Browsing: Local News

Residents in Southend-on-Sea are being urged to register to vote by midnight on Monday 20 April ahead of the local elections on Thursday 7 May, with reminders also issued for postal votes, proxy votes and photo ID requirements.

A look at Southend’s current leadership ahead of the May 7 elections, highlighting key issues including parking costs, regeneration delays, and ongoing transport concerns—encouraging residents to decide whether continuity is the right choice.

A powerful Channel 4 docudrama, Dirty Business, shines a spotlight on the UK’s growing sewage pollution crisis, blending real-life stories with compelling drama. The programme highlights the environmental and human impact of contaminated waterways, following ordinary residents turned activists as they challenge authorities and water companies. Echoing the work of local groups like Southend Against Sewage, it calls for urgent action, stronger regulation, and greater accountability to protect public health, wildlife, and the future of Britain’s rivers and coastlines.

Campaigners have revealed what they describe as a new “secret plan” for development on the Salvation Army Farmland, with claims of 900 homes, a new roundabout on the A13 and major concerns over the future of this Green Belt land. A fresh petition has now been launched urging residents to oppose any building on the site.

A campaign to protect Southend’s Green Belt continues to gather momentum, with growing public support, major housing concerns, and debate over future development plans. Councillor James Moyies outlines the risks, challenges, and what residents can do ahead of local elections.

A Southend man has been jailed after police uncovered 5kg of cocaine worth more than £500,000 following a car stop in Thorpe Bay. Officers later found more drugs hidden at his home, leading to a prison sentence of five years and four months.

The inaugural board meeting of NHS Essex Integrated Care Board will take place online on 1 April, marking the start of its work to improve health and care services across Essex.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has responded to the Government’s decision to create five new unitary councils across Greater Essex, confirming that a new South East Essex Council will replace the current authority from April 2028, with services continuing as normal during the transition.

Julie Cushion has been selected as the Conservative candidate for Chalkwell, bringing decades of community involvement, charity work and public service experience to the upcoming local elections.

London Southend Airport has become London’s most punctual airport after climbing 15 places in UK rankings, while also tripling passenger numbers to 720,000 in 2025.