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Environmental campaigner Tricia Cowdrey argues that South East Essex is putting its future food security at risk by allowing productive farmland to be lost to development. Highlighting the importance of local food production, flood protection and climate resilience, she calls for housing growth to focus on brownfield sites and town centre regeneration rather than building over valuable agricultural land.

Southend Against Sewage explains how a community-led campaign helped secure Designated Bathing Water Status for Canvey Island. By bringing together swimmers, environmental groups, residents and the local council, campaigners successfully pushed for regular water quality testing and greater protection for the island’s coastline, helping safeguard public health, wildlife and the future of local beaches.

Following this year’s local elections, Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba reflects on the results, thanks residents for their support, and pays tribute to two respected councillors who lost their seats. He also outlines Labour’s commitment to continuing its work for local communities across Southend and Rochford.

MP David Burton-Sampson hosted a youth day with over 70 Southend students discussing amenities, business support, mental health, and neurodiversity, highlighting the power of youth engagement and resilience through sport.

Targeted patrols across Essex hotspots led to 353 arrests, reducing anti-social behaviour by 13% and serious violence by 11%, while boosting community confidence and safety through high-visibility policing and partnerships.

As Knife Crime Awareness Week (18–24 May) begins, Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (Essex VVU) is shining a light on the importance of listening to young people and working with them to prevent knife harm.

Anna Firth and David Stanley BEM took on the annual “Tackle the Tower” charity abseil at Southend Hospital, raising record amounts to help take the Southend-born Music Man Project to Broadway this October.

The lease for Southend’s historic Kursaal building has officially been assigned to new operators, paving the way for essential repairs, phased restoration works, and the long-awaited return of the iconic seafront landmark.

A Southend woman has been fined £795 after being prosecuted for unlawfully using a Blue Badge when the registered holder was not present. Southend-on-Sea City Council says it will continue taking a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and misuse of disabled parking permits.

Southend’s Green Party group has doubled in size following strong local election results, with the party confirming new committee appointments and pledging to remain independent while pushing for action on key local priorities.