Browsing: Local News

Ministers have ordered Basildon Council to accelerate its long-delayed Local Plan, prompting fierce debate over housing, local democracy and the protection of green spaces. While some believe intervention had become inevitable, many residents fear thousands of homes could be built before roads, schools and health services are ready.

Green Party campaigner Simon Gittus, who stood in West Leigh at the recent local elections, is calling for tougher action against private equity firms after Southend City Council confirmed that companies operated by Modella Capital owe more than £200,000 in business rates and other liabilities.

The Southend Food and Drink Festival is returning in 2026 following a successful debut, with organisers planning even more participating venues, exclusive offers and prizes as they celebrate the city’s thriving hospitality scene.

Nearly 100 days after taking office, Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Joint Administration says it is making progress across its key priorities, including new council homes, regeneration projects, road investment, environmental improvements and measures to improve community safety and council services.

The first sections of Southend’s huge new underground flood tanks have arrived on site as the Better Queensway project reaches a major milestone. The 750,000-litre flood defence system will help protect seafront businesses, reduce flood risk and support future regeneration.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has announced changes to this year’s Armed Forces Day event due to forecast temperatures of up to 32°C. While the planned High Street parade has been cancelled, a shortened Service of Thanksgiving will still take place at Victoria Plaza, allowing the community to honour the Armed Forces safely.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has relaunched its No Use Empty – South East Essex scheme, offering interest-free loans of up to £250,000 to help owners and developers bring vacant commercial properties back into use across Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

SUEZ UK has launched a new £12,000 Community Fund to support grassroots projects across Southend. Local groups, charities and community businesses can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to deliver initiatives that improve the environment, health and wellbeing within their communities.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has received national recognition after winning Communications Campaign of the Year at The MJ Awards for its Poppies on the Pier installation, which attracted more than 33,000 visitors, featured 110,000 handmade poppies from around the world, and raised over £19,500 for the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining accessible and high-quality library services across the city following a Cabinet meeting on 15 June, where members agreed the next steps for Southchurch Library.