Outlook – Spring 2015

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

ISSUE 32 Spring 2015

THE GREAT

OUTDOORS GET OUT & GET FIT SEE CENTRE PAGES

HARD-WORKING VOLUNTEERS win recognition at awards ceremony SEE PAGE 15

TICKFIELD CENTRE ticks all the right boxes SEE PAGE 11

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? Don’t lose your say at the ballot box SEE PAGE 10

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We’ve had to take tough decisions, but we’re still on the up

contents Spring 2015

By Councillor RON WOODLEY Leader of the Council An ambitious yet prudent budget for 2015/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 THE year certainly seems to be going quickly, as we begin to see the days lengthening and spring starting to bloom.

We are using this fact to focus on what a great outdoor town Southend-on-Sea is, and the centre pages will hopefully give you all some inspiration to get outdoors and explore what there is to offer over the coming months.

Finalising our budget proposals has dominated the recent weeks. Faced with an £11m Central Government cut, combined with increased demands and pressures, has meant that we have had to take some very tough decisions.

You can read more about that on Page 5, but I believe that we have come up with a budget that protects frontline services and invests in services for our most vulnerable residents.

We will also continue with an ambitious capital programme that will see millions of pounds invested into the Pier, the Cliffs Pavilion and sorting out the cliffs slip at Clifton Drive.

This is no mean feat considering the year-on-year cuts in Government funding – and it will not get any easier as we will need to find a further £33m of savings in the next three years.

Aside from the budget, I really feel that Southend-on-Sea is an area on the up.

There are a number of exciting projects either starting to take shape or coming towards the final stages.

Work to improve the A127 Tesco roundabout is nearing completion, we are finally starting to see some activity in some of the empty Victoria Avenue office blocks, the Seaways leisure project is progressing well, a number of private developments are being completed and applications to develop sites along the seafront are coming forward.

I wish you all well over the coming weeks and months.

Tesco roundabout gets the finishing touches

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More Government cash for business park plan

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6 6

Council shines light on solar panel plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 11 New service centre puts customers first

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Foreshore study needs help from residents . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Make sure you are registered to vote

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Making it work for jobseeker Lisa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 It’s time to get outdoors and get fit

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16 Delight as Borough maintains Purple Flag status

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New signs help tell pier’s long, long story . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Awards for hard-working volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 A day in the life of our Roll of Honour Officer . . . . . . . . . . 16 New council house is the first in over 20 years

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This magazine can be provided in alternative formats such as Braille, audio or large print.

For a copy of this magazine in another format, or to order more copies, please call: 01702 215601 or email: outlook@southend.gov.uk

Traders back action on high-strength booze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Families on course for a healthier lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 What’s On Sea

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Know your Councillors

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New map highlights great routes for cyclists . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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.

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. Further information about the Council,its Councillors and its services can be found on our website www.southend.gov.uk or by emailing council@southend.gov.uk or by calling 01702 215000.You can also access this information through your local library.

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

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Tickfield offers an excellent service from the rooms and facilities to supportive friendly staff who will always take the time to ensure that everything runs smoothly...

Evelyn Hoggart

New for 2015, now available evenings and weekends.

• Health & Fitness Classes • Community & Social Groups • Performing & Martial Arts • Training Events & Conferences • Meetings & AGM’s • Exhibitions & Fairs

SOUTHEND’S Tickfield Centre is a multipurpose training and event venue which hosts a wide range of functions, meetings and conferences available to the local and business community.

• All rooms are light airy spaces, all fully accessible with a welcoming atmosphere.

• New Tickfield Cafe and Deli Bar opening in April.

• FREE onsite parking and close to local transport hubs.

• FREE equipment from Laptops, Projectors and WiFi to Exercise Mats, Staging and Music Systems.

• Discounts available for regular events, with room hire from just £10.

...we received positive feedback from our delegates in respect of the facilities, the training room and the catering. We look forward to working with you again...

Suzi West

Follow us to hear latest news and special offers.

The Tickfield Centre, Tickfield Industrial Estate, Tickfield Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6LL Next to Prittlewell station.

Tel: 01702 212032 • Email: tickfield@southend.gov.uk • Web: www.southend.gov.uk/tickfield

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INVESTMENT: £2.65m will be spent on Pier works over the next four years.

A prudent budget designed

TO PROTECT VITAL FRONTLINE SERVICES A

N ambitious yet prudent budget that protects frontline services in Southend-on-Sea has been drawn up for 2015/16 despite continued central Government cuts.

The Council needs to reduce its annual spending by nearly £12.4m in 2015/16, but will protect and invest more than £3m into frontline services and continue with a number of important capital projects over the next four years.

The main grant the Council receives from Central Government will decrease by £11.1m (28 per cent) in 2015/16. To deal with this shortfall Where the money comes from (£m) 2014/2015

the budget proposals identify £10.5m of savings and the use of £1.9m of reserves to spread the budget gap over three years and avoid unnecessary short-term cuts.

Councillor Ron Woodley, Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said: “We have had to make some incredibly difficult decisions that deliver significant savings just so we can balance our books. It is inevitable that as Central Government funding reduces every year, the decisions get tougher and tougher. To put this in context we need to save more than £33m over the next three years, which is approximately £42,000 per How the money will be spent (£m)

2015/2016 Employees

Government Grants

215.2

Running Expenses

13.8

13.7

27.8

29.3

Other income

31.4

32.9

Business Rates

32.3

Council Tax

2015/2016

64.1

63.3

263.5

263.5

74.0

71.1

215.7

Other Grants & Reimbursements Rents

Revenue Support Grant Collection Fund

2014/2015

33.1

39.0

28.7

1.0

1.0

Schools Budget

61.0

63.3

£421.5m

£417.7m

Cost of Capital

19.9

19.8

£421.5m

£417.7m

working day. We must do this while reducing and containing borrowing levels, as we have already started to do.”

Councillor Woodley said it was no longer possible to just keep making efficiency savings and the Council was now faced with stark choices about reducing services, raising charges and generating more income.

Key features of the 2015/16 budget include: ■ A Council Tax rise of 1.95 per cent, or 42p a week for a Band D household.

■ £3m to be invested in frontline services – including £635,000 to fund support for young people with a learning disability and an additional £500,000 per year to deal with the changing and ageing demographics.

■ Changes in the way adult social care is delivered will see costs reduced by £540,000 a year – but will allow both Priory House and Delaware House to remain open as part of plans to develop an adult social care campus on the current Priory site.

■ £32m to continue the Borough’s Decent Homes programme.

■ £17.5m invested into A127 improvements including the Kent Elms and The Bell junctions. Of this only £840,000 will be from council funding, with the remaining £16.6m from external Government grants.

■ £2.65m over the next four years for works on Southend Pier, including £600,000 for 2015/16.

■ Car park charges – frozen for five of the last six years – will be increased to generate an additional £245,000 a year.

■ £460,000 to remediate the cliff slip and reinforce the cliff at Clifton Drive and £200,000 to alter part of the museum storage to provide controlled conditions suitable for the Prittlewell Prince site finds.

The proposals mean that a total of 38.1 Full Time Equivalent posts have been identified as being at risk, of which 16.8 are currently vacant. The Council has pledged to do everything possible to minimise the risk of compulsory redundancies.

Councillor Woodley added: “Wholesale redundancies would be counter-productive to both the local economy and also staff morale which in turn has an impact on services to residents.

“When you have to save £10.5m in one year, there is inevitably going to be an impact on the workforce, but we have done what we can to reduce that impact.

“I feel that these proposals deliver the necessary savings, while protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and showing that Southend is ambitious, open for business and serious about its economic future.”

Updated priorities aim to create a better Southend SOUTHEND-on-Sea Borough Council has updated its corporate priorities as part of an ongoing drive to improve the quality of life, prosperity and life chances for people in the borough.

The Council's vision is to create a better Southend by concentrating its efforts on five key aims – Safe, Clean, Healthy, Prosperous and Excellent.

Joanna Ruffle, Head of People and Policy at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, said:“The corporate priorities help us focus on the real issues within the Borough and ensure that we are all working proactively towards achieving our vision of a better Southend for everyone.”

For each of the five aims the Council has determined a series of priorities as follows:

SAFE:

HEALTHY:

■ Create a safe environment across the town for residents, workers and visitors.

■ Work with Essex Police and other partners to tackle crime.

■ Look after and safeguard our children and vulnerable adults.

■ Promote healthy and active lifestyles for all.

■ Work with the public and private rented sectors to provide good quality housing.

■ Enable the planning and development of quality, affordable housing.

CLEAN: ■ Promote the use of green technology and initiatives to benefit the local economy and environment.

■ Encourage and enforce high standards of environmental stewardship.

PROSPEROUS: ■ Ensure residents have access to high quality education to enable them to be lifelong learners and have fulfilling employment.

■ Improve the life chances of our residents, especially our vulnerable children and adults, by working to reduce inequalities and social deprivation across our communities.

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

■ Ensure the town is ‘open for businesses’ and that new, developing and existing enterprise is nurtured and supported.

■ Ensure continued regeneration of the town through a culture-led agenda.

EXCELLENT: ■ Work with and listen to our communities and partners to achieve better outcomes for all.

■ Enable communities to be self-sufficient and foster pride in the town.

■ Promote and lead an entrepreneurial, creative and innovative approach to the development of our town.

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Government injects an extra £3.2m into business park plans A

MBITIOUS plans to create thousands of jobs at a planned new business park near London Southend Airport have taken a step forward after the Council brought a private sector development partner on board – and secured an additional £3.2million of Government funding for the project.

Henry Boot Developments Ltd has been selected as Southend-onSea Borough Council’s preferred partner to take forward plans to

construct more than 100,000sqm of new employment space on land near the airport.

The plans envisage more than 7,000 jobs being created over the next 10-15 years.

And with an extra £3.2million of Government funding being injected into the project after the South East Local Enterprise Partnership agreed an expansion of its Growth Deal, work on the infrastructure is expected to get under way early next year.

Sally Holland, the Council’s

Director for Corporate Services, said: “This is fantastic news which could see upwards of £100m of private sector investment in the area.

“This new business space, next to an international airport and with excellent access to the mainline railway to London, will help us to attract further investment and create much-needed new jobs for the area.

“We are delighted that Government has now agreed to contribute another £3.2million

Patience called for as traffic lights are tweaked

ROUNDABOUT UPGRADE ON TARGET

FINISHING TOUCHES: work nears completion on the A127 Tesco roundabout.

RIGHT: Magnus Ameh, one of the Lafarge Tarmac engineers working on the project.

FINISHING touches are being put to a £4.7m scheme to upgrade one of the busiest road junctions in Southend.

Work to add extra lanes on the approaches to the A127 Tesco roundabout – needed to support plans to create more than 7,000 new jobs on land around nearby London Southend Airport – got under way towards the end of last year.

Contractors have now finished the bulk of the work on schedule, despite having to plan their work to minimise disruption to shoppers trying to get in and out of Southend over the busy Christmas period.

Key features of the scheme include: ● Extra lanes on the roundabout and its approaches. ● The introduction of intelligent traffic-light controls at the roundabout which respond to traffic levels at the junction and manage traffic accordingly. ● Better landscaping, including at least 10 more trees. ● New, safer signalled crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists. ● A reconfigured roundabout at the junction of Nestuda Way and St Laurence Way to simplify the northbound approach. ● The installation of new, high-tech LED street lighting along this section of the A127.

Councillor Martin Terry, Executive Councillor for

6 Outlook SPRING 2015

Public Protection, Waste and Transport, said there was still some tidying up and landscaping work to be completed, but the main infrastructure was now in place.

He added:“Over the next few weeks work will continue to optimise the timing of the new traffic lights so that we can achieve the best possible result in terms of traffic flows. During that period the improvements to journey times may not be immediately apparent, but I would ask motorists to bear with us until the lights have been tweaked.”

More improvements for A127 FUNDING has been confirmed for two junction improvement schemes costing £5million each on the A127 in Southend.

Plans for Kent Elms and Rochford Road/The Bell involve extra lanes to reduce traffic congestion and waiting times.

The work also involves the removal of footbridges and the installation of Toucan crossings at both junctions to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

towards this project, which will help fund the major investment in highways and infrastructure needed to make the business parks a reality.

“We have a strong track record of working with both public and private sector partners to deliver major developments, not the least of which was enabling London Southend Airport to transform from an airstrip for light aircraft into an international airport with passenger numbers now topping one million.”

Soccer club link pays dividends HUNDREDS of disadvantaged young people are going to benefit from an ongoing partnership between Southendon-Sea Borough Council and the town’s football club.

The Council has given Southend United Community & Educational Trust £33,000 over three years to fund a programme engaging hardto-reach 16 to 25-year-olds in life-improving positive activity.

A total of 315 people attended the two-hourly sessions, with 19 progressing into further education, 18 going on to volunteering, seven linking up with the National Citizen Service, four being taken on as apprentices with the Trust and one getting a full time job as a community coach.

Trust Chief Executive Officer Dale Spiby said:“Outcomes have been fantastic with people getting opportunities to build careers by using sport as the initial vehicle of engagement.

“We will be looking to reach 480 young people over the next three years.We want to take on three apprentices each year and particularly want to reach those not in employment or education, the black and ethnic minority community and at least 30 young people with a disability.”

For more information about the Trust go to www.sufccommunity.co.uk

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Essential as council examines energy and solar plan Living Fund to continue

A

MBITIOUS plans to help householders cut their energy costs are being drawn up by local authority officials.

Project managers at Southendon- Sea Borough Council are launching a local energy company with its own bespoke tariff with energy supplier, Ovo Energy, and are considering a separate scheme that would see solar panels fitted to the roofs of homes across the borough.

Under the new energy company, which will be launched later in the year, some households could save up to £250 per year on their bills, with the fuel-poor and those on pre-payment meters expected to benefit most.

All residents with an SS postcode wil eligible to become customers, with attractive tariffs available for standard or pre-payment meters.

Jeremy Martin, the Council’s Energy Projects Manager, said: “The new Southend energy company would benefit all members of the local community by offering attractive tariffs, fair contracts and a means of keeping some of the money you spend on your energy bill within the local economy.”

The formation of the new energy company comes hard on the heels of the Council signing-up to the Climate Local agreement – a pledge to combat climate change at a local level – and the adoption of a Low Carbon Strategy.

The Council is also looking into schemes that would see the authority installing solar panels

Easter, Early May and Spring Bank Holiday

Collection Dates

on the roofs of residents’ and businesses’ properties.

Householders taking part would be allowed to make use of the free electricity the panels produce and would also receive rental income for allowing the panels to be fitted to their roofs. As principal investor, the Council would meet the cost of the panels and pay for them to be installed.

The Council will recover its costs – and make extra money to put back into local services – from the feed-in tariffs offered by Central Government to support schemes aimed at encouraging a low-carbon economy.

Jeremy added: “This scheme is still at a very early feasibility stage and no final decisions have yet been made.

“However, it could be a very good way of helping to tackle social poverty and we are currently examining a number of options in a bid to come up with the best possible result for Southend.”

You can find out more about the schemes by visiting www.southend.gov.uk/energy

Normal collection day Easter Bank Holiday Friday 3rd April Monday 6th April Tuesday 7th April Wednesday 8th April Thursday 9th April Friday10th April Early May Bank Holiday Monday 4th May Tuesday 5th May Wednesday 6th May Thursday 7th May Friday 8th May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 25th May Tuesday 26th May Wednesday 27th May Thursday 28th May Friday 29th May

A VITAL support service which helps hundreds of people each year has been saved despite a major reduction in Central Government funding.

The Essential Living Fund offers help to homeless and other people who have no other source of support to turn to. No actual cash is handed out, but vouchers can be issued to exchange for food, household items, recycled furniture and other goods from local traders.

The award-winning scheme, which helps more than 1,500 people in Southend each year, will now continue until at least March 2019 after councillors agreed to extend the scheme after building up council funds in anticipation of Government funding stopping.

Joe Chesterton, Southendon-Sea Borough Council’s Head of Finance, said there was clear evidence to show that crisis support of this kind helped to prevent greater cost to public services.

He added:“The Council has prudently built up a reserve and earmarked £250,000 a year to maintain this vital service which provides a safety net for some of the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. We are pleased that we can continue the scheme.”

Revised collection day

Days late

Saturday 4th April Tuesday 7th April Wednesday 8th April Thursday 9th April Friday 10th April Saturday 11th April

1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late

Tuesday 5th May Wednesday 6th May Thursday 7th May Friday 8th May Saturday 9th May

1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late

Tuesday 26th May Wednesday 27th May Thursday 28th May Friday 29th May Saturday 30th May

1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late 1 day late

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

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New facilities mean it’s now easier than ever to get support

CENTRE STAFF PUT CUSTOMERS FIRST N

EWLY-opened Customer Service Centre facilities at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Civic Centre are going down a storm – with IT support volunteers and a café improving things still further.

More computers and phones in the refurbished ground floor one-stop shop now make it easier than ever for customers to go online to deal with their council business, ranging from making a payment, to claiming benefits, or registering a birth.

There is also a document scanning area and, as well as the Council’s own Customer Service Officers, advisors from South Essex Homes are now on hand.

For those lacking the confidence to use computers, the Council has launched a 12-week trial with volunteers from disability charity Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do programme. They are trained to help customers who might be apprehensive about going online and will be on duty every Wednesday.

Before leaving the Civic Centre, customers can now drop in to the

Courtyard Café for a drink and a bite to eat.

Ellen Butler, the Council’s Group Manager for Customer Services, said: “There is a more relaxed, informal and open feeling in the new area which also has private interview rooms if required.

“The informal seating area and benches are proving very popular which is great news and we have an improved self-serve suite with more computers and phones.

“Our Customer Service Officers continue to support customers to use our website and we also have volunteers on hand to help those who aren’t so confident about using computers as we encourage them to carry out their council business electronically rather than rely on the phone.

“More customers now realise how easy it is to access us 24/7 by going online and our new Customer Service Centre is helping us get that message across.”

■ To access a council service, simply visit www.southend.gov.uk

ABOVE: Southend resident Lacie Holland using one of the self–service computers to access information.

LEFT: Pascal Knaapen, of Southend gets help from 'can do' customer service assistant volunteer Krista Hoare.

Readers urged to rise to challenge Books aim to help PEOPLE across Southend are being urged to take part in the Six Book Challenge, now the annual reading scheme designed to get more residents hooked on books, is under way.

Managed by the Borough's libraries, less confident or infrequent readers are being urged to read at least six books or material of their choice before June.

Those who complete the reading challenge are rewarded with a certificate of achievement.

A total of 164 people took part last year, enabling Southend Libraries and their learning partners to clinch a Gold Award.

This year's event was launched by the Mayor, Councillor Chris Walker, and the Mayoress, Mrs Janet Walker.

They were joined by scheme partners as well as Southend jazz legend – and former librarian – Digby Fairweather. To get involved in the Challenge, simply pick up a form at any library.

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

manage dementia SOUTHEND Libraries are supporting a free reading scheme endorsed by health professionals and designed to help people better understand and manage dementia.

Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia recommends self-help books for people who may have the condition, are caring for a sufferer or just want to find out more.

Titles are available for anyone to borrow or request free of charge from any Southend library. Books can also be recommended by doctors and health professionals and cover information and advice, help after diagnosis, practical support for carers and personal stories.

For more information, visit www.reading-well.org.uk or pick up a leaflet at any library in the Borough.

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Are you registered to vote?

WITH less than 50 days to go until the General, Borough and Parish elections, the Council is urging all local residents to make sure that they are registered to vote under the new system introduced last summer.

Every individual is now responsible for ensuring they are on the electoral register, rather than the ‘head of household.’ Registering is simple and can be done at www..gov.uk/register-to-vote The deadline to register to vote in the May Parliamentary, Borough and Parish council elections is 20 April.

Rob Tinlin, Southed-on-Sea Borough Council’s Chief Executive said:“It is vital that as we approach the May 2015 elections as many people as possible are registered to vote so they can have their say on issues that affect their lives. It is easy to register online and only takes a few minutes. The system changed last summer and if you are in any doubt as to whether you are registered, please call the team on 01702 215010.”

Students given information on domestic abuse DOMESTIC abuse awareness lessons have been staged for students at Shoeburyness High School as part of a project to help young people better understand what it is and so they can recognise if it ever happens to them or anyone they know.

They were shown age appropriate information films, given information about the law and told who to turn to for help. Paid for by the Southend Success for All Children Fund and delivered by not-for-profit local organisation Blade Education, the sessions were part of the Southend: Start The Conversation project.

10 Outlook SPRING 2015

Time and tide takes its toll on foreshore:

OLD PHOTOS NEEDED RESIDENTS who have noticed any changes to the Borough’s foreshore are being asked to help with a new study.

Councillors are calling on members of the public to come forward with evidence – particularly old photos – as part of an investigation.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Place Scrutiny Committee is looking into claims over the past two years by some

observers that mudflats along the foreshore appear to be changing and are disappearing.

As well as approaching members of the public, the committee will also be reviewing information held by statutory agencies, neighbouring authorities and other partners.

The aim is to try to piece together as complete a picture as possible of any changes to

the foreshore, backed up by solid evidence.

Residents can submit evidence via an online web portal on the Council’s website at www.southend.gov.uk/ foreshoresurvey, by email to foreshorestudy@southend. gov.uk or in writing to the Democratic Services Department at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER.

Estuary the focus of exhibitions at borough’s galleries

T

HE Thames estuary forms the central theme of a series of exhibitions at Southend-on-Sea’s Beecroft Gallery.

Events at the gallery kick-off on 28 March with an exhibition of images by photographer Luke Mair which capture the archaeological excavation of the London, a 17th century shipwreck in the Thames Estuary.

Striking paintings of ships and of the estuary itself by artist Mark Bradford will be on display at the Beecroft from 11April; while uniquely atmospheric and mysterious images of the estuary captured by Alan Hockett – using pinhole camera techniques – will be on show from 18 April.

All these exhibitions will run until the end of June.

From 23 May to the end of the year, the Beecroft will host ‘Black Tie’ a celebration of evening wear through the ages, including major loans from Norwich Castle Museum.

Meanwhile, from 2 May through to November, Southend's Central Museum will be displaying Intriguing pieces from the Museum’s spirit collection – creatures and organisms beautifully preserved in bottles and jars. And visitors can get ‘hands on’ with the event by experimenting with pickling vegetables at the museum.

Over at the Focal Point Gallery, visitors can take in Paul Johnson’s ‘The Sunless Sea’ exhibition – a series of new work by the British artist inspired by south

Yvonne Farthing from Tillingham, with sons Edward and George, examining one of the items in Jane Woolart’s ‘Wanted Unwanted Keys’ exhibition, on show at the Beecroft earlier this year.

Essex’s history of attracting utopian thinkers and the artist’s continued interest in the failed historic attempts to fulfil such visionary ideas.

This exhibition continues at Focal Point Gllery until 4 April as does ‘Black Bile 84’ – the first solo exhibition in a public gallery by Southend-born artist, Rick Buckley. Split between the gallery and the Royal Pavilion at the end of Southend Pier, the project considers the extent to which Southend-on-Sea is changing and seeks to generate broader discussions of regeneration in regional coastal towns.

Entries are also being invited for the 56th Essex Open Exhibition. Full details will be on the www.southendmuseums.co.uk website between 16 May and 13 June with the exhibition planned to run from 11 July to 10 October.

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Making It Work scheme helps Lisa

SWEEP INTO A JOB O

vercoming hurdles is now second nature to Lisa Carey who has been supported into her first paid job and enjoys nothing more than spending some of her hard-earned money on her favourite pop music.

But it has not always been so for the 27-year-old, because she felt that her learning disabilities and a lack of confidence had held her back in the past.

Determined to become more independent, she was referred to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Making It Work scheme which helps people with learning disabilities to find employment.

Lisa, who lives at home with her dad, received training on how to catch the bus on her own and was soon volunteering for three hours on a Friday at the Trinity Family Centre in Westcliff-on-Sea. Her hard-working, cheerful attitude did not go unnoticed and the programme organisers suggested she apply for a paid job as a cleaner when a vacancy arose. Successful at interview, Lisa, pictured right, now works nine hours a week at the Civic Centre for the Council's contractor, while still volunteering at Trinity.

She said: “I’ve always lacked confidence and I was quite frightened when I first started volunteering. But I really enjoy it now. It’s good fun.

“I was very excited when I was told I’d got my first paid job. I feel very pleased and happy, and I’m a lot more confident.”

The Making It Work scheme finds jobs for people with a learning disability. Work can range

Private Sector Housing Team won’t hesitate to take action

from volunteering to full time employment in areas like retail, catering, packing, cleaning, office duties, gardening and car washing.

Free-of-charge support includes CV writing and training in appropriate work skills. In addition, a Job Coach stays with the new employee until they are independent.

Employers who can offer work experience or a job should contact the Council’s Employment Coordinator on 01702 215008, by email to makingitwork@southend.co.uk or by visiting the website at www.makingitwork-crpd.org

Tickfield Centre ticks all the boxes

Jennifer Gray, left, and Avril Gordon, take part in the 'Help, I'm A Manager' course at the Tickfield Centre.

SOUTHEND’S multi-purpose training and event venue in Tickfield Avenue is now opening its doors to local community groups in the evenings and at weekends.

With free parking and close to the town centre, the Tickfield Centre provides personal service and event promotion with a cafe and deli bar being launched in April offering a vibrant menu for guests and local residents.

The centre's range of light and airy rooms, all with free equipment from exercise mats to staging and microphones, are available at competitive rates and are already being used by health and fitness groups, performing arts classes plus a local church alongside many other regular social groups.

With affordable office accommodation and a wide range of interactive training equipment including WiFi, laptops, and projectors available, the centre is ideal for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and fairs.

The on-site team offers a personal service to enhance individual events and can even promote events on your behalf reaching thousands of people as part of any booking. For more information call 01702 212032, email tickfield@southend.gov.uk or visit www.southend.gov.uk/tickfield

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

WITH up to 16,000 privately rented homes in Southend-on-Sea it's the role of the Borough Council's Private Sector Housing Team (PSH) to ensure landlords keep their properties in a safe condition.

With court action – and fines of up to £20,000 – at their disposal, that's a task that David Colwill, PSH Team Leader, and his staff take very seriously.

Prosecutions are launched after careful consideration and the team doesn't hesitate to take action when necessary.

“A common breach of the regulations is when a private landlord fails to apply for a licence for a house in multiple occupation (HMO),” said David.“PSH can also take action against landlords who breach licence conditions and on behalf of tenants who are having problems getting their landlord to carry out repairs.”

In the case of complaints from tenants, one of the PSH team will visit the property and carry out an inspection.

Where serious problems are confirmed they will write to the landlord or manager of the property requesting that repairs are carried out within a reasonable time. If this informal action is not complied with, an officer can issue a Housing Act Improvement Notice – and landlords who choose to ignore that will be prosecuted for failure to comply.

David said:“Most landlords are very good and when there is a problem they will address it quickly.That’s the cheapest and mutually beneficial way as the only cost involved is that of the repair work.

“However, if a case goes to court it can get very expensive, with magistrates able to impose fines of up to £20,000."

The PSH Team also offers education sessions via the Landlords’ Forums, held three times per year.

To join the forum mailing list follow the links at www.southend.gov.uk/landlordsforum To contact Private Sector Housing about disrepair which is not being addressed, or to report an HMO, email council@southend.gov.uk or phone 01702 215002.

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NOW’S THE TIME TO GET OUT AND GET FIT DEUCE: Southchurch resident Blase Walton in action at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

SEVEN MILES OF SEAFRONT: Caroline and Toby Dansey, from Leigh-on-Sea, enjoy a stroll on the beach.

SIGNING-UP: for the Leigh-on-Sea Rotary Club’s Great Pier Walk are, back row from left, Tony Oxlade, David Garston and Fred Feather, with front row from left, Heather, Zoe and Claire Feather.

ABOVE: taking part in a Running Sisters session at Chalkwell Park are Zena Shean, Janice Brown, Jo Phelps and Jenny Harley.

HEALTHY WALKING: Cindy Banks, left, and Jim Thomas, right, with scheme co-ordinator Angela Andrew-King in Priory park.

12 Outlook SPRING 2015

S

PRING, with its warmer weather, is always a great time to use Southend’s fabulous parks, beaches, pier and sporting facilities for some outside exercise.

The Borough boasts seven miles of beaches and 581 acres of parks, nature reserves and gardens where the fresh air costs nothing and it’s free to walk, run or cycle and use the Council-provided outdoor gym equipment or playgrounds.

A new children’s play park with a zip wire has just been built at Shoebury Park, while the tennis courts at Priory Park and Chalkwell Park are being refurbished.

Pitches for a range of sports, including football and cricket, can be found at various Southend parks which are also home to 14 lawn bowls clubs – a healthy and competitive sport for all age groups.

With 2015 being the Year of Bowls, the Southend Parks Bowls Circle is staging a taster session in the High Street on Friday, 24 April.

For more information call Steve Smith on 07918 076017 or email woodsmith@blueyonder.co.uk Golfers are catered for with a range of facilities across the Borough. The more energetic can

enjoy BMX and skate parks and there are basketball courts for those who want to shoot a few hoops.

People who would like to take part in exercise sessions at the end of the pier are being treated to Get Fit on the Pier sessions between 1pm and 3pm every Wednesday from 15 April to 6 May. A both-ways walk will cost just £1, with a walk and ride on the train priced at £3.80 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Around 500 people are expected to show how it’s done when they put their best feet forward during the Great Pier Walk on Sunday, 29 March BIG INVESTMENT: some of the exciting new equipment in the children’s play – an annual charity event organised by area at Shoebury Park. the Rotary Club of Leigh-on-Sea. Regular walking sessions are also available through the Southend Walk This Way Scheme Zumba, boxercise and pilates. For more – for more information contact Scheme details, visit www.activesouthend.com Coordinator Angela Andrews-King on Running Sisters is a six-week course staged 07771 926932.

Special events being laid on this spring include in Chalkwell Park for women aged 16 and over who take little or no physical activity. free Active Women sessions for those aged 22 It’s delivered by female instructors and if you and above. Taking place at venues across the want to find out about the next course email Borough, activities on offer include badminton,

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

getactive@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215612.

An exciting series of activities is planned for children during the Easter holidays courtesy of The Biz programme. These will go ahead at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Chase Sports and Fitness Centre and Shoeburyness Leisure Centre. Daycare provision is also available. To guarantee a place, book by calling 01702 215011.

The newly-launched ActiveSouthend website carries a wealth of information about activities all over the Borough and keep-fit ideas for people of all ages and abilities. To find out more, visit www.activesouthend.com

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NOW’S THE TIME TO GET OUT AND GET FIT DEUCE: Southchurch resident Blase Walton in action at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

SEVEN MILES OF SEAFRONT: Caroline and Toby Dansey, from Leigh-on-Sea, enjoy a stroll on the beach.

SIGNING-UP: for the Leigh-on-Sea Rotary Club’s Great Pier Walk are, back row from left, Tony Oxlade, David Garston and Fred Feather, with front row from left, Heather, Zoe and Claire Feather.

ABOVE: taking part in a Running Sisters session at Chalkwell Park are Zena Shean, Janice Brown, Jo Phelps and Jenny Harley.

HEALTHY WALKING: Cindy Banks, left, and Jim Thomas, right, with scheme co-ordinator Angela Andrew-King in Priory park.

12 Outlook SPRING 2015

S

PRING, with its warmer weather, is always a great time to use Southend’s fabulous parks, beaches, pier and sporting facilities for some outside exercise.

The Borough boasts seven miles of beaches and 581 acres of parks, nature reserves and gardens where the fresh air costs nothing and it’s free to walk, run or cycle and use the Council-provided outdoor gym equipment or playgrounds.

A new children’s play park with a zip wire has just been built at Shoebury Park, while the tennis courts at Priory Park and Chalkwell Park are being refurbished.

Pitches for a range of sports, including football and cricket, can be found at various Southend parks which are also home to 14 lawn bowls clubs – a healthy and competitive sport for all age groups.

With 2015 being the Year of Bowls, the Southend Parks Bowls Circle is staging a taster session in the High Street on Friday, 24 April.

For more information call Steve Smith on 07918 076017 or email woodsmith@blueyonder.co.uk Golfers are catered for with a range of facilities across the Borough. The more energetic can

enjoy BMX and skate parks and there are basketball courts for those who want to shoot a few hoops.

People who would like to take part in exercise sessions at the end of the pier are being treated to Get Fit on the Pier sessions between 1pm and 3pm every Wednesday from 15 April to 6 May. A both-ways walk will cost just £1, with a walk and ride on the train priced at £3.80 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Around 500 people are expected to show how it’s done when they put their best feet forward during the Great Pier Walk on Sunday, 29 March BIG INVESTMENT: some of the exciting new equipment in the children’s play – an annual charity event organised by area at Shoebury Park. the Rotary Club of Leigh-on-Sea. Regular walking sessions are also available through the Southend Walk This Way Scheme Zumba, boxercise and pilates. For more – for more information contact Scheme details, visit www.activesouthend.com Coordinator Angela Andrews-King on Running Sisters is a six-week course staged 07771 926932.

Special events being laid on this spring include in Chalkwell Park for women aged 16 and over who take little or no physical activity. free Active Women sessions for those aged 22 It’s delivered by female instructors and if you and above. Taking place at venues across the want to find out about the next course email Borough, activities on offer include badminton,

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

getactive@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215612.

An exciting series of activities is planned for children during the Easter holidays courtesy of The Biz programme. These will go ahead at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Chase Sports and Fitness Centre and Shoeburyness Leisure Centre. Daycare provision is also available. To guarantee a place, book by calling 01702 215011.

The newly-launched ActiveSouthend website carries a wealth of information about activities all over the Borough and keep-fit ideas for people of all ages and abilities. To find out more, visit www.activesouthend.com

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FROM LEFT: Police Sergeant Ian Hughes and Simon Ford, the Council’s Group Manager for Community Safety, with a Purple Flag and the borough’s Purple Flag Award with members of the Street Rangers Team and local business owners.

New signs tell the very long story of Southend Pier

PURPLE FLAG – IT’S THE GOLD STANDARD S

outhend has been awarded Purple Flag status for a further two years in recognition of its safe and well-managed night-time economy.

Accreditation from the Association of Town Centre Management came after officials

from the organisation carried out an inspection at the end of last year.

The Council’s Simon Ford, Group Manager for Community Safety, said: “We and our partners are delighted that we’ve retained our Purple Flag status.

It is the gold standard for

night-time destinations and entertainment areas and demonstrates how much work we’ve done and how much we’ve achieved since we were first accredited to raise standards of safety and cleanliness in the town for our visitors still further.”

Norman Lamb MP, Minister of State for Care and Support(at rear), meets members of Southend’s Single Point of Referral (SPoR) service during his visit to Southend’s Pioneer team.

Minister praises innovative work NORMAN Lamb MP, Minister of State for Care and Support has praised the innovative work of health and social care staff during a visit to Southend.

As a Government-appointed Pioneer area, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and NHS Southend Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are working with health partners and the voluntary sector to develop better ways of delivering services and improving methods of working together.

This means residents will receive the right care,

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in the right place and help support the work under way to reduce pressure on the hospital.

Mr Lamb said:“It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm of health and social care staff and hear about how they are working together to make changes that have a real impact on improving services for local people.”

One aspect of this work involves data sharing between health providers and we are looking for patients in the area to help us develop this project. If you would be interested in taking part, please contact sccg.communications@nhs.net

SOUTHEND’S iconic pier has found a new way to shout about its recordbreaking status as the longest structure of its kind.

Special signs have just been installed, announcing that the town’s renowned international landmark is the world’s longest pleasure pier.

At 1.34 miles long the pier is a magnet for visitors who can enjoy the bracing sea air as they walk to the end and back. Those feeling less enegetic can make the trip by train.

Councillor Graham Longley, Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, said:“Our precious pier is an incredible asset to the town and a major visitor attraction, so we wanted to make sure everyone knew the details of just how amazing and unique it is.

“We are constantly reviewing ways to keep the pier in the limelight and the idea of adding these signs came after a chance conversation with some American visitors.

“They had attended an opera performance in the Royal Pavilion and when I spoke to them afterwards, they were surprised to find nothing eye-catching telling people they were setting foot on the world’s longest pleasure pier.

“This seemed a vital omission and we have now rectified the matter with the new signs at the pier entrance.”

Cllr Longley said the pier continued to thrive and was becoming ever more popular.

Last year, a record 320,000 people visited the pier – the highest number since the fire in 2005.

He added:“We have lined up a wide range of extra attractions to bring these crowds and more flocking back this year.”

Attractions planned on the pier include the Spring Festival of Folk and Ale on 21 and 22 March and a craft fair on 4-6 April.

Later in the year there will also be more opera, Shakespeare plays and a series of Sunday Showcases featuring up-and-coming local musical talent.

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Anna and Iwona among the stars as borough’s volunteers

WIN RECOGNITION V

olunteers who give up hours of their time to help young people across Southend were honoured at a special awards ceremony.

Some 60 volunteers were at the Civic Centre for the Volunteer Awards evening where 17 were singled out for special praise and received glass trophies recognising their dedication and commitment.

Executive Councillor for Children and

AWARD WINNER: Anna Martin with her baby son Fletcher.

Learning, Councillor Anne Jones said: “This event gave us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital contribution volunteers make to young people in our community.

“It is the second year we have held an awards evening like this and it helps highlight the very real difference volunteers are making to the lives of Southend’s young people.”

REALLY HAPPY: Iwona Kalisz with her daughter, Wioletta, and her Volunteer Award.

SINGLE mum Iwona Kalisz who was presented with an award is one of four volunteers who have gone on to secure jobs with the Council.

Originally from Poland, Iwona, aged 32, moved to Southend with her daughter Wioletta, aged 11, in 2005.

Alongside a job as a waitress, she began volunteering with the Streets Ahead girls group at a youth centre near her home in Shoeburyness.

“The group is for young girls from troubled families who need support to develop their own abilities and

personal skills,” said Iwona.“I really enjoyed it and then last September the Council advertised a job for a community worker. I applied and was really happy when I was offered the role.”

As well as continuing her work with Streets Ahead, Iwona has also set up a support group for Southend’s Roma population and has organised English lessons for some of the Polish community.

She said:“To get the job that I now have and then to win this award is very satisfying.”

All change at Parent Partnership THE new Children and Families Act 2014 which came into force on 1 September changed the way in which children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are supported in school and in the community.

This change is proving a success, with parents given the opportunity to participate fully in the Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) process and decision-making. As part of this process Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Parent Partnership Service changed its name to Information,Advice and Support Services (IASS).

IASS will continue to offer confidential, impartial support and advice to children, young people, parents and carers in relation to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) including information regarding health and social care.

IASS Officer Julie Davis said:“The national charity SCOPE, which works to ensure disabled

people have the same opportunities as everyone else, has been given a contract to deliver Independent Support to young people and their parents.

“SCOPE, IASS and Southend Family Voice are working together to offer support throughout the EHCP process.There’s lots of empathy and cooperation and the views of parents and young people are being listened to much more than before.”

SCOPE Independent Support Coordinator Shelley Johnson said: "One of the key principles of the new legislation is that we should strive to empower parents to make sure they are the people in charge of their situation and to ensure the best possible outcomes for their child."

Full details of services available through IASS can be accessed at Southend’s Information Point and Directory of Services (SHIP) www.southendinfopoint.org

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

ANNA Martin was nominated for an award by Teenage Pregnancy Coordinator Wendy Chen.

Anna turned to Southend-on-Sea Teenage Pregnancy Service for help and advice when she found herself expecting a baby at just 16.

In her own words she “just didn't know what to do” and found dealing with midwives and other health professionals “awkward and embarrassing”.

Anna, now 22, was referred to BUMP – a support group for teenage mums – and after giving birth to her daughter Brook, she continued to attend group meetings, eventually becoming a volunteer support worker herself.

She went on to achieve nine GCSEs and A Levels in sociology, English language and human biology.

“I found BUMP really helpful and supportive at a time when I didn't really have a clue abut what was going on,” said Anna, who now also has a baby son, Fletcher.“After Brook was born I kept going to meetings and now use my experience as a teenage mum to help other girls who find themselves in the same situation.”

Council takes action to improve flood response ACTION is being taken by Southendon-Sea Borough Council to improve its flood response as it administers a Government-run financial relief scheme for affected residents and businesses.

The authority has formed a new flood partnership with Anglian Water and the Environment Agency to better understand the issue.

The Council is responsible for surface-level drains and gullies, while Anglian Water is responsible for underground drainage assets and is to survey its network and invest in resilience measures.

Residents and businesses can take action to help themselves.To access information about a series of preventative measures visit www.southend.gov.uk/flooding

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Fostering and adotion advice will be on offer THE drive to find new families for children in the town continues apace as the Council plans another fostering and adoption information session.

Expert staff will be on hand during the Civic Centre event on 21 July from 5.30-7.30pm to offer advice to those considering either option.

The last session attracted up to 15 potential foster parents and adopters with several already going forward to a dedicated adoption workshop to find out more.

Diane Keens, the Council’s Group Manager for Placements and Resources, said:“There is no upper age limit for prospective foster or adoptive parents.

“They can come from all walks of life whatever their race, religion, gender, class, sexuality or disablity and may be married, single, in a stable longterm relationship, divorced, widowed, in employment or unemployed.

“Most importantly, children need to be placed with those who can understand and promote their cultural, religious, physical and emotional needs and be committed to their long-term welfare.”

To find out more, call 01702 212938, email fostering@southend.gov.uk or adoption@southend.gov.uk or visit www.southend.gov.uk

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

CHRIS LANGDON is Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Roll of Honour Outreach Officer. Supported by the HeritageLottery Fund, his job involves researching, interpreting, and archiving the names of those killed in Southend during the First and Second World Wars. He also works with schools and other organisations to engage them in the history of Southend during the Great War. Here he talks about a typical working day...

■ 9am A busy day gets under way with the addition of another name to the WW2 online roll of honour which commemorates servicemen from Southend-onSea who died during the war.

Adding the name is the final piece in a jigsaw which began when a gentleman in his 80s contacted me to say he was concerned that when he died there would be no one left to remember his father who was killed while serving in the RAF in 1940. I was able to trace his father's military records and assure the elderly gentleman that his father's name would live on as part of the WW2 memorial.

■ 11am Over to the Beecroft Gallery to help a group from the University of the Third Age get the most out of the gallery's exhibition of World War One etchings by Percy Smith. Smith was a talented artist who saw service with the Royal Marine Artillery in the Somme Sector in 1916. He produced a series of memorable etchings of the war-ravaged countryside, death and destruction. The U3A group found them very

interesting and asked a lot of thoughtful questions.

■ 12.30pm Back to the museum.

Grab a quick lunch and then prepare items to take out to a local primary school where I'm due to talk to pupils about the Great War. ■ 1.30pm Arrive at the school where a large group of pupils are waiting for me. I tell them about people from Southend who worked at local Red Cross hospitals, munitions works, or served on the front.

The children handle the historic items I have brought with me including helmets, photographs and cap badges.

I watch as their eyes light up and they realise they are actually touching pieces of history. This aspect of my work is hugely rewarding. I get to see children, who sometimes seem to be a bit bored, suddenly

grasp the vital importance of keeping history alive.

■ 3pm Back at the museum. A quick coffee and then on with more research into names for the memorial.

■ 5.30pm I attend the Southend-on-Sea Holocaust Memorial event. It is very moving and includes music, drama and poetry.

At the end, a memorial candle is lit by Holocaust survivor Mr Leslie Kleinman, who lost all but one of his family at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Plans offer cinema, restaurants, homes – and 450 jobs EXCITING plans for the development of a £50m leisure and residential scheme at Seaway car park have been unveiled. The leisure scheme, which totals 136,000 sq ft is expected to create 450 new jobs .

The proposals, which will transform the land near to the seafront at Lucy Road, include a 10-screen cinema, 11 restaurant units and a 99-apartment residential scheme.

A 480-space multi-storey car park is also planned to replace the current 453-space surface parking.

The project was announced after Southend-on-Sea Borough Council agreed contracts with Turnstone Estates to carry out the development.

Turnstone Estates has pre-let the first three units to The Restaurant Group, which operates

16 Outlook SPRING 2015

the Coast to Coast, Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito restaurants.

The cinema operator is due to be named shortly.

Also included in the plans are the site of the former Rossi Ice Cream Factory and Number 29, Herbert Grove, which were purchased by the Council in 2008 to enable future regeneration.

Public consultation on the proposed

A computer generated image showing the planned £50m development at Seaway car park.

development will begin in the spring and, subject to planning, Turnstone Estates hopes to start work on site in late 2015.

Turnstone Estates director,Tim Deacon, said:“The Seaway scheme will finally deliver the cinema and restaurant destination which the

town needs.The site is in a strong location, close to the seafront and the Royals Shopping Centre, and we believe our proposals will enhance the area.

“We are looking forward to working with the Council, local residents, seafront traders, St John’s Church and other key stakeholders over the coming months.”

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More properties in the pipeline as local authority builds

FIRST COUNCIL HOUSE FOR OVER 20 YEARS M ore council houses could be built by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council now tenants are moving into the first one to be constructed in the town since 1989.

The impressive kitchen.

The frontage of the two-storey house.

Homes and Communities Agency space standards as well as Lifetime Homes specification.

Architectural services were provided

by AK Design while the building work was carried out by Kingdom Facilities & Construction with partners Every Council-owned land in Shoeburyness Project Counts. has already been identified as suitable Councillor David Norman, Executive for the development of further Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health affordable housing for Borough residents and planning is now underway. and Housing, said: “We are very pleased to see this project completed and ready It comes after the official opening of a for its tenants. four-bedroomed, two-storey property in “It is a result of a Byron Avenue by the Mayor, review of councilCouncillor Chris Walker. owned land in the Built over five months by Borough as a Essex-based contractors, part of our the property comes with commitment off-street parking and a to provide garden, and meets affordable homes for residents.

“We have used this as a The Mayor, Cllr Chris Walker, cuts pilot scheme so a ribbon to mark the handover we hope it will of the new property be the first of to its tenants. many. We very much need to increase the Borough’s stock of affordable housing.

We are intending to start building more homes on council land in Shoebury later this year. In addition, we are now actively considering further sites for the building of council homes elsewhere in the Borough.

Care and support is changing for the better FROM April 2015 care and support in England will change with the introduction of the new Care Act. Care and support is the term used to describe help for adults with things like washing, dressing, eating, getting out and about and keeping in touch with friends or family.

Many of us will need care and support at some point in our lives, and most people will pay at least something towards the cost of their care.The new national changes are designed to help you plan for the future and put you more in control.

Here are some of the ways the new Care Act will make a difference if you are eligible: ■ For the first time, there will be a national level of care and support needs and this may result in you

being eligible for assistance and make it easier for you to make plans.

■ You will be more in control of decisions that affect you, and of putting together a care plan tailored to your needs.

Your plan will work out how you can do the things that are important to you, with the right level of care and support.

You will also know how much it will cost and how much the council will contribute.

■ You may find that the support you need could be met by something going on in your local community, for example by local charities or other support networks.Your council will be able

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

to put you in touch with the right organisation to support your wellbeing and help you remain independent for longer.The Information, advice and guidance service will be available through the Southend Information Point SHIP: www.Southendinfopoint.org or by contacting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council directly.

■ Deferred payment agreements will enable some people to use the value of their homes to fund care costs. If you are eligible, your council will pay your care home bills and you can delay repaying

the council until you choose to sell your home, or until after your death.

■ If you receive care and support, or you support someone as a carer, you could benefit from the changes.You may be eligible for support, offered as a personal budget, to spend on the things that make caring easier or practical support, like arranging for someone to step in when you need a short break.

To find out more about the changes to care and support in England and how you might benefit, visit www.southend.gov.uk/careact or call Southend-on-Sea Borough Council on: 01702 215008 for more information and to get advice about your circumstances.

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Scheme designed to tackle problems by getting

STRONG BOOZE OFF THE SHELF S

hops are being urged to back a scheme to reduce alcohol-related harm in Southend by voluntarily removing cheap, strong booze from their shelves.

Being run by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Essex Police, the idea is to cut the availability of high strength alcohol which is often blamed for health problems, antisocial behaviour and crime.

Two retailers voluntarily removed high-strength alcohol and now display Reducing The Strength stickers in their windows to show that they do not stock beer, lager and cider above 6 per cent alcohol by volume.

Harry Singh, owner of Harpans Express convenience store in Queens Road, said: “Since we voluntarily removed high strength alcohol from our shelves, we haven't seen a dip in trade. However we have seen a reduction in alcoholfuelled antisocial behaviour in the area of our premises which has benefited both customers and staff.”

The initiative forms part of the Southend-on-Sea Public Health Responsibility Deal involving a range of Borough organisations who have pledged to take action to

Shop owner Harry Singh checks the strength of alcoholic drinks on sale at his store.

improve the health and wellbeing of their staff and customers.

The Council’s Executive Councillor for Regulatory Services, Councillor Mike Assenheim, said: “Alcohol plays a big part in illhealth, antisocial behavior and crime in Southend. We are working with the other agencies to reduce

the availability of cheap, strong beers and ciders that fuel some of these problems and can cause immense harm to vulnerable people.”

Ian Hughes, the Southend Town Beat Section and Licensing Sergeant for Essex Police, said: “We are working closely with the Borough

Council Licensing Team and local businesses to promote the Reducing The Strength campaign.

“Officers visited Ipswich which has been running this scheme successfully for a number of years and we aim to achieve similar results by reducing alcohol-fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour.”

Quality of life grants on offer FUNDING is still available for Southend residents who need adaptations at home to help them maintain their independence and quality of life.

The Disabled Facilities Grant programme is managed in partnership by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and charity Papworth Trust, which runs the council-funded Home Improvement Agency in the town.

Case workers help when owner occupiers or tenants require items like wet rooms, stairlifts or access ramps.

For more information on how to apply, call Papworth Trust on 01702 804112, the Customer Support Centre on 0300 333654, email homesolutionssouthend@ papworth.org.uk or visit www.papworthtrust.org.uk

18 Outlook SPRING 2015

Mark Kass, Chief Executive of Enterprise4good Limited, inspects the new business units in the Beecroft gallery.

Hothouse nutures new business AFFORDABLE and flexible business space is now available to start ups and entrepreneurs thanks to the £650,000 conversion of two floors at the Beecroft Gallery.

Money from the Government's City Deal has been used to create bespoke small office and workspace in a

business incubation centre where onsite advisors will also be on hand.

Scott Dolling, Southend -on-Sea Borough Council's Head of Service for Economy, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “It's a real hothouse environment for businesses who want to take the next step and grow.

“Terms have been kept really flexible so businesses can hot desk or rent short-term. The idea is to nurture businesses by making sure they’re not tied down to suffocating long-term deals.”

For more information, email economicd@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215022.

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Over 40? Grab a free NHS MOT NEW statistics have shown that more than 28,000 Southendon-Sea residents have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, more than 6,000 are suffering from heart disease and nearly 9,000 have diabetes.

But health and local authority officials believe many more people are living with undiagnosed conditions – and are urging anyone aged from 40-74 to take advantage of free NHS health checks available at their local GP surgeries.

“The NHS Health Check is like a human MOT,” said Alison Springett, Interim Commissioning Manager for Public Health.“Just as a vehicle MOT checks safety every year to avoid and prevent unnecessary accidents in the future, the NHS Health check does exactly the same. It measures risk

Residents aged 40 or above are being urged to go for a free NHS MoT check. factors that cause diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and dementia.

All local GP practices are providing these free checks to eligible patients. People need to be aged 40 – 74 years and not already diagnosed with certain illnesses."

The benefits of having a NHS Health Check are:

■ It’s a standard set of tests that is repeated every five years.

■ All the information about your results will be explained to you.

■ You will not be ‘moaned’ at.

Staff carrying out NHS Health Checks are trained to be supportive and listen to what is important to you.

■ You will learn how to keep your risk of disease as low as possible.

Alison added:“Often there are no symptoms with high blood pressure or high cholesterol and you will feel fine.

“Having these measured on a regular basis and making healthier lifestyle choices will keep you well for longer. The smallest of changes can make a big difference to your health over the long-term.”

To sign-up for an NHS Health Check simply contact your local GP surgery.

Elijah Clancey, 11, and his grandmother Maralyn Clancey, from Shoeburyness, shoot some hoops at a MoreLife session.

Families are on the right course for a

HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE outhend youngsters are being offered the chance to improve their self-confidence, get fit and feel healthier under a free scheme operated

by Southend-on-Sea Borough council.

S

The MoreLife Family Fit Club is designed for children aged 5-16 years who can come along with a parent or guardian for two hours of fun and healthy activities every week.

The aim is to encourage overweight youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle which will help keep them fit and active for the rest of their lives.

More than 20 families are currently taking part in weekly MoreLife Family Fit Club sessions at Southend Tennis and Leisure Centre in Garon Park.

Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator, Deborah Hart, explained: “Parents and children come along to the course each Wednesday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

“We start with an hour on healthy lifestyles, talking about nutrition, sugar swaps, sugar in food

and drink, reducing fat intake – anything to do with getting healthy and staying healthy.

“Then we have a more active hour with lots of activities like dodgeball and football.”

Course participants are also encouraged to do NEAT – non exercise – activities. These include things that don’t necessarily seem like exercise such as hoovering or sweeping up leaves in the garden.

Deborah added: “We engage with children and their parents to make exercise enjoyable. We aim to make them feel good about themselves and gain self-confidence.”

The current 12-week MoreLife course will finish in April, but a new one will start when the schools return after the Easter break.

There is no charge for taking part as all costs are covered by the Southend-on-Sea Public Health Team.

For more information about how to get involved contact Deborah at deborahhartchc@nhs.net or call her on 01702 212838.

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

The sweet and easy way to cut down on sugary food SOUTHEND-ON-SEA’S Public Health Team is supporting a new national Change4Life campaign aimed at encouraging children to consume less sugar in their diets.

The Sugar Swaps initiative is particularly aimed at parents of children aimed 5-11 years who can register to receive free Sugar Swaps packs filled with hints, tips and recipe suggestions designed to help parents cut down the sugary foods and drinks consumed by their children.

Executive Councillor for Community Development, Ian Gilbert, said: "People eat more sugar than they should. That’s a problem because excess sugar means extra calories which causes fat to build up, potentially leading to heart disease, cancer or type 2 diabetes.

"The Sugar Swaps campaign focuses on the ways that parents can help their children to eat less sugar by making simple changes to their diet at key times in the day.

"That’s as simple as swapping a sweet and sugary pud for an apple and a yoghurt, or swapping sugary drinks for lower-fat milk, water or sugar free drinks."

Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator, Deborah Hart said the scheme recognised the problems that parents face on a daily basis when it comes to limiting the amount of sugar their children eat and drink – issues like picky eating or pester power.

She added: "There is also the challenge that food labels are bewildering and many mums have no idea how much sugar they and their family really consume."

For more information on the campaign and to get the free Sugar Swaps pack – which includes money-off vouchers to help cut the cost of cutting down on sugary foods – go to sugarswaps.change4life.co.uk and sign up.

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What’s On Sea ■ 23 April

LUNCHTIME CURATOR'S TALK

CONTACT DETAILS

Beecroft Art Gallery, 12.30pm - 1pm The London Shipwreck Projectwith Luisa Hagele, Assistant Curator of Archaeology Drop-in event. £2.00

■ Southend Events www.southend.gov.uk/events www.visitsouthend.co.uk

■ 28 April

■ Southend Museums www.southendmuseums.co.uk or call 01702 434449 For Southchurch Hall please call 01702 467671

A LOCAL AUTHOR'S DAY The Forum 10am – 4pm There is a rich diversity of literary talent in Southend. Ann Duggans-Robson will introduce local authors to the public and signal the start of the children’s book and museum trail around Southend. Free

■ Plaza Centre Tel: 01702 215011 www.southend.gov.uk/concerts

■ 14 – 17 May

TALL SHIP – MERCEDES

■ The Forum Southend-on-Sea www.theforumsouthend.co.uk

■ 20 March

MATT DICKINSON: BOBBY MOORE, THE MAN IN FULL The Forum, Mercury Theatre, 7pm-9pm .

Matt Dickinson is Chief Football Correspondent for The Times.‘Bobby Moore:The Man In Full’will tell the story of an Essex boy who became the patron saint of English football.

Tickets £7.00 (£6.00 concessions).

■ 26 March

LUNCHTIME CURATOR'S TALK

Volunteers work on artefects recovered from The London, a 17th century ship which sank in the Thames Estuary. series of photographs document the project which is set to continue in summer 2015. Free.

■ 15 April

■ 31 March – 02 April

Southend Pier, Royal Pavilion 1pm – 3pm.

Prittlewell Priory – 10am to 3pm Come along to Prittlewell Priory for this family fun event! Discover craft activities with an Easter theme. £3 per child.

■ 17 April

EASTER CRAFTS

ACTIVE PIER FIT

SOUTHEND CONCERT SERIES

Southend Pier, Royal Pavilion. 10am – 4pm.

8pm –O Duo – Percussion Duo – Music by Albeniz, Bach, Chopin, Prokofiev, all performed on a wide range of tuned and unturned percussion instruments.

■ 28 March – 27 June

■ 6 April

■ 18 April – 27 June

LUKE MAIR’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LONDON SHIPWRECK PROJECT

SOUTHEND SHAKEDOWN Ace Café, Southend Seafront.

Beecroft Art Gallery Luke Mair was the volunteer photographer for this exciting project which saw the archaeological excavation of the London, a 17th century shipwreck in the Thames Estuary. His

■ 11 April – 27 June

Beecroft Art Gallery, 12.30 - 13.00 A Tour of the Winter Warmers costume exhibition with Ciara Phipps, Assistant Curator of Social History. Drop-in event. £2.00.

■ 4 April – 6 April

SPRING CRAFT FAIR

MARK BRADFORD ESTUARY PAINTINGS Beecroft Art Gallery Large and striking images of ships and the Estuary. Free.

ALAN HOCKETT PINHOLE CAMERA IMAGES OF THE ESTUARY Beecroft Art Gallery The pinhole camera technique used by the artist gives these images of the Estuary a uniquely atmospheric and mysterious edge. Free.

Southend Pier. 11am to 2pm & 3pm to 6pm Sailing ship Mercedes is offering a chance to set sail from Southend Pier. Cruises are three hours long.The vessel is designed for day cruises with crew at your service.

Pre-booking essential.Bookings not taken on day. £35 – Adults, £20/Children (3-14 years)/Family (2 adults/2children) - £100 ■ 15 May

SOUTHEND CONCERT SERIES 8pm – Craig Ogden – Guitar – Music by Scarlatti, Bach,John McCabe and much more performed by this outstanding international solo performer.

■ 21-25 May

SOUTHEND FILM FESTIVAL Park Inn Palace See www.southendfilmfestival.com ■ 27- 29 May

THE ROMANS Southend Central Museum,Victoria Avenue – 11am to 3pm Join our team at Central Museum for Roman themed activities and crafts. £3 per child ■ 7 June

ISLAND TO ISLAND MUD RUN Old Leigh 19.30am

■ 10 June

PUCCINI’S LA BOHEME The Forum Big Screen from 6.30pm Grand opera screened live from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Free event– bring a chair and a picnic.

Two major operas and a ballet will be screened live from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (pictured), to the Forum Big Screen.

■ 14 June

SOUTHEND HALF MARATHON

Opera and ballet on the big screen LOVERS of opera and ballet can enjoy live screenings from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on The Forum Big Screen in Elmer Square, Southend,during June.

There will be three screenings, each starting in the early evening from 6.30pm onwards:

■ Wed 10 June – Puccini’s La Boheme ■ Fri 3 July – Mozart’s Don Giovanni ■ Tue 22 September – Prokofiev’s romantic ballet Romeo and Juliet Admission to all three events – part of Southend Festival – is free. Bring a chair and a picnic.

Shoeburyness Start time tbc ■ 19 June

SOUTHEND CONCERT SERIES 8pm – 4 Girls 4 Harps – Music by Ravel, Rachmaninov, Piazolla, Shostakovitch and more from this unique combination of 4 harpists.

■ 25-28 June LEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL Various times and location across Leigh-on-Sea www.leighfolkfestival.com

■ 3 July

MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI The Forum Big Screen from 6.30pm Grand opera screened live from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Free event– bring a chair and a picnic.

■ 4 – 5 July

MOONLIGHT COLOURTHON Chalkwell Park, 3pm – 3am

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A GUIDE TO KEY SPRING EVENTS IN SOUTHEND

BANDSTAND HIGHLIGHTS AND ALL THAT JAZZ...

■ Sun 3 May: Thundersley Brass Band ■ Sun 10 May: Daisy Bowlers – a WW1 themed afternoon of music ■ Sun 17 May: Pat English Band ■ Sun 24 May: Southend Jazz Co-operative ■ Bank Holiday Mon 25 May: Harmonie Concert Band ■ Sun 31 May: Avanti ■ Sat 6 June: Famous Potatoes ■ Sun 7 June: Little Theatre Company ■ Sat 13 June: Tilbury Brass Academy ■ Sun 14 June: Funky Voices ■ Sat 20 June: Essex Concert Band ■ Sun 21 June: D’Ukes – Ukulele Band ■ Sat 27 June: Hadleigh Salvation Army Band ■ Sun 28 June: Brentwood UrsulineConvent High School Swing Band ■ Sat 4 July: Southend Vox ■ Sun 5 July: Tilbury Brass ■ Sat 11 July: Westcliff High School for Girls ■ Sun 12 July: Butler/Crawford – Guitar and Vocal Duo ■ Sat 18 July: Chelmsford Silver Band

SOUTHEND Bandstand will resound with streams of melodies performed by a wide range of musicians, bands and groups this summer.

The Bandstand, situated in Priory Park, will host concerts every weekend from May to September, with a special Easter Sunday concert performed by the Southend Band on 5th April.

Every Sunday in May and every Saturday and Sunday from June until August – plus Sundays in September – there’s a chance to hear jazz, big bands, choirs, brass bands and much more between 3–5pm.

All the concerts are free and anyone is welcome to come along. Some seating is provided and there is limited parking.

More information from www.southend.gov.uk/bandstand

COUNCIL DIARY

■ 10 July – 11

■ 1-2 August

METAL – VILLAGE GREEN THE NEXT GENERATION

PUPPET FESTIVAL

Chalkwell Park, 10am – 10pm Start time tbc ■ 19 July

LONDON TO SOUTHEND BIKE RIDE Priory Park, 7am – 5.30pm ■ 14 June

SOUTHEND HALF MARATHON Shoeburyness Start time tbc

■ Sun 19 July: Chernenko Jazz ■ Sat 25 July: (tbc) ■ Sun 26 July: Kickstart ■ Sat 1 August: Interplay ■ Sun 2 August: John Seeley’s Jazz and Saxophone Group ■ Sat 8 August: Graham Hunter Cool Jazz Quartet ■ Sun 9 August: Da Management (50s, 60s, 70s group) ■ Sat 15 August: Rayleigh Brass ■ Sun 16 August: Bryan Williamson Big Band ■ Sat 22 August: DG Quartet featuring Sharon Scott ■ Sun 23 August: Digby Fairweather – Jazz Trumpet ■ Sat 29 August: Saxology ■ Sun 30 August: Melvin Beddow Big Band ■ Bank Holiday Mon 31 August: Just John – Solo singer raising funds for Southend Hospital ■ Sun 6 September: Becontree Brass ■ Sun 13 September: tbc ■ Sun 20 September: Harlow Concert Band ■ Sun 27 September: Fidelio Singers

Various locations around the Pier. 11-4pm ■ 2 Aug

LEIGH MARITIME FESTIVAL Leigh-on-Sea, 11am – 4pm

■ 22 Sept

PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO AND JULIET

The Forum Big Screen from 6.30pm Majestic ballet screened live from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Free event– bring a chair and a picnic.

■ Place and Scrutiny: Monday 13 April, 6.30pm ■ People Scrutiny: Tuesday 14 April, 6.30pm ■ Development Control: Wednesday 15 April, 2pm ■ Housing Working Party: Tuesday 21 April, 6pm ■ Full Council: Thursday 23 April, 3.30pm ■ Full Council: Thursday 14 May, 6.30pm

■ Full Council: Thursday 21 May, 6.30pm 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 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 Maureen Butler (Con) Cllr Lesley Salter (Con)

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

Cllr Floyd Waterworth (UKIP)

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

33 The Fairway, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4QN Tel: 01702 212867 cllrbutler@southend.gov.uk

24 Surbiton Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4NS Tel: 01702 611669 cllrcourtenay@southend.gov.uk

50a Eastwood Rise, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5BT Tel: 01702 212892 cllrwaterworth@southend.gov.uk

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

CHALKWELL WARD

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

EASTWOOD PARK WARD

Cllr Nigel Folkard (Con)

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

Cllr Trevor Byford (Con)

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

25 Hayes Barton, Southend -on-Sea SS1 3TS Tel: 01702 582828 cllrfolkard@southend.gov.uk

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

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

KURSAAL WARD

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

LEIGH WARD

Cllr Lawrence Davies (UKIP) Cllr Anne Jones (Lab)

Cllr Judy McMahon (Lab)

Cllr Alan Crystall (LD)

Cllr Carole Mulroney (LD) Cllr Peter Wexham (LD)

13 Beresford Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TW Tel: 01702 212889 cllrdavies@southend.gov.uk

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

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

83 Southsea Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2BH Tel: 01702 212890 cllrmulroney@southend.gov.uk

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

MILTON WARD

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

PRITTLEWELL WARD

Cllr Jonathan Garston (Con) Cllr Cheryl Nevin (Lab)

Cllr Julian Ware-Lane (Lab)

Cllr Mary Betson (LD)

Cllr Tino Callaghan (UKIP) Cllr Ric Morgan (Ind)

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

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

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

13 Robert Leonard Ind, Stock Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5GD Tel: 07866 888588 cllrcallaghan@southend.gov.uk

143 Flemming Crescent, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4HT Tel: 01702 212879 cllrnevin@southend.gov.uk

22 Outlook SPRING 2015

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

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SHOEBURYNESS WARD

SOUTHCHURCH WARD

Cllr Mike Assenheim (Ind) Cllr Anne Chalk (Ind)

Cllr Nick Ward (Ind)

Cllr David Garston (Con)

Cllr Ann Holland (Con)

Cllr Derek Kenyon (Ind)

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

189 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3AA Tel: 07768 131793 cllrward@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

25 Ladram Road, Thorpe Bay SS1 3PX Tel: 01702 582017 cllrkenyon@southend.gov.uk

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

ST LAURENCE WARD

ST LUKES WARD

Cllr Lee Burling (UKIP)

Cllr Mark Flewitt (Con)

Cllr Adam Jones (Con)

Cllr Brian Ayling (Ind)

Cllr Caroline Endersby (Ind) Cllr Paul Van Looy (Ind)

17 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6XG Tel: 01702 212899 cllrburling@southend.gov.uk

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

23 Mucking Hall Road, Barling Magna SS3 0NH Tel: 01702 219912 cllrjones@southend.gov.uk

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

491 Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5PL Tel: 01702 212882 cllrendersby@southend.gov.uk

THORPE WARD

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

VICTORIA WARD

Cllr Mike Stafford (Ind)

Cllr Martin Terry (Ind)

Cllr Ron Woodley (Ind)

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

Cllr David Norman (Lab)

85 Maplin Way, Thorpe Bay, SS1 3NL Tel: 01702 297648 cllrstafford@southend.gov.uk

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

132 Central Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4DZ Tel: 01702 339765 cllrgilbert@southend.gov.uk

WEST SHOEBURY WARD

Cllr Fay Evans (Con)

Cllr John Lamb (Con)

Cllr Georgina Phillips (Con)

Cllr Liz Day (Con)

Cllr Derek Jarvis (Con)

Cllr James Moyies (UKIP)

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

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

63 Marine Parade, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NQ Tel: 01702 480634 cllrphillips@southend.gov.uk

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

Flat 1, Gunnery House, 2 Chapel Road, The Garrison, Shoeburyness SS3 9SL Tel: 01702 292744 cllrjarvis@southend.gov.uk

9 Malsmead, Shoeburyness SS3 8AZ Tel: 01702 212880 cllrmoyies@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Cabinet

WESTBOROUGH WARD

Cllr Kevin Robinson (Lab) Cllr Michael Royston (Lab) Cllr Dr Vel (Ind) 93 Brightwell Avenue Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9EG Tel: 07528 606279 cllrkrobinson@southend.gov.uk

321 Westbourne Grove, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0PU Tel: 07975 704346 cllrroyston@southed.gov.uk

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

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

■ Ron Woodley (Leader) ■ Ian Gilbert (Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Community Development) ■ Graham Longley (Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development) ■ Martin Terry (Public Protection, Waste and Transport) ■ Mike Assenheim (Regulatory Control) ■ Anne Jones (Children and Learning) ■ David Norman (Adult Social Care, Health and Housing) SPRING 2015 Outlook

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New map highlights great routes as cyclists are urged to

BE SEEN AND BE SAFE

TER BAX

GENERATION-spanning ■ Wear something cyclists from children to bright so you can their grandparents are be seen easily, being urged to Be reflective Safe and Be Seen as clothing Cycle Southend for nightpromotes safety time and alongside its new consider ring road map. wearing a Showing just helmet. how easy it is to ■ Do a get around the regular bike town centre on check. Fit two wheels, the your bike with map (below) reflectors, highlights lights and interesting on- and a bell. off-road routes, ■ Stay central on Keen cyclists Linda and shared paths and narrow roads, away Fred Ockwell always make cycle parking. from parked cars sure they cycle safely.

And to make the most of and well back it, tips have been issued to from HGVs. cyclists on how they can keep safe, ■ Make eye contact with drivers to while motorists are also being asked to be make sure they have seen you. vigilant and extra aware of other road users.

CIVIC ■ Avoid slippery manhole covers and road Safety is always a concern so have a look at markings.

CENTRE these handy tips to keep yourself safe while ■ Use appropriate hand signals. out on your bike: ■ Never use phones or music players while riding.

0 A116 TON ROAD NG RTI HA

PARK LN

WILSON ROAD

ARD

WESTERN ESPLANDE

LUCY RO AD MARINE PARADE

RD ALBERT

CLIFF LIFT

CHURCH ROAD PIER HILL

GR

CLIFFTOWN

ROYAL TERR

ST LEON

ROYAL MEWS

THE ROYALS

HERBERT

ALEXANDRA ROAD

TE AVE HEYGA

TRAVEL CENTRE

KILWO

YORK ROAD

YORK AVE

A1160

D CE ROA CLAREN EWS NELSON M

CE ST CLAREN

ND PORTLAE AV

HILLCREST ROAD

ER ST CA NS N LA GD

HASTINGS RD

E BALTIC AV

QUEBEC AVE

RD WESTON

CLIFFTOWN AVENUE

TYRREL DR

ROAD EGATE

SOUTHEND CENTRAL

CAMBRIDGE ROAD

PORTER

WHIT

ACH APPRO

HAMLET ROAD D A TON RO SCRAT

AY QUEENSW

ROAD

THE FORUM

BOSC

SOUTHCHURCH

WARRIOR SQ IOR SQ WARR

Cycle ring road on road Cycle ring road off road/shared path

TER CAS LAN GDNS

RT HR OA D

ESSEX ST

ESSEX ST

CHICHESTER

STREET

AVE ELMER D R ROA NAPIE

OAD N R GORDO ROAD NHAM ASBUR

ES PRINC

TREET PARK S

ERR CT EWS WS

PARK ROAD

AVENUE ROAD

ELMER

‘SS ROAD GEE ROAD

S QUEEN

ROAD

REET COLEMAN ST

SOUTHCHURCH RD

LONDON ROAD

WIMBORNE

ROAD GUILDFORD

SWAY QUEEN

QUEENSWAY

OAD SWANAGE R

AD ST ANN’S RO

SOUTHEND VICTORIA

TERR PARK

For a copy of the map or to learn about subsidised training sessions with professional cycling instructors, contact Cycle Southend on 01702 215338 or visit www.cyclesouthend.co.uk To buy a new or recycled bike, contact Comfy Saddle on 01702 340864 or at www.comfysaddle.co.uk

SUTTON ROAD

MILTON ST

7 A12

UE

GOVT OFFICES

AD ON RO LOND

Motorists should: ■ Look out for cyclists at junctions.

■ Be extra vigilant when opening doors.

■ Give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking.

AD MALDON RO

N AVE

NORTH ROAD

NUE AVE TON BOS

A E SWEYNE AV

■ Always stop at red lights.

■ Always stay focused and pay attention.

■ Keep off the pavement – only cycle on pavements that have this sign, left, or you may incur a fine.

■ Be respectful of other users, particularly when on shared paths. Keep your speed low and use your bell when overtaking.

■ Consider some training with one of our qualified Instructors.

■ Cycling is not permitted where you see this sign, right.

Routes out of the Town Centre High Street where cycles must be walked Routes in out of the High Street University College School Hospital Post Office Library Railway tracks Railway with station and cycle parking Toucan crossing Footbridge / underpass One way street Cycle parking Bike friendly cafés Building of historical interest Pocket Park

AMUSEMENT PARK

24 Outlook SPRING 2015