requiring the waste to be removed.

As a result of these efforts, a significant amount of waste was removed from the site and in July 2026, the land was cleared, secured and restored.

Councillor Kevin Robinson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Property and Governance, said: "This outcome has resolved a significant environmental issue. Achieving it required sustained effort from council officers and close partnership working with the Environment Agency and other agencies over many months.

"The before-and-after photographs show just how much work went into clearing, securing and restoring the site. Together, we have secured removal of the waste and brought the land back into a condition that benefits local residents, businesses and the environment."

Environment Agency Enforcement Team Leader, Lesley Robertson, said: "Illegal waste activity can pose risks to communities and the environment.

"Working with the Council and partner agencies to secure the site, require the waste to be removed and support its restoration shows the value of organisations working together to tackle complex environmental issues."

Following an investigation by the Environment Agency, a prosecution has commenced. The alleged occupier of the land, ESG Environmental Ltd, and its director, John Presland, are due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court at 10am on 17 December 2026 for the first hearing.

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Friday 17 July 2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council is celebrating today after receiving nine prestigious Green Flag Awards for these cherished parks and green spaces:

• Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve
• Chalkwell Park
• Leigh Library Gardens
• Priory Park Southend
• Shoebury Common North
• Shoebury Park
• Southchurch Hall Gardens
• Southchurch Park
• Sutton Road Cemetery & Southend Crematorium

It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.

Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said: “We are incredibly proud that nine of our parks, green spaces and cemetery have once again achieved Green Flag Award status. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our parks, grounds maintenance and bereavement teams, as well as the volunteers and community groups who help care for these much-loved spaces.

“As someone who regularly enjoys spending time in our parks, whether it's taking a walk, enjoying nature or simply seeing families and friends making the most of these wonderful places, I know just how important they are to people's everyday lives. They provide space to relax, exercise, connect with nature and improve wellbeing.

“Receiving nine Green Flags in this special 30th anniversary year of the scheme is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality, welcoming environments for residents and visitors alike. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to explore and enjoy these award-winning green spaces.”

The well-maintained Southend sites are one of a record-breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year. This is a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of t ,born in 1914he teams who care for these green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.

“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“The winning Southend sites have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved."

Southend's Green Flag-winning sites offer a range of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, sport, heritage and wildlife conservation. The awards recognise the council's continued investment in ensuring these spaces remain safe, welcoming and accessible for all.

Residents and visitors can find out more about Southend's parks and green spaces at: Parks and open spaces – Southend-on-Sea City Council

• First-of-its-kind flood scheme in Southend launched in Belfairs Woods to help protect homes and roads
• Innovative “leaky dams” slow storm water, reducing pressure on drains and lowering local flood risk
• Nature-based approach uses sustainably sourced timber from Belfairs Woods and trials cutting-edge eco materials

Southend-on-Sea’s first-ever natural flood management scheme has been installed in Belfairs Woods, helping to better protect local homes, roads and businesses from flooding.

The project, delivered by Southend-on-Sea City Council in partnership with Marlborough Highways, Essex Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency, has introduced six “leaky dams” along a 500-metre stretch of the Prittle Brook as part of the Catchment to Coast programme.

The dams are designed to slow the flow of rainwater during heavy rainfall, reducing sudden surges that can – and have previously – overwhelmed drains, increasing the risk of flooding downstream. By holding water back within the woodland, the scheme helps protect nearby communities and reduce pressure on local infrastructure.

While this is the first time this approach has been used in Southend, similar natural flood management schemes have been successfully used elsewhere in the UK. Bringing this approach to Belfairs Woods marks an important step in how the city responds to more frequent and intense rainfall linked to climate change.

Five of the dams have been constructed using sustainably sourced timber coppiced from Belfairs Woods, maintaining the natural character of the site, while a sixth includes a trial nature-based design using mycelium.

As heavy rainfall events become more common, schemes like this help Southend adapt to climate change, reduce flood risk and protect homes, businesses and local infrastructure while enhancing the green spaces residents value.

This project also reflects a broader approach to civic pride in action – not just taking pride in the city, but actively improving and protecting it. By investing in practical, nature-based solutions like this, the Council is helping to create safer, more resilient neighbourhoods, supporting Southend’s long-term ambition to be a cleaner, greener and more sustainable place to live, work and visit.

Cllr Cheryl Nevin, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said: “This is a landmark project for Southend and an important step forward in how we manage flood risk. Being the first scheme of its kind in the city, it shows how we can work with nature to better protect our communities.

“Projects like this are exactly the kind of practical action we want to see more of – improving and protecting the places people care about. That’s what civic pride in action looks like. By slowing the flow of water through Belfairs Woods, we’re helping to reduce the risk of flooding downstream while enhancing one of our most valued green spaces.

“It’s a sustainable approach that will help us build a more resilient Southend for the future.”

The scheme will now be monitored to assess its effectiveness over time, helping to inform future natural flood management projects across Southend.

 Warrior Square’s breast screening unit moves to the Civic Centre to boost access and attendance

• mobile breast screening unit moves from Warrior Square to Southend Civic Centre to improve accessibility and user experience 
• nearly 4 in 10 eligible women in Thurrock and Southend do not attend their vital breast screening appointments 
• local insights show uncertainty and lack of information are major barriers; the new location and outreach aim to remove these hurdles 

Southend-on-Sea City Council has relocated the city’s mobile breast screening unit from Warrior Square to the Civic Centre on Victoria Avenue, in partnership with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust - Southend University Hospital Breast Screening Service.

The move will improve accessibility and privacy. Relocating to the Civic Centre ensures a central, well-lit, managed environment, with easier transport links and improved visibility for the service.  

Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities, said: “For many women, especially those coming for the very first time, breast screening can feel daunting. I want every woman in Southend to know that you won’t be rushed, you won’t be judged, and you won’t be alone; our clinicians are warm, gentle and absolutely committed to your comfort.  

“We moved the mobile unit to the Civic Centre because women told us they wanted somewhere that felt more welcoming and accessible. This new location is brighter, calmer and more convenient. It’s a place where you can take a breath, walk in and take an important step for your future health.  

“With nearly 40% of eligible women in Southend still missing their appointments, my heartfelt message is this: if this is your first screening invitation, please don’t put it off. Your health is worth that short moment of your time.”  

Why this move matters 

Nearly 4 in 10 eligible women in Thurrock and Southend do not attend their vital breast screening appointments, meaning early signs may be missed. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK, but screening can detect early changes before symptoms develop, dramatically improving the chances of successful treatment.  

Dr Elizabeth Towers, Macmillan GP and Mid and South Essex System Clinical Lead for Cancer, said: “We welcome the relocation of the mobile breast screening unit to a more accessible location, making it easier for women to attend their screening appointments.  

“Breast screening saves lives by detecting cancer early, often before any symptoms appear. Attending your screening appointment when invited is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Early detection provides more treatment options and significantly improves outcomes.  

“We understand that some women may feel anxious about screening, and we want to reassure our community that appointments are quick, private and provided by experienced clinicians who are committed to delivering respectful, compassionate care in a supportive environment.”  

Recent data from Southend-on-Sea City Council’s "Southend Breast Cancer Screening Insights Report (2024)" shows that: 

• convenience, privacy and a calm environment were among the most important factors influencing attendance  
• most women who attended described clinicians as reassuring, gentle, clear and supportive  
• awareness is high (97% understand the benefits), but knowledge of the screening procedure itself is low, particularly among ethnic minority women  
• pain and embarrassment fears disproportionately affect first-timers  
• younger women were more likely to feel nervous or unsure what to expect  
• lack of a clear recommendation (especially from a GP) was the number one reason women gave for not attending  
• most women said texts or emails made attendance more likely  

The new Civic Centre location directly addresses some of these barriers by offering a more predictable, comfortable and welcoming environment, designed to reduce anxiety for those attending for the very first time.  

Who is eligible and how to book 

Now is the ideal time to act.   

Women aged 50 to 70 registered as female with their GP are invited for breast screening in geographical patches (based on their postcode) every three years. Women over 71 can self-refer for an appointment.   

The next screening round for Southend runs from 2 February to 31 December 2026, with some weekend clinics continuing where possible due to their popularity during recent trials. The upcoming February phase will focus on first-time screeners in the Shoebury area from February to May, followed by Westcliff from June to December.  

To book, change or discuss your screening, you can call the South Essex (Southend) Breast Screening Service on 03004435422. All women are strongly encouraged to attend or reschedule to a suitable time.  

For general information about what to expect at your breast screening appointment and to watch a video demystifying the screening process, visit Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System. 

For media enquiries about this press release, please contact media@southend.gov.uk.

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