Browsing: Local News

Southend-on-Sea City Council has approved a major expansion of the Premier Inn on Eastern Esplanade, adding 49 new rooms, a refurbished restaurant and greener landscaping. The project supports local jobs, tourism and sustainable growth along Southend’s seafront.

Over 110,000 handmade poppies will transform Southend Pier into a stunning sea of red this November, as part of one of the UK’s largest community remembrance art displays.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is cutting seafront parking charges this winter to boost local businesses. From November to January, Zone 1A parking rates drop by 20%, with free Sunday parking in December and added incentives for shoppers and families visiting the seafront.

Southend-on-Sea residents are being reminded that the city’s new waste and recycling service begins the week of 27 October 2025. The rollout includes new wheelie bins, alternate weekly collections, and a dedicated app to keep households informed.

Shoeburyness is set to receive up to £20 million through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme. A new Neighbourhood Board will lead a 10-year vision for the area, with £1.5 million earmarked for community-led projects in the first two years.

Southend Libraries has been awarded Arts Council England National Lottery funding to expand its popular Storysacks programme, helping local families make reading fun, hands-on, and accessible through creative kits and free storytelling workshops.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has stopped £294,000 worth of fraudulent school applications after uncovering false addresses in a crackdown led by the Counter Fraud and School Admissions Teams.

Two property companies have been fined more than £21,000 after Southend-on-Sea City Council uncovered serious safety breaches at an unlicensed HMO on York Road.

Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Trading Standards team, supported by Essex Police, has seized £45,000 of illegal goods including counterfeit toys, illicit cigarettes, tobacco and vapes. Vehicles used for deliveries have been crushed, and enforcement action is under way to protect residents and fair-trading businesses.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is reminding residents to celebrate responsibly with its Rocket O’Clock campaign, asking people to limit private fireworks to 7pm–9pm while enjoying official seafront displays for safe, family-friendly fun.