As housing concerns continue to grow across our local area, this month we welcome an update from Cllr Julie Gooding, Hawkwell West, who shares how Rochford residents are responding to the surge of proposed housing developments. Their worries mirror those felt here in Southend, where protecting our remaining Green Belt remains a priority. While councils face pressure to meet government housing targets, residents and community groups continue to stress that decisions must be based on clear, lawful and well researched evidence, not rushed through at the cost of our communities.

We also hear again from Shah and Alex Haider of Southend Against Sewage, who update us on the recent Water Summit attended by both local MPs. Water Watch UK will now take the lead in hosting and chairing future summits, which we hope will bring greater accountability and progress.

And now for something uplifting…

This month’s competition is brought to you by Glitter Ball Productions: Win a VIP night out for 6 at the Divine Funk Immersive Disco Experience! Bring your dancing shoes and step into a hedonistic disco journey from 1975 to today. Featuring music from Chic, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Jamiroquai, Dua Lipa, Lizzo and more at Room 24, Southend Seafront. To buy your tickets for this special night visit: Wegottickets.com search for Divine Funk.

Win a package for 6 people worth £175, to include flowers for the competition winner and 3 bottles of Prosecco on arrival – for 20th December 2025. To enter visit Oraclepublications.co.uk, entries close 30 November 2025.
Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan
Publisher