Get ready to dance the night away as Divine Funk return to The Railway Hotel on Saturday 18 July with another unforgettable evening of feel-good disco classics and floor-filling favourites.

A proposed expansion of more than 1,200 homes could increase Great Wakering’s population by around a third, placing significant pressure on local roads, healthcare, schools and public services. Simon Jones of Stop Overdevelopment in Wakering examines the concerns surrounding the Friends Farm and Tithe Park developments and argues that infrastructure, environmental protection and community needs must come before large-scale growth.

Environmental campaigner Tricia Cowdrey argues that South East Essex is putting its future food security at risk by allowing productive farmland to be lost to development. Highlighting the importance of local food production, flood protection and climate resilience, she calls for housing growth to focus on brownfield sites and town centre regeneration rather than building over valuable agricultural land.

Southend Against Sewage explains how a community-led campaign helped secure Designated Bathing Water Status for Canvey Island. By bringing together swimmers, environmental groups, residents and the local council, campaigners successfully pushed for regular water quality testing and greater protection for the island’s coastline, helping safeguard public health, wildlife and the future of local beaches.

Following this year’s local elections, Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba reflects on the results, thanks residents for their support, and pays tribute to two respected councillors who lost their seats. He also outlines Labour’s commitment to continuing its work for local communities across Southend and Rochford.

Cancer Fitness in Southend offers free tailored fitness and yoga classes for people diagnosed with cancer, providing support before, during and after treatment along with social events and professional guidance.

MP David Burton-Sampson hosted a youth day with over 70 Southend students discussing amenities, business support, mental health, and neurodiversity, highlighting the power of youth engagement and resilience through sport.