Browsing: Local News

Southend Greens have renewed their call to protect the city’s Green Belt following proposals for thousands of new homes on land at Hadleigh Farm and north of Bournes Green, warning that once this land is lost, it is lost forever.

Residents are being invited to help shape the future of Shoeburyness as up to £20 million in Pride in Place funding is set to be invested over the next decade. Applications are now open for an Independent Chair and Board Members to join the Pride in Shoeburyness Neighbourhood Board.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has officially opened three new Autism Resource Bases across the city, providing specialist support within mainstream schools. The purpose-built facilities form part of a wider SEND strategy to expand local provision and help children access the right support close to home.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has published its final budget proposals for 2026/27, outlining investment in roads, housing, open spaces and frontline services while freezing parking charges and reducing several resident fees. With over £5m additional funding for children’s social care and continued investment in infrastructure and regeneration, the budget aims to protect vulnerable residents and strengthen civic pride across the city.

The Southend Half Marathon returns this summer to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with runners taking on a fast, flat 13.1-mile seafront route in support of Havens Hospices. Registration is now open for the landmark event, which has sold out for the past two years.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched a new one-stop support programme to help owners bring long-term empty homes back into use, offering practical guidance on repairs, legal issues and finance as part of wider plans to increase housing supply and improve neighbourhoods across the city.

The city’s mobile breast screening unit has moved from Warrior Square to the Civic Centre to improve access, privacy and attendance, with health leaders urging women not to delay potentially life-saving screenings.

Doctors in Essex are urging people to attend NHS cancer screening appointments as the National Cancer Plan 2026 is published, highlighting the life-saving importance of early diagnosis and improved access to screening.

Local hairdresser and former Leigh Town Councillor Anita Forde has been selected as the Green Party candidate for Leigh ward ahead of May’s local elections, as the party looks to build on growing support and secure a third Green councillor for the area.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is set to upgrade council homes on the Balmoral estate by installing new ground source heat pump systems, helping to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and provide more efficient heating for residents.