Outlook – Issue 27 Summer 2013

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YOUR OFFICIAL SOUTHEND-ON-SEA BOROUGH COUNCIL MAGAZINE www.southend.gov.uk

Chance to shape future of library services PAGES 15-26

Pupils set

new travel ideas in motion PAGES 30-31

August Bank Holiday WASTE & RECYCLING collection dates PAGE 33

ÂŁ27m Forum set to open PAGE FIVE

ISSUE 27 Summer 2013

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Helping people to help themselves is now a key policy

Summer 2013

By Council Leader Councillor NIGEL HOLDCROFT

N E W S & F E AT U R E S Fostering service receives Ofsted approval . . . . . . . . . . . 6

WE, like all local authorities, are currently grappling with the challenge of an ever-increasing demand for our services at a time of severe financial constraint.

One of the key approaches we’re taking to meet this challenge is to help individuals and communities to help themselves; investing in ways of reducing the burden on our ever-tightening budgets.

In this issue of Outlook, you can read about some of the ways we are already doing this. For example, we’re investing in those services that enable people to stay living safely in their own homes for longer.

We’re also working in partnership with Essex County Fire & Rescue Service to ensure that vulnerable adults are not at risk of fire by educating the public about signs of risk to look out for.

Through Public Health, we’re helping and encouraging people to lead healthier lifestyles so they may have less need of our services in the future – such as, the stop smoking initiatives.

Increasingly, one of our most important partners for helping us to deliver our services will be you – the residents of Southend-on-Sea. For example, the current review of our libraries service will produce a plan that sets out the future of our libraries service for the next fifteen years.

One of the possibilities is for residents to volunteer and get involved in the running of some of the local branch libraries. This is a plan that has worked extremely well in other areas of the country.

In Worcestershire, for example, 16 out of their 34 libraries are now being successfully run as community managed libraries. Had local residents not stepped in, those 16 libraries would have had to close due to financial pressures.

You will find a copy of the libraries consultation document in the centre of this issue of Outlook and I would urge you to complete and return it, if you have not already done so.

It is only through your support that we can continue to direct funds to those services that help those most in need of our assistance.

This magazine can be provided in alternative formats such as Braille, audio-tape or in large print. For a copy of this magazine in another format, or to order more copies, please call 01702 215000 ext 5020 or email youroutlook@southend.gov.uk.

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COUNCIL OF THE YEAR 2012

Helping vulnerable people avoid fire risks . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Stay safe in the summer sunshine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8/9 Support is changing families’ lives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 New vaccinations offer better protection . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Magnificent seven Seaside Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . 12/13 Seafront transformed by cliff repair project . . . . . . . . 14 More people urged to be Personal Assistants . . . . . . 27 Council self service facilities on the move . . . . . . . . . 28

CONTENTS

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Calendar carries messages of opportunity . . . . . . . . . . 29 Helping parents make right early years choices . . . . 32 Blue bins on a green route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Council inundated with benefit changes queries . . . . 34

DO IT ONLINE! Smartphone users – scan the QR code below with a barcode scanner app to access our website

A very creepy summer reading challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 What’s on Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36/37 Know your councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38/39

Outlook is written, designed and produced by Smith Davis Press in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. The information contained in this publication has been accepted from the contributors in good faith, and whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of going to press, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, misrepresentations or subsequent changes. Whilst all possible care is taken in the preparation of this publication, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting as a result of the material contained herein can be accepted by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the authors or the publisher. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council does not endorse any of the products or services advertised within this publication. Printed by PCP.

for Southend Outlook is printed on recycled paper. When you have finished with this publication please help the environment by passing it on to a friend or recycling it.

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ESIDENTS are being encouraged to shape the future of library services in Southend by having their say in the latest phase of consultation.

Proposals on the future of the Council’s library services have been drawn up following feedback gathered in an earlier consultation exercise. The Council wants to keep serving the whole community through its library services and has a vision for the next 15 years to deliver accessible library services for all – giving spaces for people to meet, read, study, explore and browse.

Proposals for the future include creating two hub libraries which will benefit from longer opening hours and improved IT provision and

Library Assistant Brodie Godfrey shows some of the large selection of rentable DVDs at Southend Central Library. offering remaining branch libraries to community groups to be run by volunteers, supported by the Council.

A virtual library – providing 24-hour access to online information and resources – could also be developed.

Libraries Service Manager Simon May said: “We know from the first period of consultation that the public value the presence of a physical library. We have to make significant savings over

the next few years so we need to find a way of maintaining the network while reducing costs.

“We know community managed libraries work in other local authority areas and believe they can be a fundamental part of how we make our services better over the next 15 years.

“Everyone is welcome to voice their opinion on the proposals we have drawn up and we encourage as many people as possible to do that.

“We are also keen for those interested in volunteering to make that clear on the consultation pages. Together as a community, we can make this work.”

Consultation runs until 8 September. Full details can be found in the public consultation booklet inside this issue of Outlook. A full report on the first stage of consultation can be found at www.southend.gov.uk/ libraryreview

State-of-the-art Forum is set to have a big impact

South Essex College students Sam Kerr and Liam Gillan, both aged 18, pictured outside the new Forum Southend-on-Sea building which opens at the end of September.

Say it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

SOUTHEND’S new £27 million state-of-the-art library will offer residents and students unprecedented access to books, archives and records when it opens on 30 September.

The Forum Southend-on-Sea has been developed as a partnership project between the Council, the University of Essex and South Essex College and will be both a public and academic library.

The joined-up approach has allowed the organisations to pool resources and offer more cost-effective services to meet the needs of the community and give better value for money.

Simon May, the Council’s Library Services Manager, said:“This is a very exciting development and one which will have quite an impact on Southend. There are huge economic benefits of working together and it means we will be able to provide a

wider range of materials to library members.”

Registrar at the University of Essex, Bryn Morris, said:“The shared pool of knowledge and expertise working on this unique project has reaped benefits for us all.

“Students and staff will enjoy vastly enhanced facilities when The Forum Southend-on-Sea is open and we will use this fantastic opportunity to increase our links with the wider community in the borough.”

Angela O’Donoghue CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College, said:“It’s been amazing to see The Forum Southend-on-Sea rise from the ashes of the former Farringdon car park site.

“Where there was once a dreary and dilapidated building we’ve now all worked together to create a stunning learning environment that will be a real creative and cultural hub for the town.”

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Southenders ‘‘’’

We get a real sense of achievement that we’ve made a difference.

Why puppeteer always seeks a sheltered spot on pier MASTER puppeteer Chris Gasper has spent six decades performing Punch and Judy at seaside resorts around the country.

And if there is one thing his years’ of experience have taught him, it is to find a sheltered spot to pitch his booth.

A troublesome gust of wind – especially on a pier as long as Southend’s – can wreak havoc with a performance, as he’s almost found out on occasions.

Punch Professor Chris, who will be back at the record-breaking pier this August for the 25th anniversary Puppet Festival, said: “In the past we have had to contend with some strong, unexpected gusts of wind coming in from the south west.

“It has never stopped large audiences but it can be a bit airy at times for the performers – it has almost blown my booth into the sea a couple of times.

“I am not sure what a young audience would have made of suddenly seeing me just kneeling there with the glove puppets!

“I learned my lesson early and always find a good sheltered spot or tie the booth to the pier railings

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Unexpected strong winds could turn Punch and Judy’s world upsidedown. to be on the safe side.”

Chris, whose first performance was aged nine in 1953 to mark the Queen’s Coronation, added: “On one occasion, I was a bit too clever. I decided to pitch up in the shelter of the railway station at the end of the pier because I could see a large crowd of people gathered.

“One minute I had 30 or so people watching my show, the next no one was there. The reason – the train had arrived midperformance and they all boarded to head back to shore.” ● Puppet festival comes to the Pier – see back page.

Experienced foster carer Diane Fuller – pictured at home in Westcliff-onSea – is urging more people to try fostering.

Fostering service gets THUMBS UP T

HE Council’s Fostering Service has been given the thumbs up in all areas after a full inspection by Ofsted.

Their latest report judged the service good for overall effectiveness, outcomes and safeguarding for children and young people, quality of service and for its leadership and management. Good is a service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements.

The 11-page report concluded: “Children receive a good service from an organisation which has strong leadership and is effectively managed.

“Foster carers, staff and panel members are well qualified, highly skilled, experienced and passionately committed to their role.

“Staff and foster carers enjoy good training opportunities and receive substantial support.”

The report comes as a team of 16 staff, currently supporting 145 children in 97 fostering households,

look to recruit more foster carers.

The Fullers, Diane and her husband Bryan who have been fostering mainly older children and teenagers for the past 21 years, are urging more people to give it a try.

Diane said: “Since we started we’ve looked after eight or nine youngsters who tend to stay for years.

“Our latest two arrived when they were nine and ten and are now 16 and 17. We get a real sense of achievement that we’ve made a difference.

“All children need stability and a role model so I think everyone who has ever considered fostering should follow it up. We need carers from all backgrounds.

“You could be single, gay, lesbian – it doesn’t matter. You don’t even have to own your own home, just as long as you have the space.”

For more information on fostering, email fostering@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 212938.

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Scheme helps cut

The many ways to pay council tax

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OZENS of vulnerable adults have been helped to reduce their risk of being seriously injured or killed in a fire thanks to a partnership between the Council, the Southend Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

A pilot scheme in Southend saw social workers, domiciliary and community support providers, care home providers and voluntary agencies put through training to identify ‘at risk’ adults such as those who smoke, have immobility issues, use flammable medication or barrier

Sarah Range, the Council’s Safeguarding Adults Strategic Lead, is pictured at Southend Fire Station with Home Fire Safety Technician Gerry Hudson-Crane, centre, and Arson Reduction and Fire Investigation Manager David Hadjicostas. creams that should be kept away from flames, or take medication or substances that may render them unable to escape from a property.

They were then able to make referrals to the fire and rescue service for free home fire safety checks to put in practical solutions to minimise their risk of being harmed in a fire.

The two-month pilot scheme proved so

successful it is now expected to be rolled out across Essex.

David Hadjicostas, the fire service’s Arson Reduction and Fire Investigation Manager, said: “Our job is to save lives and prevent fires, but we are having to help more people with less resources than ever before.

“As a service, we respond to 17,000 emergency visits a year,

but councils in our fire authority area make 25,000 domiciliary care visits a day and you don’t get a better set of eyes and ears than that.

“The Council and the Southend Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board have been incredibly supportive and helpful, highlighting the people we need to speak to in order to help save lives in a very cost effective way.”

THERE are many ways Southend residents can pay their council tax.

Once a resident’s council tax account is set up at the start of each financial year, they will be sent a letter detailing the dates installments are due.

Residents usually pay 10 installments from 1 April to 1 January but anyone can request to have installments over 12 months instead.

Alternatively, they can request to pay quarterly, biannually or annually.

Payments can be made online using a credit or debit card; at a post office or bank; by cheque or by standing order. For those who do not have a bank account an AllPay Payment card can be requested.

For more details about paying council tax visit www.southend.gov.uk Anyone struggling to pay installments should contact the Council on 01702 215001.

If you have a child born between 1st September 2009 and 31st August 2010 he or she is due to start school in September 2014 You can apply between 14th September 2013 and 15th January 2014 The Primary School Admissions booklet and online applications are available on:

www.southend.gov.uk/admissions If however you would prefer a paper copy of the admissions booklet please contact the Customer Service Centre: tel: 01702 215007 email: admissions@southend.gov.uk Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Department for People, 8th Floor, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6ER.

Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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ARE YOU A BIKE FRIENDLY CAFE? Cycling is becoming ever more popular, so why not become one of our growing number of accredited cycle friendly cafes throughout Southend which offer customers benefits such the use of a cycle lock, a pump and toolkit and, where possible, parking for their bicycles.

Babies and young children need to be protected with a high factor sunscreen.

To become a bike friendly cafe contact www.cyclesouthend.co.uk or telephone 01702 215003.

In return Cycle Southend will: ● Publicise and promote your support by putting you on the map

Food on a barbecue should be turned regularly.

● Be on hand to help with any queries ● Provide equipment for cyclists to use, eg. puncture repairs and pumps ● Provide free or subsidised parking for bikes Accredited Cafes: Yoga Dharma 129 Southchurch Rd tel: 01702 600762 www.yogadharma.co.uk

Southchurch Park Cafe Southchurch Park Shaftesbury Ave tel: 01702 603486

Morley Nurseries Southend Rd tel: 01702 585668 www.morleynurseries.com

If you are a cyclist and have a favourite cafe or coffee stop, then why not ask them to join our accredited list. Forms are available to download at www.cyclesouthend.co.uk

Beware of barbecue hazards BARBECUES usually come hand-in-hand with the British summer but they require caution to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Always make sure barbecues are in good working order and away from sheds, trees or shrubs before lighting them with a recognised fire lighter.

Never leave a lit barbecue unattended.

Raw meat should be handled carefully, kept away from any other food in order to stop the spread of bugs and cooked properly. Food on the barbecue should be turned regularly to ensure even cooking and served piping hot when no pink meat is left and when juices run clear.

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Alcohol can affect a person’s judgement of what is safe and should be avoided until after the fire is out.

Karon Grant, Team Leader in Environmental Care at the Council, said: “Always douse disposable barbecues in cold water and make sure they are completely out and cooled before disposing of them safely.

“Once extinguished and fully cooled, please put in black refuge sacks which will be collected as part of the normal household waste collection scheme. In public places that permit barbecues, please use the metal bins provided.

“Please remember barbecues should not be used on Southend’s beaches.”

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Enjoy the summer sunshine...

safely!

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FTER a long, cold winter, summer is here at last and residents and visitors to Southend-on-Sea are heading outside to enjoy the sunshine and the town’s many attractions – pier, parks and miles of seafront.

As well as making people feel more cheerful, a little sun exposure can bring an important health benefit. The ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun helps the production of Vitamin D, which is important for healthy muscles and bones and for general health.

But too much UV light can damage the skin causing painful sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Please remember to always use sun protection and follow these sun-safe tips to help to ensure everyone enjoys the sunshine safely: ● Cover up – a wide-brimmed or Legionnaire-style hat will help

to shade faces, heads and neck, while close-woven, loose-fitting clothing is the best to wear. ● Protect your eyes – by wearing sunglasses. Choose a brand with the CE Mark and British Standard (BS EN 1836:1997) or a UV 400 or 100 per cent UV protection label. ● Stay in the shade – indoors, or under trees or umbrellas when the sun (and UV light) is most intense. In England this is generally between 11am and 3pm. ● Apply sunscreen – at least Factor 15 with a high star rating.

Use plenty and keep reapplying every two hours and after swimming. ● Take extra care – people with fair skin, those who freckle easily, those who have red or blonde hair or have previously been sunburned are more at risk of sun damage.

Trees can provide useful shade during periods when the sun is at its strongest.

Apply for it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Fragrance Consultant Tracie Aston, left, and No. 7 Consultant Lauren Woodward pictured at Boots in The Royals Shopping Centre with the top prize hamper and one of the goodie bags for the runners-up.

WIN a luxury health and beauty hamper in fun competition SUMMER’S here! And what better way to celebrate than with a luxury health and beauty goody hamper courtesy of high street pharmacy Boots.

It contains everything you need to stay protected from the sun’s rays and a range of products to make you look and feel good too.

The lucky winner of our Outlook competition will scoop the first prize hamper, which has been donated by the Boots store in The Royals Shopping Centre, Southend.

The store has also put up two runners up prizes of stay safe in the summer goodie bags.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question: The sun is usually at its hottest between which times of the day?

The answer can be found within this issue of the magazine. Send your answer on a postcard, with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Boots Competition, Media and Communications, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER Alternatively, email: outlook@southend.gov.uk While you are sending your entry, please let us know your thoughts on what you like and what you would like to see more of in future issues of Outlook magazine.

The closing date for entries is Friday 30 August. Terms and conditions apply: visit www.southend.gov.uk/ outlook for more information.

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TREETS Ahead – the Government-funded initiative designed to help Southend families overcome complex issues – is already making a big difference, just months into the three-year programme.

Set a target of supporting 420 families, 112 are currently getting tailored help from a Council team of highly qualified key workers working in partnership with many other agencies and a group of passionate community workers.

The families involved are being challenged to improve their own lives by tackling issues ranging from

One-to-one support is HELPING CHANGE LIVES drug and alcohol abuse to antisocial behaviour, crime, unemployment and mental ill health as well as debt, domestic violence and truancy.

Referrals come from the police, schools, doctors, social care, housing providers and other partner agencies as the £1.4 million programme seeks to reduce deprivation and social inequality by empowering communities.

Families who think they meet the eligibility criteria for advice, guidance, motivation and support

can also refer themselves.

The Council is actively encouraging families to access this support and has been publicising the scheme.

Carol Compton, the Council’s Project Lead, said: “We’re already supporting more than 100 families who’ve been finding it hard to manage and we’re already achieving good results.

“It’s not easy helping people break what can sometimes be a long-term family history going back generations of similar behaviour

but we are seeing successes as we encourage families to take responsibility and become stronger.

“Our one-to-one support is helping people build their confidence, hope and aspirations which can only be good for their futures and for the wider communities they live in.”

For more information on self referral you can email the Streets Ahead Team Manager at streets ahead@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215007.

Streets Ahead Key Support Worker Pam Levy, left, chats with single mother Mandy.

Distraught single mother was on the verge of a breakdown MANDY is a single mother referred to the Streets Ahead programme for whole-family support after one of her children ended up in court.

She said:“I was distraught – crushed. It was the first time my child had been in trouble. It was a really stressful time and I was on the verge of a breakdown.

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“I didn’t know about Streets Ahead when we were referred but I was determined to use the support and get my family back on track. I didn’t see it as hard work. I wanted to make a change and sometimes you need someone from outside to give you that guidance.

“We’ve learned so much. Our home now

feels warmer and we all communicate better. My child is OK now and at college.

“I’ve been inspired to study for a degree in social work.

“I’d advise anyone involved with the Streets Ahead programme to use it and use it wisely. It’s good support and I don’t know where I’d be now without it.”

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Vaccination changes to

BOOST PROTECTION C

HILDREN and adults in Southend are to be offered better protection against serious illnesses with the introduction of a number of changes to the national vaccination programme.

The changes are to increase the overall protection in the community and include: Meningitis C – in June, the dose previously given at four months was replaced by a booster dose given in adolescent years.

Rotavirus – from July, a vaccine was introduced to the schedule to protect infants from rotavirus, a highly infectious illness in infants and young children. The vaccine is given as a liquid from a dropper into the mouth.

Shingles – a new shingles vaccine for people aged 70 and over will be introduced in September.

Seasonal influenza for children – children aged two will be offered a nasal flu vaccine from September as part of a pilot programme to vaccinate primary and pre-school aged children.

In addition to the changes, a

Practice Nurse Angela Cowell gives vaccinations to Charlie Hughes with mum Jackie Wavell looking on at North Avenue Surgery.

Dr Atherton also urged parents to check their child’s MMR vaccination status. She said: “If you think your child has missed one or even two doses of MMR, please contact your GP practice and book an appointment.”

For more information on these vaccines and the schedule changes visit www.nhs.uk

current measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) catch up campaign is running targeted at children who have missed doses of the vaccine.

Dr Andrea Atherton, the Council’s Director of Public Health, said that the changes would strengthen already successful national and local vaccination programmes.

Prittlewell tomb finds on display AN exhibition at the Central Museum in Victoria Avenue is showcasing valuable finds from the tomb of the Prittlewell Prince.

Two glass jars belonging to Southend’s regal ancestor from the 6th century are on view.

One of them had been broken into 40 pieces but it has been reconstructed and analysed.

The exhibition puts the Prittlewell finds in context, alongside items from the same cemetery discovered in the 1920s and 1930s.

The show is a “taster” for the arrival in November of another seven objects from the tomb, following their display in the Paderborn Museum in Germany.

COULD YOU FOSTER A TEENAGER? Southend Borough Council can offer you:

24 hour telephone support Dedicated supervising social worker Peer support groups for you and your family Fostering network membership

call

Commitment to your ongoing training & development Organised events & activities Be seen as a true professional

01702 212938

or email: fostering@southend.gov.uk to find out more

www.southend.gov.uk/fostering

Pay it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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Celebrating the Seaside Award at Three Shells Beach are, left to right, Pier and Foreshore Supervisor Peter Fitz-Gibbon, Visitor Information Supervisor Jane Brown, Resort Assistant Alice Pickering, Resort Service Manager Lynn Jones, Resort Assistant Peter French and Pier and Shore Supervisor Richard Sanden.

Beach seaside awards total a

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN M

ILES and miles of glorious beaches have helped to make Southend-on-Sea one of the UK’s favourite seaside resorts.

Now those eye-catching sands and their host of amenities have received official recognition with a series of brand new prestigious accolades.

No less than seven beaches in the Borough have received coveted Seaside Awards.

Based on strict new judging criteria, they reward cleanliness and fantastic facilities.

Bell Wharf Beach, Leigh; Chalkwell Beach; East Beach, Shoeburyness; Jubilee Beach; Thorpe Bay Beach; Three Shells Beach and Shoebury Common Beach all received recognition.

It also means that Southend has won seven of the region’s total of 20 new Seaside Awards.

Special flags will be erected on each of the award-winning beaches letting people know they are enjoying time on one of the best in the UK. Scott Dolling, Group Manager, Economy and Tourism, said: “We are delighted to have been

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awarded seven of the new Seaside Awards across our seven miles of seafront.

“From Leigh-on-Sea to Shoeburyness, this is testament to the Council’s commitment to the importance of our visitors.

“We have worked hard to ensure that beach safety and facilities match the required tests that help us to promote what we can offer. We also continue to work with the Environment Agency and Anglian Water to improve the quality of water for bathing.”

The new award replaces the Quality Coast Award. The accreditation recognises those shores with the highest standards of beach management, facilities, cleanliness and water quality.

The Keep Britain Tidy charity, which administers the awards for the Foundation for Environmental Education, judges whether beaches reach required standards in: ● Water quality ● Risk assessment ● First aid facilities available ● Safe access to the beach ● Beach cleanliness and

Youngsters enjoy the fountains at City Beach. provision of litter bins ● Provision of well-maintained accessible toilets ● Encouraging responsible dog ownership ● Information points located at main beach access points The awards have been designed

to provide beach managers with an effective management tool to achieve well-maintained and attractive beaches.

It also helps them plan for future improvements and to generate funding to carry out developments.

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The Forum Southend-on-Sea celebrates its opening with a festival of events running until the end of November.

Eminent speaker, CERN physicist and BBC Television presenter Professor Brian Cox OBE launches the season with a talk in the Lecture Theatre on Monday 30 September, tickets £15.

Monday 30 September 7.30-9.30pm

All events must be booked in advance via: www.theforumsouthend.co.uk If you cannot access the internet please telephone 01702 534123 The Forum Southend-on-Sea, Elmer Square, SS1 1NE.

Festival at The Forum Southend-on-Sea The natural, unspoilt East Beach.

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The season continues with: Poet Wendy Cope Sunday 6 October 2.30-4.30pm Tickets £10 including afternoon tea.

Historian Dr Pam Cox Friday 11 October 7.30-9.30pm Tickets £5 for adults, £2.50 for students including refreshments.

Graphic Artist Paul Collicutt Saturday 12 October 2.00-4.00pm Tickets £3 including materials and refreshments.

Teenagers only.

A packed Jubilee Beach on a gloriously sunny day.

Fine Art lecturer Cherry Sandover Saturday 12 October 3.00-4.00pm Tickets £5 for adults, £2.50 for students including refreshments.

Small boats moored at Bell Wharf Beach.

Director of Active Essex Jason Fergus Thursday 17 October 7.30-8.30pm Tickets £5, £2.50 for students including refreshments.

Professor of Environment and Society Jules Pretty Thursday 31 October 7.30-9.30pm Tickets £5 for adults, £2.50 for students including refreshments.

Save time – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Artist Marc Camille Chaimowicz and architect Stephen Beasley Saturday 2 November 2.00-3.00pm Tickets free.

Politician and author Michael Portillo Friday 8 November 7.30-9.30pm Tickets £12 including refreshments.

Lecturer in Early Years Stella Harcourt Tuesday 12 November 7.00-8.00pm Tickets £5 for adults, £2.50 for students.

Artist Elizabeth Price Thursday 14 November 7.00-8.00pm Tickets free.

Journalist and author George Alagiah Friday 15 November 7.30-9.30pm Tickets £12 including refreshments.

Founder of Kids’ Company Camila Batmanghelidjh Thursday 21 November 7.30-9.30pm Tickets £10 for adults, £5 for students.

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It’s never been easier to contact and engage with the Council It’s never been easier for residents to contact the Council – either by phone or online.

People are encouraged to “Do It Online” as there are a whole raft of services that can be accessed securely over the internet.

By visiting www.southend.gov.uk/ doitonline residents can pay their council tax, business rates and car parking fines using a debit or credit card.

People can report a problem, leave feedback, apply for planning permission, order a birth, death or marriage certificate copy or apply for housing and council tax benefit.

It can also be used to find the nearest council offices, school, library, leisure centre and many other services.

The out of hours emergencies number is 01702 215000. And there are also a series of Council Hotlines, which put people directly in touch with the service they require (see list below).

COUNCIL HOTLINES Housing Benefits, Council Tax Reduction and Council Tax – 01702 215001 Housing Advice and Choice Based Lettings – 01702 215002 Parking, Highways and Transport – 01702 215003 Planning, Development and Building Control – 01702 215004 Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing – 01702 215005 Waste, Fly Tipping, Fly Posting and Graffiti – 01702 215006 Children’s Services – 01702 215007 Adult Social Services – 01702 215008 Registration Services (Births, Deaths and Marriages) – 01702 215009 Electoral Registration and Councillor Enquiries – 01702 215010 Leisure, Culture and Tourism – 01702 215011

14 Outlook SUMMER 2013

The repaired cliff with the new retaining wall to the right of the photograph.

CLIFF REPAIR SCHEME

improves seafront S

OUTHEND’S seafront has been transformed following the completion of cliff works to repair damage caused by a major landslide in 2002.

The construction of a large concrete pile retaining wall at the top of the cliffs has enabled an area of open space to be made accessible once again – and the north pavement of Western Esplanade, which had been covered with debris from the landslide, has been reopened.

Restoration work was also carried out on the cliff gardens which included the construction of a new scenic cliff walkway and the scattering of wildflower seeds along the slopes to create a colourful floral display for years to come.

Parks Technical Officer Paul Jenkinson said: “Landscaping work has given a really good finish to the project and it is great to see open space that was closed off for a number of years now accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy again.”

Regeneration Gardener Andrew Lee – part of the landscaping team working on the cliff project – is pictured at the top of the cliff by the scenic walkway.

Chance to apply for OLYMPIC LEGACY SPORTS FUNDING CLUBS, coaches or leisure providers who work with 14 to 25-year-olds in sports and physical activities are being encouraged to apply for special funding.

Sportivate invests national lottery funds into projects to help provide a sporting legacy from the London 2012 Games and has £1.5

million up for grabs in Essex over the next six years. Applications should be made online at www.activeessex.org/funding/sportivate/ by 31 August.

For more information, contact Jim Messenger on 01245 438613, 07585 308042 or James.Messenger@ActiveEssex.org

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Public Consultation

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Facing the challenge together

Welcome to the second phase of consultation as part of the Southend-on-Sea Library Service Review. This period of consultation runs from 10th June to 8th September 2013 and seeks to gather your views and opinions on the proposals suggested in the draft Library Strategy.

In July 2012 it was agreed that a review of the Library Service would take place. The purpose of the review is to consider the future direction of the Library Service and produce a Library Development Strategy, clearly identifying proposals for the future service.

The Library Service has not had a full review for over 15 years, however in that time there have been changes to the way the service has been delivered and used. The opportunity for the community to access information and Libraries has significantly changed in these years.

Year ending visits by branch 1,200,000 1,000,000 Year ending March 2009

800,000

16 Outlook SUMMER 2013

Year ending March 2011

600,000 400,000 200,000 0 SOS

New technology will continue to have an impact on the way in which we will access Library Services.

Year ending March 2010

FRS

KTL

LGH

SCH

THP

WES

TOTAL

SOS – Southend Central, FRS – Friars, KTL – Kent Elms, LGH – Leigh, SCH – Southchurch, THP – Thorpedene, WES – Westcliff

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Our vision Our vision for the library service for the next 15 years is:

Southend Libraries will keep serving the whole community through recreation, entertainment, education and information; responding to the borough’s needs and adapting to new technologies.

This vision will be achieved by: ■ Delivering accessible library services for all ■ Welcoming everyone ■ Promoting lifelong learning and enjoyment of culture In line with the national trend in the decline in the number of people using libraries, the Southend Library Service has witnessed an overall decline in visits to its libraries in excess of 6 per cent from April 2008 (954,004) to March 2011 (896,978).

The review spent 3 months between October 2012 and January 2013 asking people how they used the libraries and how they would want them to develop so that libraries remain strong and relevant over the next 15 years.

We also looked at how Southend’s libraries performed compared with

those of other councils and how much they cost compared to other councils.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who responded to the initial consultation which ended in January 2013 – many of the ideas put forward are already being delivered within the service (e.g. tea & coffee facilities, links with schools and health) and many of the aspects of the service you like (e.g. author talks, gallery exhibitions, internet access) will continue.

The full report of this first stage is available on the Council’s website: www.southend.gov.uk/libraryreview

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

■ Giving spaces for people to meet, read, study, explore and browse ■ Helping community libraries to operate successfully ■ Sharing policies and values across all the borough’s library branches ■ Leading the field for library services in the Eastern Region

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Doing things differently together From conversations we have had with you and from your feedback, the Council knows that libraries are an important and valued service for the borough.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council will have to reduce its budget by a further £32.5 million in the next three years and some of these savings will come from the library service. The Library Service operates within a current budget of £3.12m; this is set to be reduced by a total of £378,000 by March 2016.

As a result of this early work we have developed a strategy for the library service. This is contained in a series of proposals that, if implemented fully, should lead to the safeguarding of Southend’s Library Branch network with the support of the community and improve and modernise the service over the next 15 years.

The proposals we are asking you to consider are challenging but they do address the immediate, short term financial pressures faced by the service,

whilst at the same time laying the foundations for the future; creating a Library Service that continues to work well for Southend-on-Sea.

The proposals we are asking your views on are: ■ The main Library provision will be at the Forum, Southend – from October 2013 the new central library provision at the Forum will be open 7 days a week, have longer opening hours, WiFi and 25 per cent more stock than presently exists in the current central library. The Forum will feature bigger gallery space, a children’s library, coffee shop facilities, meeting rooms along with an outdoor entertainment space ■ Two hub libraries; one in the East of Southend and one in the West; each hub will benefit from longer opening hours than at present, improved IT provision and book stock.

• The East Hub library will be an amalgamation of Thorpedene and Friars libraries on a new site in Delaware Road.

• The West Hub will be a development of either Leigh Library or Kent Elms Library. This hub will initially operate from an existing library site but could be considered for relocation if a suitable site became available in the longer term.

■ The remaining branch libraries Westcliff, Southchurch and one in the west, will be offered to Community Groups to run as Community Managed Libraries, staffed by volunteers and supported by the Council in terms of the provision of materials, access to relevant parts of the Library Computer system and professional support and advice.

• These branches will operate under a Service Level Agreement within a framework of policies set by the Council.

18 Outlook SUMMER 2013

In other areas of the country the use of Community Managed Libraries has helped some libraries to remain open; many of these have been able to offer increased opening hours, together with innovative funding and developments.

■ The development of a Virtual Library providing 24 hour access to on-line information and resources and to support both the Community Libraries and enable Library Users to access the service at times convenient to them.

■ Improvements to existing services to include the new National Offers around: • Health – services to promote general health and wellbeing along with the health benefits gained from reading and a completely new service, which has recently been introduced into Southend’s libraries – ‘Books on Prescription’. GPs will be able to prescribe patients cognitive behavioural therapy books from a quality assured national reading list which will be available in local libraries.

• Reading – services which develop, deliver and promote reading services. Our libraries already run national reading programmes, such as the ‘Six Book Challenge’ and the ‘Big Summer Read’ which can inspire adults and children to pick up a book and read; helping the 5.1million people in England with inadequate literacy skills.

• Information – supporting people to access information and services online in areas such as careers and job seeking, health, personal financial information and benefits. Our libraries will continue to provide internet access and support to complete Universal Credit applications and manage their account online.

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• Digital – free internet access for every customer (for minimum period of time), clear and accessible online information about library services, trained staff to help customers access online information. Giving our customers the ability to join, renew and reserve books online. This area will develop to include the opportunity for e-lending of digital books, audio and video with remote access, WiFi, social networking, a library APP and loans of digital devices.

■ Maximise the benefit to users of the mobile service and Home Library Service. This includes: • Transferring a number of residential homes to the Home Library Service.

• Using the mobile and or temporary ‘pop-up’ libraries to serve neighbourhood areas, targeting service users at different venues such as major store car parks or outreach locations such as Cluny Square.

• Extending the Home Library Service to all those whom the Council currently helps to live at home.

In the next 5 to 10 years the Council will look at: • Replacing the current Southchurch Library building; which is almost at the end of its life • Introducing WiFi into all of the branches (including any community managed sites) • Improving IT provision • Access to a wider range of E-book lending as it becomes more readily available in public libraries • Possible relocation of Leigh Library from its existing site to the Elm Road Development (should this happen an alternative use for the existing building will be sought)

How can you respond?

You can share your views with us in any of the following ways: ■ Visit your local library and use the ‘drop-boxes’ to return your completed hardcopy questionnaire.

■ Complete the questionnaire online at www.southend.gov.uk/libraryreview ■ Host your own local discussion and send us your conclusions.

■ Email your comments direct to libraryreview@southend.gov.uk ■ Write to: Library Review Team, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, 6th Floor Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 6ER

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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About the service...

Q1. We want to improve the service in difficult financial times. Do you think our vision for developing the service in the way proposed is right?

Yes

No

Don’t know

Creation of Library hubs The proposal is for the creation of two hub libraries which will be managed and staffed by the Council; one in the east and one in the west of the Borough. The other three branches will become Community Managed Libraries.

Q2. Do you agree with the creation of the two staffed hub libraries and the three Community Managed Libraries?

Yes

No

Don’t know

Q3. We are proposing that the East Hub Library is on a site in Delaware Road. We are also proposing that the West Hub Library is located at either Leigh Library or Kent Elms Library. Which of these libraries do you think should become the hub library managed by the Council? Please provide us with as many reasons for your preference as possible.

Leigh

Kent Elms

Don’t know

Not relevant to me

Reasons:

Q4. Would you be prepared to volunteer within one of the Council managed hub library locations?

Leigh

Yes

No

Kent Elms

Yes

No

Delaware Road site

Yes

No

20 Outlook SUMMER 2013

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Community Managed Libraries We know that the library service in Southend is highly valued amongst those of you who use it. However, in order to modernise and safeguard the service for the future the proposed changes in the service are necessary given the current financial position.

A major change would be that three of the branch libraries would become Community Managed Libraries by 2016. At a Community Managed Library the Council’s input would be through the provision of books, access to relevant parts of the Library Computer system, professional support, advice and training. These branches are likely to remain part of the Council’s statutory service and will operate

under a Service Level Agreement within a framework of policies set by the Council; detailing the level of support from the Council and the type of service the Community Managed Library will provide as a minimum.

Day to day staffing would be by volunteers organised and managed by a community organisation. This model has the advantage of supporting Community Libraries within the framework of the Council’s Library Service, ensuring users are treated the same at all libraries and have access to the same services, whilst allowing community led developments at libraries. This model is currently in use in several local authorities.

Q5. Do you agree that the creation of community managed libraries is a practical way of maintaining the library branch network within Southend-on-Sea? Yes

No

Don’t know

Q6. Would you be prepared to volunteer some of your time within a Community Managed Library?

Yes

No

Maybe

Q7. If you answered ‘Yes’ or ‘Maybe’ to Q6, please indicate which branch location you would be prepared to volunteer at: Westcliff

Leigh or Kent Elms

Southchurch

Please provide your contact details (optional):

Q8. Are any of the social groups you are associated with prepared to consider taking responsibilities for any of the library branches? (The Council will be able to offer support and assistance to community groups to help them take on this responsibility).

Yes

No

Maybe

Where relevant, please tell us about your group; what it does and the group’s contact details:

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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Service Enhancements We are proposing to develop a virtual library which will provide 24 hour online access to all our users, introducing WiFi to all branches (including any community managed sites), improving IT, access to other electronic resources such as e-books and temporary ‘pop-up’ libraries around the borough.

Q9.

Which of these service improvements would you welcome?

Virtual Library WiFi Better IT E-books & other electronic resources Temporary Pop-up libraries Comments

Q10. Any further comments, ideas or suggestions on these proposals.

22 Outlook SUMMER 2013

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About you...

This section is optional but getting this information will enable us to get a picture of who has been involved in this consultation and help us make sure that all of our users are fully represented.

Please answer the questions below by ticking the boxes that you feel most describes you. If you do not want to answer a specific question, please leave it blank.

Some questions may feel personal; the information we collect will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the Data Protection Act. If you would like to know how we use this information, please contact us.

Q11. What is your home postcode?

Q14. What is your age?

0-15 years 16-24 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65 & over

Q12. Disability – Do you consider yourself to be disabled?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

Q12. Ethnicity – What is your ethnic origin?

White Asian/Asian British Black/Black British Mixed Other Ethnic Groups – please state:

Prefer not to say

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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Q13. Religion/belief – What is your religion?

Buddhist Christian (all denominations) Hindu Jewish Muslim Sikh No religion Prefer not to say Any other religion – please state:

Q15. Sex Female

Male

Q16. Sexual orientation – What is your sexual orientation?

Heterosexual Lesbian or Gay woman Gay man Bisexual Prefer not to say Other – please state:

24 Outlook SUMMER 2013

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Q17. Please tell us if there are any additional factors which may affect you personally as a result of these proposals that you feel we should be aware of.

Thank you for giving us your views Please return your completed questionnaire in one of the ‘drop-boxes’ at your local library.

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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A library for the

21st Century

An artist’s impression showing how the new Forum Library and Learning Centre will look.

Next steps As well as taking account of the findings from this consultation we will also be talking to library users, staff, community groups, councillors and the general public about our proposals.

These discussions will help us to decide if our vision and proposals for the future service are right, or they may prompt us to change them completely.

In the autumn the Council’s Cabinet will decide if they agree with these proposals, having listened to what you tell us.

If the proposals are agreed the work to start implementing the changes will begin in January 2014.

26 Outlook SUMMER 2013

Outlook p27

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Airport hailed a success LONDON Southend Airport’s first commercial year of operation has been described as a “great success story and a significant boost to the local and wider economy” by Council Leader Nigel Holdcroft.

In June, members of the Council’s Southend Airport Monitoring Working Party read the airport’s annual report which covers November 2012 – April 2013. Some significant figures from the report include: ■ 92 per cent of airport staff live in Essex (79 per cent within the ‘SS’ postcode area).

■ Over 500 more staff work at the airport now than in summer 2011.

■ Targets which require over 50 per cent of flights over Rochford and fewer than 50 per cent of landings over Leigh have been met.

■ Air quality measured is well within set limits.

■ 99.9 per cent of passenger flights correctly followed noise preferential routes.

■ The airport has operated within the limits set for total movements, night movements, movements by 737-300 aircraft and by freight aircraft.

Personal Assistant (PA) Heidi Cottis with John North, one of the people she supports, pictured at Harwood House day care centre.

Register helps more people to become personal assistants P

EOPLE in Southend are being encouraged to become Personal Assistants (PAs) – supporting those that need some extra help with daily living.

Thanks to a new online service, it’s now easy for PAs to find customers and for customers to find the right PA. Local organisation RCHL has been contracted by Southend Council to manage the PA register, which is part of the SHIP (Southend Health and Wellbeing Information Point) website.

PAs can register their services free of charge. After registration, RCHL interviews potential PAs and arranges a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly

CRB). The only thing to pay is £45 for the cost of the DBS check.

RCHL offers ongoing support for all PAs that register. The organisation also supports people who are looking to recruit a PA – for example by helping them with interviewing to ensure they find the best person for the job.

Former Community Support Worker Heidi Cottis has been working as a PA for three years, since being made redundant after 15 years in social services.

She works six days a week, supporting eight clients, aged 60 to 90, with a range of services from cooking and cleaning to support with appointments. Heidi also supports people that have

View it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

more complex conditions, like Alzheimers. Heidi said: “It’s all about supporting independent living, none of my clients see me as an employee.

“I am their supporter and confidante, empowering them to believe in themselves and assisting them in the decisions they wish to make in their life. The register is a brilliant idea as it helps people find the support they need.”

The role of a PA could involve any kind of support, ranging from accompanying someone to a football match to more significant support with personal care.

For more information on the PA Register please visit southendinfopoint.org

Tea party for crossing staff SCHOOL crossing patrol officers from across Southend have celebrated the 60th anniversary of the service at a special tea party.

Hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Brian Kelly, at Porters Civic House, the 14 officers brought their iconic “lollipop” stop signs along as they were treated to specially designed cakes.

Patrol staff, who rarely see each other apart from on training days, were presented with commemorative badges to mark their dedication.

Getting active HUNDREDS of people took up the chance to get active, tone up and enjoy the fresh air as part of a five-week summer initiative to boost fitness. Active Life, in partnership with Active Southend, laid on free weekly one-hour sessions in the Borough’s parks aimed at all abilities.

SUMMER 2013 Outlook

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Outlook p28

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ON THE

MOVE Customer service facilities to have temporary new home

C

USTOMER Service facilities at the Council are moving to a temporary home this autumn as the ground-floor refurbishment at the Civic Centre continues.

The guided self-serve facilities plus the general enquiries section will spend four months at Margaret Thatcher House while the work is carried out.

Signs will be put up directing customers to the new temporary offices to use both the PCs and phones. They can also go online to contact the Council.

Customer Service Centre Operations Manager Ellen Butler said: “My staff will be ensuring the excellent customer service we deliver continues in our temporary home.

“It’s just minutes from the Civic Centre so that should mean little inconvenience for customers

Customer Services Officer Becky Vann packs up in preparation for the move to new temporary offices.

who come in to see us.

“We’ll maintain the same high standards of service there as we help people with applications or signpost them to our self-serve computers and phones so they can carry out any council business they have as usual.

“When we return to the Civic Centre, our new look reception and customer service area will have more PCs and phones and will be more comfortable and user friendly for our customers.

“In the meantime, I can reassure customers that we’ll do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum while these improvements are carried out.”

New sheltered housing is very popular RESIDENTS have spoken of their delight with new sheltered housing schemes in the Borough. The Council revamped and modernised both the Westwood and Longmans complexes to provide 15 properties in each scheme for older people who may otherwise have gone into residential homes. They have both been fully occupied since they opened at the end of last year.

Pamela Sherman moved into Westwood at Leigh-on-Sea earlier this year after a spell in hospital.

She says the accommodation gave both her and her family peace of mind because carers are on hand 24 hours a day. Pamela, aged 79, said:“The carers are lovely and it gives me a lot of reassurance knowing they will be there immediately if I have problems and ring a buzzer for them.

“I feel safe in this accommodation and my flat is huge. I’m glad I moved.”

Both schemes are run by the Council and

28 Outlook SUMMER 2013

Acting Scheme Manager Karen Payne and Senior Support Worker Billy Purkiss pictured at the Westwood sheltered housing complex at Leigh-on-Sea. South Essex Homes with care provided by Care UK. Bernard Jacobs, aged 85, one of the first residents to move into Longmans in Shoeburyness, said:“Longmans is a marvellous place – the staff are lovely, the accommodation is great and I get to live independently.”

Service Manager Paul Mavin, who took

the lead for the Council in setting the properties up, said:“The schemes have proved to be very popular because they help people maintain their independence.

“Those who may otherwise be on their own in the community benefit from both a safer and more secure environment avoiding the need to go into residential care.”

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Artistic calendar with a POSITIVE MESSAGE A

specially-commissioned calendar on an anti-bullying theme is to be produced for schools throughout Southend – and for the wider community.

People aged under 21 in the Borough were invited to send in photographs to illustrate a “Calendar of Opportunity,” which identifies dates that schools can plan into their learning to celebrate difference and diversity.

The project from the multi-agency Anti-Bullying Strategy Team resulted in many entries of a high standard including cleverly-constructed photographs taken by children on the theme of diversity.

“The winning entries from The St Christopher School Academy Trust, Milton Hall Primary School and the Year 7 Achievement Class at Shoeburyness High School were exceptionally creative,” said Tess Boyes, of the Council’s Behaviour Support Team in the Children and Learning

Pictured with their entries for the Calendar of Opportunity are Thomas Wong, aged 14, from The St Christopher School Academy Trust, Leigh-on-Sea, and Amber Hutt, aged 11, of Milton Hall Primary School, Westcliff-on-Sea.

Department. “Pictures were made from jelly babies, drawings and even images of the young people making shapes with their bodies.”

Alison Paveling of The St Christopher School Academy Trust said: “We wanted to move away from a punitive approach to bullying towards a more positive approach.”

The photos from the calendar will be on display at The Royal Pavilion for the launch of the Council’s Anti-Bullying Strategy, and they will also be displayed at the Village Green

festival and then form part of a touring exhibition in the next academic year.

Dr Colin Gordon, the Council’s Principal Educational Psychologist, added: “The concept of the calendar was to promote the positive acceptance of others – not what we shouldn’t do, but rather the richness in our difference.”

The Council’s progress in helping schools to tackle homophobic bullying has been recognised with an award, ‘Most Improved Local Authority’, from the Stonewall Education Equality Index 2013.

Pupils perform opera to mark COMPOSER’S CENTENARY YOUNG musicians in Southend were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they took part in the production of a famous children’s opera.

Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde was performed in a large-scale production

by Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs on the occasion of the composer’s centenary.

The choirs were joined by children from primary schools who played the part of animals entering into the Ark. Britten was the first President of Southend Boys’ Choir until his death in 1976, Some of the pupils from St George’s Primary School, Shoeburyness, so the performances of the who performed in the production of Benjamin Britten’s opera in St Luke’s Church in the Noye’s Fludde are, left to right, Hannah Macveigh, town were especially momentous. aged seven, and nine-year-olds Yanieta Although the choirs have Agbodza, Noah Prince, and performed Britten’s work over the William Sweeney. years the Arts Council England-funded

Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

production was unique in that it involved professional musicians and opera singers performing alongside children and amateur players.

“The benefits to young participants were wide,” said Rosemary Pennington, Cultural Development Officer for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Assistant Musical Director for both choirs.

“For many it was their first experience of taking part in an opera and also their first experience of performing music by Britten.

“The whole project offered great opportunities to the young musicians, who could play solo roles, be animals, and be part of the choir or orchestra.”

While the main adult roles were filled by professionals, the sons of Noah and their wives were played by singers aged between 12 and 17 from the two youth choirs.

The production was staged in 1950s style to reflect the era of the disastrous floods which hit the East coast 60 years ago and which inspired Britten to write the piece.

SUMMER 2013 Outlook

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Feedback on major route THE Council has been seeking the views of residents, businesses and road users on how the A127 junctions at Kent Elms, Tesco and The Bell might best serve the needs of users.

The first phase of the consultation has drawn to a close. Transport experts are now analysing feedback from people regarding suggested improvements to the A127.

The responses are being used to draw up proposals for improvement and look at the feasibility of funding future projects.

Residents will be informed of proposals later in the year and have the chance to have their say on them.

Park to get makeover SHOEBURY Park is to get a makeover thanks to investment from a leading developer so the people of Southend are being invited to help shape its future.

The Council has just launched a formal online consultation and plans to pull together all the responses in September. Any improvements should be completed by Spring 2015.

To give your views on the enhancement and refurbishment of the park, go to www.southend.gov.uk/ shoeburypark

Pier receives Royal seal THE Duke of Kent has given Southend’s new Pier facilities the royal seal of approval.

The Queen’s cousin, who is president of the volunteer rescue service the RNLI, officially opened the new lifeboat station at Southend Pier. He also officially opened and named the Pier’s £3 million cultural centre ‘The Royal Pavilion’.

For events taking place at The Royal Pavilion please see the What’s on Sea listing on pages 36 and 37.

30 Outlook SUMMER 2013

Page 1

MOST people are stuck in the habit of using their car even though it might be easier, quicker and cheaper to walk, cycle or use public transport. That’s why the Council is launching an inspirational new website and championing better-travel schemes as it tries to cut congestion. Here, Outlook takes a closer look at the Council’s sustainable transport programme.

Making travel

INSPIRATIONAL I

DEAS in Motion is Southend’s inspirational new online travel resource – designed to help make travelling in and around Southend easier, cheaper and healthier.

The website has been launched as part of a £5 million Borough wide initiative to change car culture, cut congestion and promote sustainable travel.

It comes after studies revealed the traffic-clogged rush hour in Southend dawdles along at an average speed of just 18.6mph – the lowest in the East of England. That in turn has a negative impact on jobs and businesses.

So Ideas in Motion dispels the myths that walking, cycling or getting the bus can take longer while giving people alternatives and ideas on how they can get around differently. For instance, walking from the Civic Centre to Priory Park takes just 15 minutes.

The site has a wealth of resources to further help the traveller like maps, videos, events calendars and useful information including bus timetables. People are also able to share their better travel ideas which could then feature on the website and posters around the town.

Ashley Dalton, the Ideas in Motion Community and External Funding Manager, said: “Our lives are so busy and full that often we don’t even think about how we travel. We just pick up the car keys and head out. Sometimes the car will be the right choice for our journey.

“Other times there might be alternatives that are easier, cheaper and more fun.

“Getting about in Southend, especially during peak hours, can be stressful and time consuming.

Choosing different ways of getting about, like walking, cycling or using the train can help avoid the queues and keep you smiling.

“The website is a place

Richard Twomey, who runs cycle hub The Comfy Saddle, pictured taking a fold-up bike on the train at Southend railway station.

everyone can share their ideas for travelling around cheaply, easily and sustainably. Even the simplest idea shared can help someone else make a new travel choice.

“We want everyone to visit the website, have a look at the ideas we already have and share their own. You can share ideas with us in loads of different ways.

“You can email us and tell us about your idea or you could make a video, draw a picture, sing us a song – whatever you like.”

To explore fun and better ways to travel around Southend, visit www.ideasinmotionsouthend.co.uk or find Ideas in Motion on Facebook and Twitter@IiMSouthend

Tell us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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Popular cycle parking is to be expanded

Southend residents Don Johnson, Karen Warren and Michael Mann ditch the car for a walk through Priory Park instead.

A cycle parking scheme already proving to be a big hit in Southend is being expanded.

ParkThatBike has supplied 31 cycle stands free of charge to a range of employers and community groups in the town since the scheme was launched in January 2012.

Now the range of stands on offer has been expanded to include wall-mounted rails, toast-rack stands, heart shaped stands and the versatile Plantlock – a bike storage facility which doubles up as a planter.

Collette Kemp, the Marketing and Promotions Manager for Cycle Southend, said:“In these financially challenging times when budgets are under pressure, this is a fantastic offer.

“Good cycle parking sends a strong message that an employer is doing its bit to promote cycling and to reduce its carbon footprint.

It keeps workplaces safe and tidy and reduces the likelihood of bikes being stolen or damaged.”

Applicants for stands are responsible for installing them on their own premises. To apply for free cycle stands visit www.parkthatbike.info or telephone 01594 564344 and ask for an application form.

Chance to try electric bikes EVER fancied a go on an electric bike? Well now is your chance.

Two rides are being staged in August including short tuition sessions with friendly and qualified instructors.

There are a maximum of 10 places for the rides on 4 August from the Civic Centre to Belfairs Woods and 18 August from the Civic Centre to Morleys Garden Centre. Booking is essential, so call 01702 215003 or email cyclesouthend@ southend.gov.uk

Bikeability training at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Primary School in Leigh-on-Sea – Instructor Matt Mills coaches nine-year-old Leanne Warren. Our cover picture shows pupils Toby Ford and Angelin Joe-Anand, also both aged nine, at the same Bikeability session.

Ride back on FAST becoming a cult event – the Tweed Ride is back on 1 September when people can dress in tweed or a vintage outfit and cycle from Leigh Library Gardens to Southchurch Park and then enjoy afternoon tea. A small charge is payable to the café on the day.

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Council comes to the rescue of CLUB 60 THE Council has provided Club 60 – a social club for the over 50s in Southend – with a temporary base as it looks for a permanent new home.

The club and its 300 members had left Queensway House, which faces demolition, and was set to move into new premises in the town when a lease deal fell through at the last minute.

So the Council’s Programme Office, Asset Management and Facilities Management teams came to the rescue by agreeing the club could use space at Margaret Thatcher House – an empty Council office block behind the Civic Centre.

The block, built as a temporary structure in the 1980s, itself faces demolition but the Council agreed a change of use and it is now a temporary home to the club.

Work will continue over the next few months to support members with search for new premises.

Bold cultural aspirations A pledge to keep the Borough’s cultural aspirations in the national forefront has been made by the Council and its partners.

Despite Southend missing out on the chance to be named as a City of Culture 2017, the team behind the bid is committed to making sure the town continues to be an ever-growing hub for arts.

Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: “While we are disappointed not to have been shortlisted as City of Culture 2017, the bid process has helped us celebrate anew the Borough’s fabulous cultural highlights.

“The bid team has helped to showcase our cultural achievements and have given us clear-sighted plans about how we want to develop in future.

“The Borough already benefits from its strong community and cultural base, with a host of local arts organisations giving high-quality performances.”

32 Outlook SUMMER 2013

Nursery Nurse Donna Payne in a play and learning session with four-year-old Lily Regan at Southend’s Centre Place Family Centre.

Make right choices on early years education E

ARLY years provision can help give children the best start in life and stand them in good stead when they begin full-time school – but deciding the right setting for a child can be a daunting task for families.

When choosing childcare and early education it is a good idea for parents to visit several different settings in order to make a decision about which would best suit their child.

Various options are available including pre-schools, day nurseries and registered childminders.

Funded places are available at all of these and also at accredited network childminders, nursery classes in some schools and independent schools.

Children are eligible for 15 hours of free early years provision from the term after their third birthday. Some two-year-olds also qualify.

Elaine Hammans, the Council’s Early Years Commissioning and

Quality Manager, said: “Research has shown that alongside good parenting, regular access to high quality early years provision is a powerful driver of positive outcomes for children.

“All schools and early years providers have to follow a framework of learning, development and care for young children. This is called the Early Years Foundation Stage and it enables children to experience exciting activities enabling them to learn through play both indoors and outdoors.

“Your child will mix and socialise and get used to spending time away from you before starting full-time school. Chat to your child about what they’ve been doing during the day – you’ll be amazed at what they’ve learnt and how grown up and ready for school they have become.”

Legally, children must start formal education no later than the beginning of the school term

following their fifth birthday.

In Southend, children are offered a place into reception classes in the September of the school year that the child turns five. Parents can ask for deferred entry for later in school year but cannot hold onto the place for the following year.

For more information on childcare services, call the Family Information Service on 01702 215007, email fissos@ southend.gov.uk or visit www.southendchildren.org/fis

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Council Waste and Recycling Officer Miranda Valenzuela monitors blue bin collections in Beaufort Street.

F

ROM clogging up a kitchen to nourishing a farmer’s field… food waste collected from Southend’s residents is making an extremely eco-friendly journey.

By taking part in the new Blue Food Waste Bin scheme, residents are helping the Council to divert biodegradable waste away from landfill.

When the waste is collected on the doorstep by waste collection contractor Cory Environmental, it begins a process which ends in a very “green” solution.

At the end of the chain is in-vessel composting (IVC) or anaerobic digestion (AD), both technologies which reprocess the material into a valuable end product.

All types of food including fruit, bread, dairy and meat are recycled to develop a product that can be used as an agricultural bio-fertiliser and soil improver.

The full blue bin recycling process is as follows: The resident lines the kitchen caddy with a compostable food waste liner and fills it with food waste.

When full, the resident ties up the compostable liner

BLE E STA FRE MPO CO INERS L

Blue bin food waste takes GREEN ROUTE to FARMER’S FIELD and puts it in the blue collection bin.

The blue collection bin is collected weekly by Cory Environmental – it is first emptied into a wheelie bin, which then is emptied into a food waste collection vehicle.

Food waste is taken to a local transfer facility where it is bulked with other local authority collected food waste.

The bulked food waste is taken on to its relevant processor.

In the case of IVC, the food waste is mixed with other green waste and undergoes a composting process.

The soil-like material can then be spread onto agricultural land.

In the case of AD, the food waste is mixed and turned into a “chunky soup”. Bacteria feeding on the waste produce methane which can be used to generate electricity. Residual liquid fertiliser can then be sprayed onto agricultural land.

DID YOU KNOW? Approximately 10,000 tonnes of food waste was disposed of in black sacks and sent to landfill last year – costing the Council over £1 million.

August Bank Holiday 2013

Collection Dates Normal collection day

Revised collection day

Days late

Monday 26th August

Tuesday 27th August

1 day late

Tuesday 27th August

Wednesday 28th August

1 day late

Wednesday 28th August

Thursday 29th August

1 day late

August Bank Holiday

Thursday 29th August

Friday 30th August

1 day late

Friday 30th August

Saturday 31st August

1 day late

For more information call 01702 215006 or visit www.southend.gov.uk/recycling Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

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Helping residents with welfare

changes T

HOUSANDS of phone calls were made to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council in the first month after the introduction of Government changes to the benefits system.

Customer Service Centre advisors dealt with many more calls from people as a new Local Council Tax Support scheme was launched to replace council tax benefits and the Government imposed Housing Benefit caps on those in social rented homes bigger than they need.

For the latter, the Council has identified 664 claimants affected. A total of 61 people have already made successful claims for a Discretionary Housing Payment to help them remain in their property – either as short-term assistance while they downsize or because their home has been adapted to suit their disability.

Benefits Manager Veronica Dewsbury said: “We were inundated with calls during the first month after the changes but staff coped well in either dealing with questions and applications

Customer Services Officer Lynda Collison, right, talks with resident Samantha Ireland about changes in the benefits systems.

or signposting people to other agencies. The local scheme introduced to replace Council Tax Benefit was successfully implemented and the relevant council tax bills have been issued.”

In addition, the Council took on responsibility from the Government for community care grants and crisis loans. A team of 12 staff employed specifically to administer the new Essential Living Fund took 1,058 calls from people in the town alone.

More than 250 of those callers ended up applying for help with 172 getting awards towards general living expenses like food and fuel as well as help with furniture, furnishings and white goods.

Help, support and advice is available for those affected by the Council Tax changes on 01702 215001. For more information on any of the changes and the options available, please visit www.southend.gov.uk/benefit/changes

Combined efforts in bid to retain coveted FLAG STATUS SOUTHEND is aiming to renew its accredited status as a safe night-time economy. Hopes are high that positive feedback during the last 12 months of holding a “Purple Flag” ranking will help it retain the accolade which indicates a safe and prosperous environment.

A recently-completed town centre survey revealed that 71 per cent of people interviewed felt safe.

Reflecting a 22 per cent reduction in crime over the last year, 60 per cent of residents said Southend had become safer.

Purple Flag, which is re-awarded on an annual basis, was introduced by the Association of Town and City Management to recognise excellence in the management of

34 Outlook SUMMER 2013

HOLDING ON TO THE PURPLE FLAG: Aiming to retain the status are, left to right, Co-owner of Chinnerys music venue Simon Patterson, SOS Bus Project Manager John Baston and Papillion bar Licensee Michael Tall.

town and city centres at night.

Southend’s Purple Flag working group, comprising the Council, the voluntary sector and local traders in tandem with the Community Safety Partnership, has launched a number of initiatives including an “SOS Bus” offering late-night support to vulnerable people.

Enhanced advertising of late-night events in the town

centre has been posted on Twitter and Facebook.

Maintaining a safe town centre economy is also one of the key aims of Southend’s Business Improvement District, with three street rangers which have been acting as “the eyes and ears” of the police since the start of July.

Simon Ford, the Council’s Group Manager, Community Safety, who is the chairman of

the multi-agency working group, said:“Purple Flag status means that we are in a place that has been identified as a safe place for people to come and enjoy themselves.

“It shows we have a night-time economy that is thriving and safe, and that we intend to keep it that way. The accolade has been achieved by hard work from a range of partners.”

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Public asked to nominate their ‘stars’

Primary school children throughout the Borough are getting ready for this Summer’s Creepy House reading challenge.

SUMMER READING with a

creepy twist

C

HILDREN will be taken on a spine-tingling adventure as part of an initiative to encourage them to read over the summer holidays. The Summer Reading Challenge, co-ordinated by The Reading Agency, is the UK’s biggest reading event for children in libraries.

All primary school children in the Borough have been invited to take part for free and read up to eight books during the holidays.

This year’s challenge is called Creepy House and will see libraries hosting various events and displays based around the story of six young adventurers and their dog as they explore the house and meet the hair-raising residents.

Library Development Officer Greg Simmonds said:

Pay it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

“This is a great way for children to carry on reading during the summer holidays, explore the books available in our libraries and take part in fun events.”

Rewards for taking part include stickers, certificates and swimming vouchers.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs from 20 July to 24 August in all the Council’s branch libraries.

Central Library is not taking part this year due to the move to The Forum. Last year, 3,283 children in Southend took part.

More information, and details of Creepy House events, is available at the libraries, by calling 01702 215011 and online at www.southend.gov.uk/summerread

MEMBERS of the public are being asked to help the Council celebrate its unsung heroes by nominating employees who have gone the extra mile.

The STARS awards recognise teams and individuals who have delivered excellent service and shown exceptional dedication in their line of work.

Residents as well as business partners have their chance to nominate, with those nominees picking up the most votes honoured at an awards evening held in the autumn.

Last year, more than 450 nominations were received and winners were chosen in a range of categories.

These included The Royal Pavilion for the Innovation Award and Sarah Baker, Group Manager – Adult and Community Services, who won the Employee of the Year Award.

Council Chief Executive Rob Tinlin said:“These awards recognise the excellent work that is done day in, day out, by the individuals and teams of this Council.”

To make a nomination visit the website www.southend. gov.uk/stars The deadline for nominations to be received is 13 September.

A chance to learn to swim SUMMER swimming lessons are being held for school age children who cannot swim or have no water confidence.

Five-day courses featuring half-hour classes will start at Belfairs Swim Centre, in Leigh, on 29 July, 5 August and 27 August and at Shoeburyness Leisure Centre on 29 July, 5 August and 19 August.

Courses cost £20 for five classes, with beginners taking to the pool at 9am and improvers sessions at 9.30am.

For more details and to make bookings, please contact 01702 215011.

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What’s On Sea A GUIDE TO KEY SUMMER EVENTS IN SOUTHEND

Tue 9 Apr – Sat 21 Dec PRITTLEWELL PRINCE – RESEARCH UPDATE Central Museum & Planetarium,Tue-Sat, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm A chance to catch up on the latest research, view the stunning glass jars from the Prince’s tomb and rediscover our stunning Saxon artefacts.

Watch out for related talks from specialists in their field throughout the exhibition.

Sat 6 July – Sat 2 November THE POLLINATORS OF THE WORLD Central Museum,Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm Honey bees have endured a 300 million year journey to become one of the small wonders of our world. This exhibition, with the aid of some stunning photography, examines the importance of honey and the vital role they play in our very existence.

Sat 6 July – Sat 28 September 55TH ESSEX OPEN Beecroft Art Gallery,Tue-Sat, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm The Royal Academy style exhibition showcases the successful entrant’s work in this year’s Essex Open. An eclectic mix guaranteed, many works are available for purchase.

Mon 24 July – Sun 1 Sept CLUED UP! Central Museum, Beecroft Art Gallery, Southchurch Hall, Prittlewell Priory.

Times and days depend on each branchs’ opening times. Keep the family entertained throughout the holidays with our annual quiz which takes you on a tour of all our branches; quality prize on completion.

Fri 26 July ARCHAEOLOGY DAY Prittlewell Priory, 10am-4pm Discover some of the secrets revealed by the Priory’s recent restoration, try your hand at excavation in our trays, become a building detective.

Every Sat 27 July – 24 Aug, every Sun 28 July – 29 Sep, Mon 26 Aug SOUTHEND BANDSTAND SUMMER PROGRAMME, Priory Park 3pm-5pm Southend Bandstand Summer programme has wonderful performances including D’Ukes Ukelele Band, Mick Foster’s Swinging Trio and Bryan Williamson Big Band.

Mon 29 – Tue 30 July CHILDREN’S BIKEABILITY HOLIDAY COURSE Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 9am-1pm You can take part on a two-day Bikeability Level 2 Course to learn all about how your bike works, find out about all the different parts to your bike and you will take part in games and activities that will help you to develop your riding skills before you head out on the roads! We recommend you bring drinks and appropriate weather clothing for the day, sun cream if required etc. Age 9-14.The course costs £10 per person per course.

To register online, go to www.cyclesouthend.co.uk. and click on events and activities.

For more information please contact cyclesouthend@southend.gov.uk or telephone 01702 215715/215338.

Wed 31 July FUN AT THE PRIORY

look after her. Small entry fee to be paid on the gate, plus an additional small fee (including children) for cockpit visits.

Priory Park

Wed 14 Aug

Fri 13 – Sun 15 Sep

Wed 14 Aug CHILDREN’S FANCY DRESS

TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC

Fri 2 – Sun 4 Aug

Southend Seafront, 7.30pm-10pm A traditional part of and finale event to Carnival week. Departs from Chalkwell Esplanade at 7.45pm and finishes outside The Castle pub on Eastern Esplanade at 10pm.

The Royal Pavilion, Pier, 11am-5pm This is the 25th Southend Pier Puppet Festival bringing puppeteers from far and wide to perform on the pier.This year brings talents from Norfolk, Kent, Surrey and Middlesex as well as two local shows from Southend. Included are Punch Professors who perform on the continent and around the world and the emerging talent of Leigh-on-sea 10-year-old Joseph Peek who has been performing for four years and is now joining us on the pier. Performances will also be sited outside the lifeboat station at the end of the pier.They will start at least every half hour from the arrival of the first train at 11.15am until 5pm.

Thu 8 Aug – Sat 17 Aug CHALKWELL FAIR Chalkwell Park

Sat 10 Aug MEET THE CARNIVAL COURT

Southchurch Hall, 10am-3pm If you come down to the Hall today you’re sure of a big surprise! Our annual picnic, hunts, crafts, stories and prizes. £2.50 per person.

Sat 17 Aug SOUTHEND ILLUMINATED CARNIVAL PROCESSION

Sat 17 August ARCHIVE FILM SCREENINGS The Royal Pavilion, Pier.Visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk or phone 01702 618747 for info

Sun 18 Aug, 12.30-3pm SUNDAY JAZZ CLUB

Priory Park

The Royal Pavilion, Pier ‘TRUMPET TOOT’featuring Digby Fairweather, Steve Fishwick, Georgina Jackson and the Ted Bemont Trio.Tickets are £15 including pier train fare available from www.visitsouthend.co.uk or 01702 618747.

Sun 11 Aug

Sat 24 – Sun 25 Aug, 10am

Southend Town Centre

Sun 11 Aug COMPANION DOG SHOW

TWIG TWISTERS – TRADITIONAL TUDOR CRAFT Southchurch Hall, 11am-4pm Join Kalven and Helen Stanley demonstrators of traditional willow weaving. Discover its history, colours, textures and uses of this amazing material. Buy beautiful baskets and have a go yourself, make a magic wand, garden ornament, bird feeder or tension tray.

Entrance and demonstration free, activities £1-£5.

SOUTHEND BIKEATHON 2013 Shoebury East Beach Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research returns with the ever popular Southend Bikeathon. Check out www.southendbikeathon.co.uk for further details on routes and signing up forms.

Prittlewell Priory, 10am-4pm Families with disabled children; a chance to explore the accessible Priory with lots of things to see and do. Balloon modelling, storytelling and face painting. Disabled child and siblings go free must pre-register for a wristband call 01702 215011 or email museums@southend.gov.uk Event open to all. Activities pay as you go.

SOUTHEND PIER PUPPET FESTIVAL

Sun 8 Sep

50TH ANNUAL THAMES BARGE MATCH Southend Pier Watch various Thames Sailing Barges race for trophies from Southend Pier and Western Esplanade www.thames barge.org.uk/southend bargematch Normal Pier admission applies

OFFSHORE The Royal Pavilion, Pier Pinpoint Productions-theatre workshops.

Sat 14 Sep OLDER PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLEY ANNUAL EVENT This year’s event, called Age Aware, takes place at the Victoria Shopping Centre 10am-4pm

Sun 15 Sep GANESH VISARJAN Shoebury East Beach, 10am-6.30pm A religious event to celebrate the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Consisting of processions, ceremony, chanting and dancing and submerging of Ganesh in the sea.There will be food and marquees.

Sat 21 Sep EVENING JAZZ CONCERT The Royal Pavilion, Pier Final Jazz Concert of the year featuring the amazing;Tina May, Nicki Islaes and The London Jazz Sinfonia conducted by John Jansson. Ticket price is £22 (includes return fare on pier train). Tickets are available from the eShop on www.visitsouthend.co.uk or Liz Lincoln on 01702 339565 or email lizlincoln@blueyonder.co.uk

Sat 21 – Sun 22 Sep OLD LEIGH REGATTA Old Leigh-on-Sea The annual Old Leigh Regatta is a charity event organised by the three Scout/Explorers groups based in the Old Town, who benefit from your generous support.There is live music Photo courtesy of Phil Whalley.

Sun 11 Aug & Sun 29 Sep VISIT THE VULCAN OPEN DAYS Southend Airport, 10am-4pm Visitors will be able to get a close-up view of Vulcan XL426 and talk to the volunteers who

VISIT THE VULCAN OPEN DAYS: Get a close-up view of the famous jet bomber on 11 Aug and 29 Sept.

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for all tastes (various bands playing all weekend on different stages), Morris dancing, banana eating, cracker eating and cockle eating competitions, for both children and adults. Also climbing the greasy pole and Bowsprit pillow fighting.There are also water based events including Dinghy Tug of War, Dinghy Sculling Races and the Sailing Races from local sailing clubs.

Various dates between Sat 28 Sep – Sun 13 Oct

for everyone but particularly for boys and those who think they don’t like reading. Guy’s event is an interactive (and active) combination of stand-up, reading, pictures, props and dressing up!

Tickets are £3 and include refreshments.

WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAMER Southend Pier Waverley is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world! Owned by a charity and magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass – see and hear the mighty engines turn the ship’s famous paddles! Events, times and prices vary; please visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk for more information.

Mon 30 Sep – Sun 6 Oct COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT The Royal Pavilion, Pier Ruth Catlow, more info at www.visitsouthend.co.uk

Sat 5 Oct, Sat 12 Oct ADULT CYCLE TRAINING Belfairs Woodlands Centre, Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 9.30am-1pm You will need to attend both sessions. Adult Bikeability – are you confident riding your bike but not on the road.Would you like to brush up your skills? Come along to the two-day course to learn how to position yourself and ride safely and confidently on the road.You will need a roadworthy bike and we highly recommend you wear a cycle helmet. £10 non-refundable commitment fee.To register online please go to: www.cyclesouthend.co.uk. and click on events and activities.

Sat 5 Oct – Sat 16 Nov 7-WEEK FREE FIREWORK PROGRAMME Southend Seafront, 7.30pm

Sat 19, 26 Oct and 2 Nov CHILDREN’S GHOST TRAIN Southend Pier On these nights from 6.30pm the popular Pier train will transport daring passengers, invited to turn up in fancy dress, to the Cultural Centre for ghostly going ons. Watch the seafront fireworks at 8pm and return to shore by 8.30pm.

Pre-booking is essential. www.visitsouthend.co.uk or 01702 618747.

Fri 25 Oct FRIDAY FRIGHT NIGHT: ZOMBIE CREEPING FLESH (UNCUT) The Royal Pavilion, Pier After a chemical leak at the Hope Centre in Papua New Guinea (an organisation devoted to feeding underdeveloped countries) turns its staff into flesh-eating zombies, a four-man commando squad led by Mike London are sent to investigate. Certificate 18,running time 101 minutes, film starts 7.30pm, price £10 including pier train. www.horror-on-sea.com or 01702 618747.

Mon 28 Oct SOUTHEND CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL – LYN GARDNER

The Forum Southend-on-Sea The popular author for older girls, Lyn Gardner will be bringing her Olivia books, telling the exciting adventure tales from The Swan Academy of Theatre and Dance.

Tickets are £3 and include refreshments.

Tue 29 Oct SOUTHEND CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL – STEVE LENTON The Forum Southend-on-Sea For younger children (age 3-7), Steve Lenton, illustrator of the hilarious Shifty McGinnty and Slippery Sam will be visiting.

Tickets are £3 and include refreshments.

Thu 31 Oct BE BRIGHT BE SEEN HALLOWEEN RIDE! Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, 12:30pm Join us for a bike ride from Southend Victoria Station to Belfairs Woodlands Centre to participate in the HORRID HALLOWEEN event organised by Essex Wildlife Trust. Dress up in your brightest and/or scariest clothes and decorate your bike! Meet at 12.30pm for an off road ride using Prittlebrook. Please bring locks to secure bikes at the park. Or join us for a walk from Leigh Station to Belfairs Woodlands Centre to participate in the Horrid Halloween event organised by Essex Wildlife Trust. Dress in your brightest clothes! Meet at 12.30pm for a walk on pavement and through the woods. Please bring a torch to use in the woods.

Fri 1 Nov SOUTHEND CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL – CLAIRE FREEDMAN The Forum Southend-on-Sea Claire Freedman, author and illustrator of Aliens Love Underpants fame will be helping children design an alien.

Tickets are £3 and include refreshments.

Fri 1 Nov FRIDAY FRIGHT NIGHT: ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS (UNCUT) The Royal Pavilion, Pier Join us for a scream... Film starts at 7.30pm. Price £10 including pier train. www.horror-onsea.com or 01702 618747. Film is Certificate 18.

Sat 2 Nov SOUTHEND CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL – GUY BASS The Forum Southend-on-Sea Guy Bass will appeal to a wide range with his Stitch Head and Dinkin Dings books – great reads

Sat 2 Nov BIG BEACH BANG Shoebury East Beach The Big Beach Bang fireworks spectacular is the premier fireworks event in Essex. A fabulous fun filled family evening out that helps support the local community.Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting 07010 728106.

Sat 2 Nov ZOMBIE WALK Southend Pier, 3pm Join us for a scream...The walk commences at 3pm at the end of the world famous pier and finishes in the Park Inn Palace Hotel for a FREE screening of Munster, Go Home! at 5pm. Herman Munster and his ghoulish clan leave the confines of their 1960’s television series The Munsters to try their luck on the big screen in this feature length comedy.

Certificate PG, running time 96 minutes, www.horror-on-sea.com or 01702 618747.

Sat 9 Nov SOUTHEND CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL – SALLY GARDNER The Forum Southend-on-Sea Award winning Sally Gardner will appeal to older readers (7-12’s) who like mystery and magic

COUNCIL DIARY ■ Development Control Committee: Wednesday 14 August, 2pm ■ Development Control Committee: Wednesday 11 September, 2pm ■ Cabinet: Tuesday 17 September, 2pm ■ Health & Wellbeing Board: Wednesday 25 September, 2.30pm ■ Audit Committee: Wednesday 25 September 6pm ■ Place Scrutiny Committee: Monday 7 October, 6.30pm ■ People Scrutiny Committee: Tuesday 8 October, 6.30pm

An eclectic mix of art is promised at the 55th Essex Open at the Beecroft Art Gallery from 6 July to 28 Sept. with her Wings and Co detective series.

Tickets are £3 and include refreshments.

Sun 10 Nov SUNDAY JAZZ CLUB The Royal Pavilion, Pier ‘Hoory for Mercer’featuring Ray Williams, Nick Dawson and Digby Fairweather, compered by Ken Barnes.Tickets £15 including pier train fare available from www.visitsouthend.co.uk or 01702 618747.

Sat 16 Nov SOUTHEND CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL – J.D. IRWIN The Forum Southend-on-Sea To finish off Southend Children’s Book Festival, J.D. Irwin, author of the Edwin Spencer books will be playing the “Parallel World Game”and looking at what makes a good story – ideal for any budding authors age 8-12.

Tickets are £3 and include refreshments.

Sat 16 Nov CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON! Southend Town Centre, 5pm There is a full day programme of activities for all the family, with the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm, followed by fireworks.

Every weekend from Sat 2 Nov to Sun 22 Dec SANTA’S GROTTO ON SOUTHEND PIER Southend Pier Laden with gifts, Santa will be in his grotto.

Pre-booking is essential at www.visitsouthend. co.uk or 01702 618747.

■ Development Control Wednesday 9 October, 2pm ■ Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 10 October, 6.30pm ■ Council: Thursday 17 October, 6.30pm ■ Cabinet: Tuesday 5 November, 2pm All meetings are held at the Civic Centre,Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. Details of all Council meetings are available at www.southend.gov.uk/ councilmeetings.Youth Council meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, 5pm-7pm.

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To find out which Ward you are in please visit www.southend.gov.uk/whereilive

The Council normally has 51 Councillors elected to represent you. There are 17 wards, each with three elected members.

See the map to find out which councillors represent you.

Your Councillors BELFAIRS WARD

BLENHEIM PARK

Cllr Stephen Aylen (Ind)

Cllr Fay Evans (Con)

Cllr Lesley Salter (Con)

Cllr James Courtenay (Con) Cllr Graham Longley (LD)

Cllr Duncan Russell (LD)

16 Woodside, Belfairs, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4QU Tel: 01702 527747 cllraylen@southend.gov.uk

192 Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3QX Tel: 01702 558657 cllrevans@southend.gov.uk

4 Chadwick Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8LS Tel: 01702 432364 cllrsalter@southend.gov.uk

14 Eros Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4GN Tel: 01702 611669 cllrcourtenay@southend.gov.uk

15 Lindisfarne Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3NR Tel: 01702 480713 cllrrussell@southend.gov.uk

CHALKWELL WARD

28 McDivitt Walk, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UD Tel: 01702 520234 cllrlongley@southend.gov.uk

EASTWOOD PARK WARD

Cllr Richard Brown (Con) Cllr Stephen Habermel (Con) Cllr Ian Robertson (Con)

Cllr Trevor Byford (Con)

Cllr Andrew Moring (Con) Cllr Chris Walker (Con)

16 Cherrybrook, Thorpe Bay SS1 3QZ Tel: 01702 584003 cllrbrown@southend.gov.uk

2 Badgers Close, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0AP Tel: 01702 437274 cllrbyford@southend.gov.uk

554 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3EL Tel: 01702 585957 cllrmoring@southend.gov.uk

256 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood SS9 5XL Tel: 01702 528027 cllrwalker@southend.gov.uk

6 Leas Gardens, Southend-on-Sea SS0 8JL Tel: 01702 478354 cllrhabermel@southend.gov.uk

68 Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay SS1 3AU Tel: 01702 584580 cllritrobertson@southend.gov.uk

KURSAAL WARD

LEIGH WARD

Cllr Louise Burdett (Con)

Cllr Judy McMahon (Lab)

Cllr Anne Jones (Lab)

Cllr Alan Crystall (LD)

Cllr Barry Godwin (LD)

Cllr Peter Wexham (LD)

41 Shillingstone, Southend-on-Sea SS3 8BY Tel: 01702 430309 cllrburdett@southend.gov.uk

37A Pleasant Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2HQ Tel: 01702 462489 cllrmcmahon@southend.gov.uk

2 Hastings Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2DR Tel: 01702 460952 cllrannejones@southend.gov.uk

16 Cliff Parade, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1AS Tel: 01702 474047 cllrcrystall@southend.gov.uk

63 Steyning Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4TW Tel: 01702 212879 cllrgodwin@southend.gov.uk

119 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SH Tel: 01702 715981 cllrwexham@southend.gov.uk

MILTON WARD

PRITTLEWELL WARD

Cllr Dr Maria Caunce (Con) Cllr Julian Ware-Lane (Lab) Cllr Jonathan Garston (Con)

Cllr Mary Betson (LD)

Cllr Mike Grimwade (LD)

Cllr Ric Morgan (Ind)

Fairlight Lodge, 37 Park Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PQ Tel: 01702 430684 cllrcaunce@southend.gov.uk

11 Byfield, Eastwood SS9 5TG Tel: 01702 212861 cllrbetson@southend.gov.uk

94 Eastwood Old Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4RS Tel: 01702 520642 cllrgrimwade@southend.gov.uk

5 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0RP Tel: 01702 432361 cllrmorgan@southend.gov.uk

37 Nelson Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3HX Tel: 01702 472144 cllrware-lane@southend.gov.uk

38 Outlook SUMMER 2013

23a Clifftown Parade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DN Tel: 01702 335017 cllrjgarston@southend.gov.uk

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SHOEBURYNESS WARD

SOUTHCHURCH WARD

Cllr Mike Assenheim (Ind) Cllr Roger Hadley (Con)

Cllr Anne Chalk (Ind)

Cllr David Garston (Con)

Cllr Ann Holland (Con)

Cllr Brian Kelly (Con)

76 Elm Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9RD Tel: 01702 291720 cllrassenheim@southend.gov.uk

94 High Street, Shoeburyness SS3 9AS Tel: 01702 295449 cllrchalk@southend.gov.uk

237 Maplin Way North, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3NY Tel: 01702 584278 cllrdgarston@southend.gov.uk

7 Silchester Court, Silchester Corner, Gt Wakering SS3 0PX Tel: 01702 580855 cllrholland@southend.gov.uk

10 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 585015 cllrkelly@southend.gov.uk

33 Mountbatten Drive, Shoeburyness SS3 8UY Tel: 01702 294945 cllrhadley@southend.gov.uk

ST LAURENCE WARD

ST LUKES WARD

Cllr Mark Flewitt (Con)

Cllr Ted Lewin (LD)

Cllr Adam Jones (Con)

Cllr Brian Ayling (Ind)

Cllr Sally Carr (Con)

Cllr Paul Van Looy (Ind)

11 Borman Close, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UJ Tel: 01702 510463 cllrflewitt@southend.gov.uk

19 Little Thorpe, Thorpe Bay SS1 3RN Tel: 01702 586359 cllrlewin@southend.gov.uk

23 Mucking Hall Road, Barling Magna SS3 0NH Tel: 01702 216658 cllrjones@southend.gov.uk

108a Ennismore Gardens, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5RB Tel: 01702 461840 cllrayling@southend.gov.uk

42 Marcus Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3LA Tel: 01702 586231 cllrcarr@southend.gov.uk

54 Arlington Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4UW Tel: 01702 615658 cllrvanlooy@southend.gov.uk

THORPE WARD

VICTORIA WARD

Cllr Alex Kaye (Ind)

Cllr Mike Stafford (Ind)

Cllr Ron Woodley (Ind)

Cllr Margaret Borton (Lab) Cllr Ian Gilbert (Lab)

Cllr David Norman (Lab)

470 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3ED Tel: 01702 588432 cllrkaye@southend.gov.uk

124 Parkanaur Avenue, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JD Tel: 01702 586265 cllrstafford@southend.gov.uk

91 Tyrone Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3HD Tel: 01702 588662 cllrwoodley@southend.gov.uk

85 Rochester Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0NJ Tel: 01702 212862 cllrborton@southend.gov.uk

41 Vernon Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NG Tel: 01702 212897 cllrdnorman@southend.gov.uk

WEST LEIGH WARD

18 Avenue Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PW Tel: 01702 339765 cllrgilbert@southend.gov.uk

WEST SHOEBURY WARD

Cllr Nigel Holdcroft (Con) Cllr Gwen Horrigan MBE (Con) Cllr John Lamb (Con)

Cllr Tony Cox (Con)

Cllr Liz Day (Con)

Cllr Derek Jarvis (Con)

7 Sylvan Way, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3TU Tel: 01702 214008 cllrholdcroft@southend.gov.uk

Flat D Mill Lodge, West Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9DP Tel: 01702 297039 cllrcox@southend.gov.uk

5 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 586185 cllreday@southend.gov.uk

66 Leitrim Avenue, Shoeburyness SS3 9HF Tel: 01702 292744 cllrjarvis@southend.gov.uk

15 Hazelwood Grove, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4DE Tel: 01702 524333 cllrhorrigan@southend.gov.uk

77 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SJ Tel: 01702 483908 cllrlamb@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Cabinet

WESTBOROUGH WARD

Cllr Paul Collins (LD)

Cllr Martin Terry (Ind)

Cllr Dr Vel (Ind)

219 Green Lane, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5QN Tel: 01702 512239 cllrcollins@southend.gov.uk

66 Victoria Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TF Tel: 01702 619655 cllrterry@southend.gov.uk

61 Thorpebay Gardens, Thorpe Bay SS1 3NP Tel: 01702 711299 cllrvelmurugan@southend.gov.uk

Say it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

■ Nigel Holdcroft (Leader) ■ John Lamb (Deputy Leader with special responsibility for Regeneration and Enterprise) ■ Derek Jarvis (Culture and Tourism) ■ James Courtenay (Children and Learning) ■ Lesley Salter (Adult Social Care, Health and Housing) ■ Tony Cox (Public Protection, Waste and Transport) ■ Andrew Moring (Corporate Support Services) ■ Jonathan Garston (Planning) SUMMER 2013 Outlook

39

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s k c a p Pier aPunch T

HAT’S the way to do it! Southend’s world famous pier has a knockout line up planned for the rest of the summer – with seaside favourites Punch and Judy leading the way. The colourful, cantankerous couple will take centre stage as part of a three-day puppet festival at The Royal Pavilion.

It is the 25th anniversary of the much-loved puppet jamboree, which is once again set to attract hundreds of tourists and marionette aficionados from all around the country.

The three-day event which runs from Friday, 2 to Sunday, 4 August brings together performers from Norfolk, Kent, Surrey and Middlesex as well as two local shows from Southend.

Included in the line up are Punch Professors, specialists who perform shows around the world.

Also on show in The Royal Pavilion will be displays of Punch memorabilia, including pictures of festivals from the last quarter of a century.

It is one of many events that is really pulling in the crowds each summer. Last year around 250,000 people paid to use the pier – with just under 100,000 in July and August.

In addition, successful regeneration work on the popular City Beach area is drawing more people to the waterfront to enjoy a day or evening of entertainment.

Lynn Jones, Resort Services Manager, said: “The

40 Outlook SUMMER 2013

puppet festival is not only great fun but one of the many ways our record-breaking pier is helping to attract thousands of visitors to the borough every year.

“It is part of a very special line up which offers something for all the family and really puts Southend on the map as a capital of entertainment.”

Top billing for laughs has already gone to the 2013 Comedy Festival featuring famous faces like TV funnyman Russell Kane and stand-up legend Terry Alderton. The four-day event held in July brought together 40 comedians in a line-up that included local, national and international talent.

The festival was supported by Rossi Ice Cream, the Council and Yellow Media and the final night revolved around a charity comedy gala in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.

Also lined up for the rest of the season are jazz clubs and concerts, an arts project and the 50th Annual Thames Barge Match.

Full details on all upcoming events are available on www.visitsouthend.co.uk or from the Visitor Information Centre.

Top Punch and Judy man Chris Gasper at Southend Pier.

KEEP AN EYE ON THIS ACT...

Paul Pirie was one of the big hits of Southend Comedy Festival.