Browsing: Local News

Residents, community groups and local businesses in Leigh, West Leigh, Belfairs and Eastwood Park can now apply for funding through the Big Sparks small grants scheme.

Cllr Kathy Murphy has endorsed Tilly Hogrebe as the Green Party candidate for St. Luke’s in May’s local elections, praising her commitment to the community and saying the ward will be in “very safe hands.” Tilly says she wants to give residents a strong voice and tackle the real causes of the cost of living crisis.

Southend Libraries is inviting young readers to take part in the Winter Mini Challenge 2026, a free online initiative encouraging children to read three books over the winter holidays and unlock digital rewards, certificates and prizes.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has agreed a new long-term highways maintenance partnership with Marlborough Highways, promising safer streets, better public spaces, and improved services for residents and visitors all year round.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is inviting residents to attend Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 events, including a civic service at the Civic Centre where Holocaust survivor’s daughter Marta Josephs will share her father’s story. The programme also includes exhibitions, a memorial tree planting and reflections marking the theme “Bridging Generations”.

A £90m, 10-year partnership between the Council and Anglian Water has been approved to tackle flooding and wastewater, delivering greener streets, fewer sewer overflows, and more biodiverse public spaces across Southend-on-Sea.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is launching Our Day, a 24-hour campaign shining a light on the frontline workers who keep the city running every hour of every day, showcasing their dedication, personal stories and the essential services they provide across Southend.

Parking charges in Southend are set to be frozen for another year under new budget proposals, alongside a move to bring parking enforcement under council-owned control from February 2026.

Full Council has voted unanimously that local elections will take place as planned in May 2026, following a motion agreed at an Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 12 January.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is starting 2026 with plans to make healthy living easier and more affordable, including £1 million investment in play areas, action on junk food near schools and new free or low-cost wellbeing ideas for residents.