Browsing: Local News

Southend-on-Sea City Council has successfully prosecuted two private landlords for serious housing hazards including damp, mould, excess cold and fire risks, reinforcing its pledge to crack down on unsafe rental homes and urging tenants to report problems via MySouthend.

The Southend Green Party joined local residents on the High Street to call for stronger protection of the city’s remaining Green Belt and demand homes be built on brownfield sites first. Green candidates and councillors warned that proposed large-scale developments risk damaging communities and infrastructure.

Government launches a major consultation on re-organising local government in Essex, with Southend and Chelmsford leaders urging residents to have their say and highlighting the benefits of a five-council unitary model.

Carers First are raising awareness of carers’ rights this Carers Rights Day, sharing resources to help carers understand the hospital discharge process and access the support they’re entitled to. Roberta’s story highlights the challenges carers face and the importance of knowing where to turn for help.

Southend-on-Sea is set to install over 3,000 new public EV charging spaces from early next year, backed by Government funding and major investment from Zest, making clean, accessible travel easier for communities across the city.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is offering free festive parking every Sunday in December, plus all-day free parking on Small Business Saturday, to encourage residents and visitors to shop locally and support small businesses during the Christmas season.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is pleased to announce that Better Queensway highway works will begin on Monday 8 December 2025, delivered in partnership with Taylor Woodrow. These improvements will make Queensway safer, easier to get around, and ready for new homes.

Poppies on the Pier has been extended until Sunday 23 November after attracting more than 17,000 visitors in its first week. The installation of 110,000 hand-knitted poppies continues to draw huge crowds, with the Royal British Legion stall remaining on the pier throughout the extended run.

NHS Mid and South Essex is urging residents to support services during the five-day resident doctors’ strike from 14–19 November 2025 by using NHS 111 and pharmacies for non-urgent care and attending appointments as normal unless told otherwise.

HARP, Southend’s homelessness charity, has launched its ‘A Home for Christmas’ campaign to support people facing homelessness this winter. With over 8,000 people across Essex without a permanent home, the charity urges the public to donate through its online shop, helping provide meals, shelter, and hope this Christmas.