Oracle on-Sea March 2019

February March 2019 2018

Your all-seeing local

OR CLE ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Westcliff & the Garrison Southend Conservation & Shoeburyness Area

LOCAL ISSUES! Should SBC be buying commercial property? #SAVESOUTHEND Southend Town Centre - A different approach?

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March 2019

ORACLE

we are here and we are...

WELCOME

Last month, a local resident launched a petition asking for 2 hours free parking in Southend’s town centre, due to its high parking charges with the hope this would encourage people back. If you haven’t downloaded your petition then please visit Oracle’s website, the town needs your support, thanks to all who have already returned their petitions.

Local resident, Richard King has supplied an interesting article, how thinking around High Streets has changed and discusses Sir John Timpson’s report (The High Street) published by the government in December 2018. I read Timpson’s report and one comment I particularly wanted to share with you is his short-term recommendation, for towns to ensure that their parking restrictions and charges are not driving people out of their town centres!

If you would like to read the report in full then visit Oracle’s website.

Former Southend Council leader David Dedman has written an insightful article warning SBC of investing in commercial property. If you have an article you would like to share with Oracle’s readers then please contact me or send in your article via email.

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This month’s competition win an afternoon tea for two including a glass of prosecco at the Holiday Inn Southend. Sounds a nice idea for a Mother’s day treat?

To enter Oracle/Holiday Inn competition please visit the competition page on Oracle’s website and leave your name and contact details. Alternatively, we still accept entries by post to Oracle’s office, see below for the full address, closing date is 31st March 2019.

Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham CM8 3BN – 01376 500900

March 2019

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CONTENTS Should SBC be buying commercial property? 9/10 Local Issues by David Dedman

Southend Town Centre - A different approach? 16/22 #SaveSouthend article by Richard King

Mad March Hair

20

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Lamb and Aubergine Moussaka with a twist 26 Recipe by Judy Barden

Everything you need to know about tinctures 30 Health by Genesis Ali

Brainbox 32 What’s On 36 Useful Number’s 40 Advertiser Directory 42

Advertorials Pace 6/7 CHC Aesthetics 18 Rayleigh Glass 19

All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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What landlords need to know in 2019 Being a property professional means you have to keep up to date on regulatory changes if you want to stay on track and on the right side of the law.

As an award-winning Lettings Agent, we’ve got our finger on the pulse so we’ve compiled the list below to help any private landlords in the area ensure they’re up to speed too.

Tighter regulations for properties with sharers New regulations have come into force which will require many more properties lived in by sharers (HMOs) to have a licence. As a rule of thumb, a property is classed as an HMO if it’s inhabited by people who are unrelated and share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms. Licenses are now required for any number of floors and for more than 3 sharers, which means a higher standard of health and safety rules to be followed in these properties.

Keeping your cash safe From April this year, all property agents must register with an approved client money protection scheme which protects landlord or tenant money, if a letting agent goes into administration. Any agent failing to join a CMPS will face a penalty of up to £30,000. Pace has been a part of a CMPS for several years now. Make sure 6

your agent is registered or your money could be at risk if they cease trading.

Homes Fit for Habitation Act 2018 In March this Act means any let property must be fit for human habitation when a tenancy is granted and remain so for its duration. Most landlords should have nothing to worry about, but if your property is in need of serious repair (including damp), this could affect you.

Court claims may be brought to force a landlord to carry out works, with damages awarded to the tenant.

Living in a flat?

The government is consulting on better protections for leaseholders but until anything changes flat owners can still act together to get the Right to Manage their block and to appoint an agent to carry out their wishes. As regulated

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members of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), we are governed by a strict set of rules which ensures we are monitored and qualified to undertake all aspects of Block Management. We now have Property Managers covering Southend, Canvey Island and Basildon.

Tenant Fees ban The law has been passed to ban tenant fees from the 1st June. Apart from the cost implications, this will also give greater power to tenants during the letting process as holding deposits are reduced and tightened up.

New electrical safety rules Landlords will have to ensure qualified inspectors check electrical installations in rented homes at least every five years, according to new regulations set to come in later this year.

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Professional advice, qualified staff If you’re unsure about any of the above, or are unhappy with your existing agent, come and talk to us.

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March 2019

LOCAL ISSUES

Should SBC be buying commercial property?

Southend on Sea Borough Council are not alone in choosing to buy commercial investment property in order to boost their flagging fortunes but beware there are a number of reasons why local authorities including Southend should not be engaged in this highly risky and volatile activity.

I remember the days in 1989 when I was leader of Southend on Sea Borough Council how the then Town Clerk Douglas Moulson guffawed at the plight of Kent County Council's pensions fund that invested in derivatives (do you remember those?) and made a huge loss. In fact, the loss was so great that central Government bailed out this and many other authorities as interest rates doubled between the end of 1987 to the middle of 1989.

The losses to Councils up and down the country ran into billions.

March 2019

It is obvious similar mistakes will be made by this and other Council's by buying commercial investment properties seeking a safe return on capital. It is evident we are certainly at the top of the market with yield compression so great across most commercial property asset classes returns of 4% to 6% are the norm. To borrow, notwithstanding the concessionary interest rates which are obtainable from the public works loan board (effectively central Government) at under 2%, remains a high-risk investment activity. Although the public works loan board will lend for up to 50 years this money has to be paid back. If the investment property involved become vacant (we have seen many vacant commercial properties in recent years in our own town as well as across the country) values fall. Already many private investors have lost huge

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sums of money by buying commercial investments which may have been let to 'safe' tenants only to find the tenant falls into liquidation/bankruptcy. Tenants nowadays are seeking ways of either reneging on leases or indeed liquidating so that landlords/freeholders are left with a void in rental income. In almost every High Street rents are falling and with other asset classes rents have mostly remained static following the recession in 2010 or are also falling. If the Council has its own funds available to make these acquisitions then it should be reinvesting in our town in order to improve environment within our own community. Our roads are in disrepair so too pavements and many of our public gardens have received no attention for months or even years.

Are values to fall?

Values are likely to fall as we are now at the top of the property cycle and history has this wonderful habit of repeating itself time and time again. The margins of only about 2% between interest payable to a lender and the return on capital are so slight any mistake at all in buying such property will manifest itself leaving the Council nursing its losses. Will anyone within the Council take the blame for such losses, either members or officers?

Again, the answer is certainly not. The losses will be brushed under the carpet and if they are so great the Council will go cap in hand to central Government for 10

a bailout. The National Audit Office has already expressed in a report recently published its concern on local authority governance around this very policy. Surely if a Government department such as the National Audit Office is concerned about this we should take heed.

Probably even more important does this or any other Council have the technical ability or the street wise philosophy to be able to purchase such properties and either turn a profit or ensure that a safe return is made? We all know the answer is certainly not, look at the Royal Bank of Scotland a formerly ÂŁ70 billion empire that would have ceased trading falling into company bankruptcy were it not for the Government bailing out the bank. A similar condition exists with Lloyds HBOS and many other High Street organisations.

In other words, no investment is safe and there is no such thing any longer as a triple A covenant and why Southend Council would wish to take part in this activity is beyond any rational thought process particularly at this time.

I say to Southend Council do not under any circumstances continue with this foolhardy scheme.

David Dedman F.R.I.C.S Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. Or contact a member of our team if you would like an article printed. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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March 2019

LET’S MAKE SOUTHEND-ON-SEA GREAT AGAIN THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL BE VOTING FOR AND WE WILL BE FIGHTING FOR WHEN YOU

VOTE INDEPENDENT A reduction in crime - getting more police on the streets A new strategy for parking - fair charges for all Ensuring we keep our fully functioning hospital More affordable homes for our local people A reduction in unemployment A pleasing street scene Roads with no potholes or uneven pavements We are here to serve you - tell us how we can help Voting Independent means you are voting for your rights, your policies, your views and your voice, NOT party politics.

It should be all about local issues.

March 2019

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March 2019

HAVE YOU HEARD THE ONE ABOUT THE SEAWAY CAR PARK DEAL?

£1 to you!

So, let’s just get this straight…

This Seaway car park is worth £3.8 million at it’s lowest valuation… and could be worth up to £7.2 million plus, and you want to sell it to a private developer, called Turnstone, who will make millions from it,for just …

And you’re okay with the fact that the director behind Turnstone use to work for the company that has made this valuation…

And you don’t want to put this out to tender to ensure fairness….

And you want to keep all this confidential although it’s very And you’re not worried controversial…. about the damage and loss of jobs this development will do to existing businesses like the Odeon and Kursaal….

And you’re even considering renting back the car park from the developer once built for whatever the market value may be….

And you’re happy to lose £700,000 per annum car park revenue to receive a rent of just £282,000 per annum….

And you’re not concerned that there isn’t enough parking for the cinema, restaurants, bowling alley, hotel in this new development, let alone the seafront trade…

And with the lack of parking, there will be traffic gridlock in the town and on the routes into town…

£1

It’s decision time at Southend Borough Council

Mmmm…It sounds fine to me.

Any objections?

’T TRUE! IT WOULD BE FUNNY – IF IT WASN Time to question? We think so. Ask your Councilor their views on the controversial Seaway Development. Local elections in May! Published by P. Miller on behalf of the Concerned Southenders Group at Sunken Gardens, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE

March 2019

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Southend Town Centre A different approach?

10 years ago, the regeneration of Southend Central Area began with projects like Civic Beach, The Forum and more recently Victoria Avenue among others. Government assisted funding was obtained for many of these projects. This has encouraged private sector investment.

Thinking then was that regeneration would be linked to retail development. At that time challenges to the town centre like at Fossett’s Farm were emerging.

Ten years on retail is no longer the driver and high streets across the country are in crisis.

Southend has benefits that others would envy, the seaside,5 million plus visitors, south facing aspect, conservation area, two rail links into London and Docklands. Access to an airport, mixed offering of schooling etc. Vacant sites around the town centre in council ownership.

Residential areas with lower costs than nearby.

Nationally thinking on regenerating town centres has changed to draw together a wide mixed range of residential and other uses.

In December 2018 the government published a report by Sir John Timpson (a shop on every High Street).

Current thinking is to see the High Street as part of the whole town centre. To implement it the government announced ÂŁ635 mill of funding.

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How might this influence Southend?

INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP The council and community to own this vision. Leadership must be accountable for delivery and failure.

The need for a VISION for the town centre in 2025 Involving people, more than once in three years. People need to easily know what they want, what it will be like without long reports, A good place to live work and play for all-residents and non-residents.

An updated vision for Southend Town Centre?

Continue to be reinstated as a predominantly residential area using brownfield sites.

Timpson points out that in solving the problem of oversupply of retail you can solve housing challenges. At its heart could be a dynamic High Street with both national and local retail, doctors, dentist, eating and drinking and leisure, Existing leisure would be part of this. There would be places to eat and meet mixed with entertainment. Spaces in the form of tree lined boulevards and squares would be an integral part of this town centre Residents would be able to walk to the shops, stations and other public transport. Some street might be opened to shared traffic.

A true mix, of housing, affordable, shared ownership, private and luxury.

Continued on page 22...

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BEAUTY

Mad March Hair

Early spring always represents a challenge when it comes to your hair. Gusts and gales can turn the most perfect style into ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ in a mere moment, while rain can dampen far more than just your spirits…

A bad hair day can be the least of your worries, but these quick-and-easy tips can help beat your weather woes.

SPLIT ENDS are best dealt with a good trim, but when you can't book an immediate hair appointment bust out the straighteners! If you also use a hairdryer, you’ll get more volume and body; simply twirl the tips around a round brush and blast with some heat to lock it in.

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Continued from page 16...

Work could start on schemes like Warrior Square, Seaway and Clarence Street.

would be innovative to seek to bring in temporary occupancy by local retailers to test viability.

These might bring localism with local funders and developers thus encouraging the development of sites such as ABC cinema.

Improved design quality is needed - Southend deserves better than the average it is being offered.

COMMUNITY involvement in a shared vision particularly young people. Empowering local people, residents, organisations businesses, institutions and property owners.

PARKING It has been shown that parking is a significant factor when people decide where to shop or go. Local Authorities should ensure that charges are working to support accessibility, local business, encouraging footfall and attracting people. Parking could be changed without uneconomic underground car parks or taking up street level frontages. Paid for by increased development income, land values and council tax. Business rates would be innovative to seek to bring in local retailers.

HOUSEKEEPING Everyone can help eliminate graffiti and litter. One idea is to have High Street perfect day. It could prove the opportunity to test ideas e.g. opening up part of the High Street to Traffic. Temporary occupancy of empty shops by local businesses. The already successful street markets.

EMPTY SHOPS Local Authorities should use their initiative to encourage landlords and tenants to think innovatively. Business rates 22

PROCUREMENT This takes too long. Southend should have more plan B’s for sites in their ownership so that if a developer hasn’t or can’t deliver within two years of an option then the game moves on. Southend is a proven success on which to seek support from the new funding.

What might be done in the short term?

Listen to people- talk to them- break down the sense of secrecy, lack of direction and conflict Attract local businesses, funders and developers to deliver small incremental developments as catalysts.

Think Southend town centre –Build housing for all to create demand for a thriving High Street. Encourage development of vacant private sites. Encourage landlords and tenants to think innovatively to utilise empty shops - not easy. Look at how Business Rates might allow people to try and test short term if their business will work. Review Parking restrictions to ensure that they are not driving people away. Look at obtaining government financial support ahead of the competition.

by Richard King Dip.Arch., R.I.B.A Resident for over 70 years Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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FOOD

Lamb and Aubergine Moussaka with a twist Heat the oven to 190c/fan 170/gas 5

Ingredients:

Heat a large non-stick pan until hot, add the mince and cook until browned all over, add the onion, garlic, spices and oregano and cook for 5 mins. Add the wine, tomatoes and tomato puree, bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. Add the mint and remove the cinnamon stick.

900g/2lb lean lamb mince 1 large onion finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 1 cinnamon stick

Meanwhile heat a griddle pan until hot. Brush the aubergine slices both sides with the oil and griddle for 2-3 minutes on each side.

1 tsp dried oregano 130ml/3 ½ floz white wine 400g tin chopped tomatoes 5 tbsp tomato puree 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped 2 large aubergines, sliced lengthways into ½ cm/ Ÿ in slices 2 tbsp olive oil

Make the sauce by melting the butter in a pan, add the flour and cook out for a minute. Add the milk and then bring to the boil stirring constantly until it has thickened. Season well then set aside to cool a little. Beat in the eggs.

600ml/1pt semi skimmed milk

In a large oven proof dish, layer up the lamb ragout and the aubergines. Pour over the white sauce and crumble the feta over the top. Sprinkle with nutmeg and bake for 25-30 minutes (45-50 minutes if cooking from cold) or until golden and bubbling.

2 eggs

Enjoy!

For the sauce 50g/2oz butter 50g/2oz flour

200g/7oz feta Nutmeg, grated

Serves 6

by Judy Barden Next month: Chocolate Easter Cake

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HEALTH

Everything you need to know about tinctures

Tinctures are becoming more commonplace, especially in good health food stores. They have been used for centuries by naturopaths, and to this day are the primary source of medicine for many countries. Advocates of tinctures would say they WORK, possibly better, more efficiently, and without the side effects that come with allopathic or OTC (Over the Counter) medications. They support your health and wellness effectively and when used properly, safely.

What are they?

A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract. It is typically made by soaking herbs and other plant parts in alcohol for weeks to extract the active constituents. Alcohol is used because it breaks down the cell wall of the plant, allowing the plants bioactive compounds to be released, and stored into the alcohol.

How to Make a Tincture

The plant parts are carefully sorted so that any unwanted parts are removed. The herbs may be chopped coarsely before being placed into a glass jar. The jar is filled with alcohol, capped tightly, and allowed to sit for weeks. The plant material is strained and removed, and the liquid is typically poured into small, labelled, glass bottles with dropper tops.

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What are they for?

Here are popular tinctures: Cannabis (CBD) Tincture - may help to alleviate migraines, seizures, anxiety, menstrual pain, and other types of pain.

Tincture of Benzoin - A common component of first aid kits, should only be used topically. to help first aid adhesive bandages and wound closure strips stay in place. It is also said to protect the skin from contact allergy to the adhesive and reduce irritation.

Propolis Tincture - a substance produced by bees to build beehives, propolis is being explored for its effects on allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, gynaecological, oral, and skin disorders Valerian tincture - contains sedative properties (great for sleep) which help your central nervous system to relax and loosens tensions in your muscles. It can also help if you are going through emotional stress or have menstrual cramps.

Echinacea - boosts the production of white blood cells and benefits the immune system. It contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory powers. This is the perfect, calm concoction to have if you are suffering from the cold or flu.

If you have never experimented with plant medicine, this is a safe and effective way with no side effects unless you are allergic to alcohol.

by Genesis Ali Nutritionist at V Health Thorpe Bay

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