25th November 2024

Masts: update following council meeting with applicants

The council has provided an update following its meeting last Friday with Northumbrian Water and Connnexin. The following is an extract from its report to Southend councillors:

"As you know a meeting took place today (Friday 22 November) between Southend ICT, Infrastructure and Northumbrian Water/ Essex & Suffolk Water and Connexin to find a way collaborative forward, following the negative public response to the submission of a planning application for masts to be installed in SS0 postcode areas. The proposed masts would be to support the installation of smart water meters as part of a project by Essex & Suffolk Water. 

The two-hour meeting went well, and the overall outcome is an agreement to find a solution that works for everyone, including residents, with masts as a last resort. Next steps were agreed, most importantly, the agreement to share information and technical data about the existing LoRaWAN network and gateways within the City to make sure the existing system can withstand the additional demand. "

CWRA has also received a response from our MP, David Burton-Sampson, as follows:

"Thank you for contacting me about this on behalf of the Chalkwell Ward Residents Association. I have spoken to the leader of the council who has confirmed that these plans are now halted. This was a private scheme, not something that the council was pursuing. However, I am very much opposed to these poles being erected as they are obtrusive and unnecessary. 

Please rest assured I will continue to take an interest in this matter and will share any further developments as they arise."

21st November 2024

Connexion masts update

We have received notification that a meeting will take place tomorrow, Friday,  22nd November, between the council and other parties involved. An update will be provided following the meeting. 

____________________________________________

We have also received today the following message from Connexin in response to our letter of representation to them last week:

Good afternoon Jane and the Chalkwell Ward Residents Association,
 
Thank you for contacting Connexin with your concerns following the planning notifications which have been made for potential telecoms pole locations in your area.
 
We are currently installing communications equipment to support Internet of Things applications across the UK, including in Southend-on-Sea. The data transmission units, called gateways, can be attached to a combination of existing streetlights and new telegraph poles, where required, to enable data from smart meters to be transferred between households and service providers. The Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) technology we install uses lower frequencies than most mobile phone signals and requires low power. In this case we are supporting Essex & Suffolk Water with their Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) network coverage. Essex & Suffolk Water is owned by Northumbrian Water Group.
 
Connexin prefers to work with local authorities to install the wireless gateways required using existing streetlights. Where streetlights are not available to enable the coverage, or if a council does not grant a wayleave to enable this, new telegraph poles are required to enable transmission of the signal. Connexin always seeks to minimise the use of poles where it can. Our planning notification in Southend is a precautionary one to allow for additional poles where we anticipate that there may be gaps in the coverage provided by the council network, or where we are not granted a wayleave to access Council assets. We continue to work with Southend City Council to try and ensure actual poling is kept to the minimum.
 
We will update you and provide further information on our specific plans once we have reached a conclusion on next steps in discussion with Southend City Council and Essex & Suffolk Water. This is part of a national programme which is being driven by Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, which has strict targets for the delivery of smart water meters and for the quality of coverage of the networks that support them.
 
Thank you again for contacting us.
 
We will provide you with further updates as soon as we can.
 
Sincerely,
Amber Dearlove
Community Engagement Officer
Connexin

19th November 2024

Police warning: E-Scooters are illegal - do not buy one this Christmas!

Local police are warning residents against buying e-scooters as Christmas presents. They are circulating the following letter which explains why:

"I am PC 71979 Woodley attached to Southend Police Stations Community Policing Team and I am writing to you to try to save yourself a lot of money and distress. E-Scooters and similar electric vehiclePolices are a common sight on our streets these days. The appeal cannot be denied, they are cheap to run and get you about quickly and efficiently and are easily stored, truth be told if the circumstances were different, I would have one!

Unfortunately, despite their appeal they are currently illegal in the UK!

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 they are classed as a motor vehicle just like a car and as a result they require 3rd party insurance, which you cannot get! Then there is Road Tax and MOT where you have the same problem! Not to mention you would require a full driver’s licence to ride one on your own.

This means that by using one, or allowing someone else to use yours, on a road or in a public place you are committing several road traffic offences which could mean fines and points on your licence (if you are old enough to have one). It will also mean that the E-Scooter would be seized for no insurance. It would be taken to a vehicle depot where it will remain because the only way it can be retrieved is if you produce a certificate of 3rd party insurance which, as stated above, you cannot get!

You will have lost all the money spent on the E – Scooter on top of everything else.

I would also ask you to consider the safety issues with them. Yes, they have a brake and some even have decent lights but that’s it. There is no training in road safety, operation or requirement to wear protective equipment. I am sure we have all seen people shooting across roads without looking, weaving in and out of traffic on roads and people on public footpaths. There HAVE been injuries, some quite serious with both riders and public being injured. Do you want a visit to A&E for Christmas for yourself or a loved one?!

There are also some people out there that will tell you that I am wrong and that you can use them off road, or in the park, or on the pavement, or if it has a certain power rating its fine or you can get insurance.

ALL UNTRUE! The only way that you can use one of these is on PRIVATE LAND. So, if you own a nice large piece of land or have a farmer friend who will let you use theirs then have at it, but I advise wearing some safety equipment.

There are some E-Scooter schemes put in place in some areas such as Basildon and Chelmsford where you can hire an E-Scooter that has been maintained and insured by the local council. This is currently the only way that they can be ridden in a public place, but the scheme does not exist in Southend.

With Christmas around the corner an E-Scooter could well be on your Christmas list for yourself or a loved one. They are sold online and in various shops and they should be informing you of the restrictions of use, but this is often in the very fine print and often missed. Please reconsider this item as a Christmas gift! Essex Police are clamping down on these items and it will be seized if found being used incorrectly.

Thank you for your time, Merry Christmas!"

PC 71979 Stewart Woodley

Southend Town Policing

18th November 2024

CWRA sends letter of objection to masts to Connexin CEO

Further to our last post on 15th November,  below is the text of the letter sent via email today to Farqan Alamgir, CEO of Connexin, on behalf of Chalkwell Ward Residents Association:

Proposed erection of smart technology masts in Westcliff-on-Sea

31 Cranley Road – (planning ref: 24/01739/ROT)

21 First Avenue (ref: 24/01738/ROT)

78 Crowstone Road (ref: 24/01732/ROT)

63 Chalkwell Avenue (ref: 24/01726/ROT)

25 Leasway (ref: 24/01725/ROT)

10 Hillway (ref: 24/01722/ROT)

25 Esplanade Gardens (ref: 24/01716/ROT)

24 Meteor Road (ref: 4/01714/ROT)

23 Cobham Road (ref: 24/01786/ROT)

I am writing on behalf of Chalkwell Ward Residents Association (CWRA). CWRA is the residents’ association for the Chalkwell Ward of Southend City Council, to which the above applications relate.

Following a packed meeting of our Association last week, we wish to express residents’ strong objection regarding these proposed smart technology masts, which we understand are an element in a wider series of proposals across the city

Our objection is on the following grounds:

1. The proposed masts are unnecessary since Southend Council has its own existing smart technology network that could be used for the intended purpose

2. The design is unsightly, with an adverse impact on the street scene of residential streets

3. The choice of locations is poor and inconsiderate

4. It appears that little research has been carried out into the health implications of this type of mast

5. Property values will be affected

We urge you to work with Southend City Council to find an alternative solution to meet your needs, which we understand currently exists within the town.

Yours sincerely

Jane Hendry

Secretary, Chalkwell Ward Residents Association

E-mail: ChalkwellSecretary@outlook.com

c.c. david.burtonsampson.mp@parliament.uk (MP for Southend West & Leigh); bayo.alaba.mp@parliament.uk (MP for Southend East & Rochford); cllrjamescourtenay@southend.gov.uk;  cllrNigelFolkard@southend.gov.uk, cllrStephenHabermel@southend.gov.uk (Chalkwell Ward councillors) cllrlydiahyde@southend.gov.uk (Southend Council portfolio holder for Climate, Environment & Waste); Susanbradley@southend.gov.uk (PA to Southend City Council Chief Executive);

15th November 2024

Telecomms masts plans for Chalkwell

Those who attended the last CWRA meeting on Wednesday evening this week will be aware of the plans for the erection of eight telecomms masts to serve smart technology applications within Chalkwell Ward - part of a wider planned roll out through out the town at the instigation of Northumbrian Water - and of the widespread consternation and dismay they have caused.

We have just received via Cllr Courtenay the following update from the Council:

“We met with Northumbrian Water today (14th Nov).  They have agreed that collaboration and partnering is a preferred option and we will meet again next week to explore a twin track approach :  exploring how Connexin could use our IOT network or alternatively use the licensing model to use street light posts.  In the interim Northumbrian have agreed that they will instruct Connexin to pause all mast erection across Southend.”

While this is welcome news, we intend to continue with our planned objections (for more information, see below) until the situation has been definitively resolved, and have today sent out a press release to the Echo and Leigh-on-Sea News. with copies to both Southend MPs.

For those who were not present at Wednesday’s meeting, the plans, which were only published last Friday, were for the erection of eight 12-metre masts at the following locations (among others in the town):

31 Cranley Road – (planning ref: 24/01739/ROT)

21 First Avenue (ref: 24/01738/ROT)

78 Crowstone Road (ref: 24/01732/ROT)

63 Chalkwell Avenue (ref: 24/01726/ROT)

25 Leasway (ref: 24/01725/ROT)

10 Hillway (ref: 24/01722/ROT)

25 Esplanade Gardens (ref: 24/01716/ROT)

24 Meteor Road (ref: 4/01714/ROT)

A dedicated Facebook page – Southend Mast Objection Group -  has been created for communicating about the masts, and you are invited to sign up. 

Objections:

As the decision lies in the hands of Connexin, the applicant, you should send any objections to them. We are currently trying to obtain contact details for their CEO, and once we have obtained these, we will provide a template letter for members to adapt and use when making an objection. We will also post key information here on our website and on our own Facebook group, Chalkwell Ward Residents Association.

You can also send in an objection to the council. You can do this via the Planning Portal on the council website at:

https://www.publicaccess.southend.gov.uk/online-applications/

You will need to submit a separate objection for each one.

Alternatively you can send an email to the Planning Registration Team: planningregistrationteam@southend.gov.uk

The bigger noise we make, the more likely a successful outcome…

We will keep members up-to-date with any further developments as they happen.

8th August 2024 

Update from Essex Police

A message from Chief Inspector Jo Collins:

"Police officers, special constables and police staff have worked tirelessly both in greater Essex and across the UK to reassure all our communities and to keep people and property safe from harm. I am writing to you to inform you that overnight (Wednesday 7th to Thursday 8th August) there was no disorder in our county.

There was a single, moderate and peaceful gathering in Westcliff. Following engagement with our officers, all attendees left the area. You can read more about this here: Essex: Update on reports of planned disorder | Essex Police

Currently we are operating as business as usual and officers are out and about in Southend District attending incidents and catching criminals with the safety of the public at the heart of everything we do.

I would also like to reassure you that there is zero complacency. My teams are still monitoring carefully both intelligence and sentiment so that we are ready to deal with any eventuality. As you would expect, I as the District Commander am in regular contact with local advisory groups, Councillors and the businesses and residents.

I would be grateful if could continue to help us minimise the spread of disinformation by encouraging all those in your organisation and in our communities to turn to the official Essex Police channels Latest news | Essex Police  and to base their decisions on what they see and hear from us rather than from the hundreds of rumour-mongers and malign or misinformed individuals who spread undue concern so rapidly in recent days. I believe that if we strengthen our communication, whether in person or online, we will make our county an even safer place to live and work.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your support in the last week, which is truly appreciated by myself and my colleagues."

29th August 2023

On 19th August, we celebrated 50 years since the foundation of Chalkwell Ward Residents Association with a lunchtime event in Chalkwell Park that focused on the history of both the Association and Chalkwell itself. The event was attended by the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Stephen Habermel and his wife, Tracy, the Mayoress. 

Several people gave generously of their time and skills to help put together a wonderful snapshot of Chalkwell through the years. Local genealogist Kate Sansom researched and wrote for us an illustrated booklet on the history of Chalkwell, Simon Deacon, local surveyor and collector of historic local photographs gave a slideshow and video producer Chris Izod put together a specially commissioned video recording the memories of longstanding Chalkwell residents of their time living here.

We also put on a display of local historic photographs and historic press cuttings, as well as mounted boards recording brief written memories of growing up in Chalkwell, while further thanks go to the SS9 Bakery of Leigh-on-Sea for the beautiful cake they created for the occasion, and to Bite Delight Canapes of Southend for the beautiful and tasty canapes.

Pictures below, all courtesy of John Hendry:

19th July 2023

Community safety survey - have your say

Essex Police is asking Southend residents to take part in a new survey designed to help gain a picture on crime and anti-social behaviour in Essex and identify priorities to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in our area.

This is the first time a single online survey is available for Essex and it will allow residents to not only respond about where they live, but also where they work or study in Essex, helping to create a complete countywide overview.

The survey covers all types of crime, including burglary, theft, fly tipping and anti-social behaviour, and the information gathered will be used to help councils and Essex Police identify what the priorities should be for each area.

To take part, visit: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/community_safety_survey_2023

The survey is open until 20 August 2023.

7th February 2023

Coronation event… 

Let’s bring Chalkwell ward residents together on Sunday, 7th May

to celebrate the Coronation.

Picnic in the park / on the beach / on the green - venue to be decided.

Chalkwell Ward Residents Association is keen to organise an event, but we need your help!

We’d love to hear from anyone in the ward who would be willing to help with organisation and

who has ideas to contribute.

Please get in touch by Friday 17th February.

Call or message:

Sally - 07568 178754

Angus - 07522 133667

And please leave your name, and phone/email

7th February 2023

Litter pick

We are again been invited to take part in a litter pick with St Saviour’s Church.

This will take place on Thursday, 9th March, and volunteers are asked to meet at the Church (corner of Kings Road and Chadwick Road) at 9:30am. The session will cover roads within our ward, and will run for approximately one hour, returning to the church for a cup of coffee at 10:45am.

There’s no need to book – just turn up on the day. All litter-picking equipment will be provided.

8th September 2022

The passing of an era

CWRA offers its condolences to the Royal family.

________________________________________________________-

HM Queen Elizabeth II

1926-2022

A lifetime of service

Rest in peace

__________________________________________

24th May 2022

Crowstone Bridge: shining a light on years of darkness...

CWRA members and local residents gathered on Crowstone Bridge, along with Chalkwell councillor, James Courtenay, to highlight the long-running saga of the lightbulb that has needed replacing for more than three years. The fact that Network Rail owns the land where the control box is sited, while the council is responsible for maintenance of the lighting has led to stalemate. We have been supporting our ward councillors in lobbying the responsible bodies for action. We will not give up until the light has been replaced.

16th May 2022

New deputy mayor is Chalkwell councillor

Chalkwell Ward Residents Association congratulates Cllr Stephen Habermel on his inauguration as Deputy Mayor of Southend-on-Sea.

Stephen, who has been a ward councillor for Chalkwell since 2007, was elected deputy to the new Mayor of Southend, Kevin Robinson, at a ceremony at the Civic Centre last week.

We wish him all the best for the year ahead.

9th December 2021

CWRA takes part in Southend Against Hatred event

Cllr Stephen Habermel (pictured right, above) represented Chalkwell Ward Residents Association at an event to express the town’s togetherness in response to the death of our MP, Sir David Amess. Stephen joined with representatives from community, faith, business and other local groups at Hands Together: Southend Against Hatred, and signed a banner on our behalf. As a permanent reminder, the banner will be found a permanent home within Chalkwell .

18th November 2021

Invitation to join St Saviour’s litter pick

St Saviour’s Church (corner of Kings Road and Chadwick Road, Westcliff) is organising another litter pick on Saturday, 27th November.

It will take place from 10am until 12 midday, and anyone who is interested in taking part should meet outside the church before the start time. Equipment will be provided.

Those aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and those aged 17 and 18 should have written permission from an adult.

17th November 2021

New Director for Metal in Southend

Chalkwell Ward Residents Association welcomes Andrea Cunningham as the new Director of Metal in Southend, and wishes her every success in the role.

Metal, the arts organisation based at Chalkwell Hall, supports artists of all artforms across the region to develop their creative practice, and develops ideas for new cultural experiences to expand pride of place and unlock creative potential within our communities. Its events have included Village Green and Estuary 21 among others.

Cunningham brings a range of creative skills and expertise to the post from many years of working in museums, galleries and the cultural sector, particularly around working with children and young people. Formally Head of Learning & Skills at the V&A Museum of Childhood, she has a passion for inspiring young people around the potential of creativity.

15th October 2021

Sir David Amess, MP

Following the shocking death of Sir David Amess, our MP for nearly 25 years, we send our thoughts and condolences to his family and close associates. He worked tirelessly for the town and its residents throughout that time, and his passion and energy will be greatly missed.

23rd September 2021

Litter pick: Thursday, 7th October

Help keep our ward tidy and join Chalkwell Ward Residents Association and St Saviour’s Church in a litter pick on Thursday, 7th October from 11:00am until 1:00pm.

Meet: 10:30am at the church (corner of Kings Road and Chadwick Road). Tea/coffee will be available.

All welcome. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

All equipment will be provided.

If you are planning to take part, it would be helpful for planning if you would send an email to chalkwellsecretary@outlook.com.

See you there!

10th September 2021

CWRA celebrates local charitable organisations

Chalkwell Ward Residents Association held its first in-person meeting since February 2020 last night, and kicked off by celebrating the work of three very valuable local charitable organisations.

Chalkwell Lifeguards, Packed With Smiles* and Southend Foodbank’s Westcliff distribution centre based at St Saviour’s Church in Kings Road, Westcliff, were each presented with a £250 donation for the furtherance of their work by association vice-chair, Cllr Stephen Habermel.

Receiving the donation on behalf of Chalkwell Lifeguards was Tony Martin, accompanied by four of the group’s volunteers.

The foodbank donation was accepted by Southend Foodbank manager, Natasha Copus, accompanied by Westcliff centre volunteer, Jenny Wright.

Packed With Smiles’ donation was presented to trustee, Faith Horsley.

Cllr Habermel commented: “Chalkwell Ward Residents Association is delighted to be able to make a contribution to the work of three such amazing organisations that work within our own local area.” 

9th September 2021

Summer fete to raise money for refugee family

Leigh Road Baptist Church is hosting a summer fete on Saturday, 11th September from 2pm-5pm. Funds raised will be used to help welcome a refugee family to Southend.

Primary and emergency care community information session

SAVS, in conjunction with Southend Borough Council and Southend Clinical Commissioning Group, will be hosting an online information session on Thursday, 23rd September, from 18:00-19:00 hours.

The session will include updates from across local health departments, including GP practices, Southend Hospital and other frontline health services, with input from Tricia D’Orsi, Alliance Director, South East Essex and Samantha Goldberg, Emergency Care Systems Director at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. There will also be the opportunity for attendees to ask questions and feed back their thoughts and experiences. All are welcome to attend.

New Southend local plan – give your input

Southend Borough Council is seeking views on how the Borough should grow and develop over the next 20 years to meet local needs.

For information about the latest proposals and how to comment, please visit: How to contact us and give your views | Southend Local Plan

There will also be the chance to find out more through a series of public meetings. Those most local to Chalkwell will take place at:

Leigh Community Centre        Thursday, 16th September  5-7pm

Leigh Library Gardens         Friday, 17th September 1-4pm

Hamlet Court Road

In Harmony Festival             Sunday, 19th September      11am-3pm

Southend town centre,

outside The Forum                  Wednesday, 13th October 11:30am-2:30pm

In addition, you can complete a number of different surveys on various aspects of the plan.

The consultation closes at 5pm on 26th October 2021. 

12th August 2021

Climate Sunday event

A Climate Sunday event will take place on Sunday, 5th September at St Saviour’s Church, corner of Kings Road and Chadwick Road, Westcliff. This will begin with a service from 10-11am and will continue until 1pm with stalls (outside, weather permitting) with activities and information about sustainability. Refreshments will be available. 

All are welcome to attend either or both parts of the event.

19th May 2021

Healthwatch Southend needs you!

Healthwatch Southend has asked us to publicise it search for volunteers to join its Advisory Group. as below:

• “ Do you care about health and social care services for the residents of Southend?

• Do you want to use your experience to help make a difference?

• Can you spare some time to volunteer with us?

"We are the independent voice of the people of Southend who use health and care services. We work to make sure that your views and experiences – good and not so good – help the NHS and Social Services improve the care you, your families and friends receive.

"We are recruiting volunteers to join Healthwatch Southend to make sure the voice of local people is heard. Health and care services are changing rapidly at the moment, not least because of coronavirus, so it’s really important to find out what local residents think and get this built in to the plans of the NHS and Council.

"We have opportunities for volunteers to join our Advisory Group. You will help identify those areas where we should undertake more work to gather local views, join the staff team to talk to local groups or communities about their experience and make sure our plans are carried out effectively.

"We would love to hear from people who have experience of health and care, or whose skills can be used in our work. We are particularly keen to hear from those groups whose voices don’t often get heard – younger people, people with disabilities or those from different ethnic backgrounds. If you have a background in media/digital, community engagement work or planning and reviewing services in other sectors, we would love to hear from you. You might just want to offer a layperson’s view as a local resident!

"In return, we can offer the chance to give something back to your community. We offer training and you will gain skills and experience, which could help with your next challenge.”

To find out more, contact info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk

Website: www.healthwatchsouthend.co.uk

17th May 2021

Weald Park Country Show – this week

This year’s Weald Country Show, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 22nd and 23rd May near Brentwood, will feature a range of new attractions.

Open on both days from 10am until 5pm, it will include a new Motorbike display and attraction area. Meanwhile, in the main area, there will be demonstrations including Barrel Racing, courtesy of the UK Barrell Racing Team, Dog and Duck Shows, falconry and a festival of cars. Cookery demonstrations will take place in the foodmarket area, featuring Italian chef Claudio Boncoletto and others.

Music lovers will also be catered for in the music area, with five bands, including an Abba tribute band.

Rural Crafters will be demonstrating their crafts as well as selling them.

For children, there will be Classisauras, a T-Rex Dinosaur who will be joined by his storm trooper friends at the show this year. Other attractions for children will include Punch and Judy, Gemma’s Petting Farm, and various rides.

There will be a Living History Village, with the chance to try your luck with Living History Archery, and there will also be plenty of opportunity for shopping at an array of different stands.  

Venue: Weald Country Park, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5QS

Runs from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 22nd May and Sunday 23rd May

For ticket info. Visit www.wealdcountryshow.co.uk. You are encouraged to book online in advance.

The show will follow Covid guidelines.

23rd April 2021

Further chance to hear from local election candidate

Following our hustings for Chalkwell Ward election candidates, held on 21st April, the Women’s Equality Party informs us that it is holding weekly live events to give residents the chance to connect with its candidates. Anyone is free to watch and/or participate, and there will be the opportunity to ask question of our Chalkwell candidate, Katie Cohen, at each one. The next event will be held on Sunday, 25th April at 4pm, when Katie will be on Instagram Live at www.instagram.com/southessexwep alongside the party’s branch leader, Vinice Cowell, chatting about the party’s policies in South Essex.

16th April 2021

Council election candidates for Chalkwell

All five candidates standing for Chalkwell Ward in the forthcoming elections to Southend Council have now confirmed their attendance at our hustings. This will take place next Wednesday, 21st April at 7:30pm via Zoom. To attend this event, please email chalkwellresidents@gmail.com. During the Q&A, priority will be given to questions from members received in advance, followed by members' questions on the night.

Each candidate has also provided a brief statement for us:

Katie Cohen (Women’s Equality Party)

I am a local parent who depends on our community services, a Governor at a Leigh primary school, and a regular volunteer for Southend HARP, so I see first-hand how politics impacts people’s lives. I am standing to provide a bold new voice and perspective as we build back better post-Covid, because I believe equality is better for everyone.

Local party’s website: www.womensequality.org.uk/south_essex

James Courtenay (Conservative)

An experienced community campaigner, former councillor, Executive Councillor for Children & Learning and Deputy Leader of Southend Council. As your councillor I would: prevent and campaign against the over-development of our community, fight for more police officers for Southend to reduce crime & antisocial behaviour and campaign for affordable parking charges to support our local businesses. Having lived in Chalkwell for 25 years I’m genuinely excited at the prospect of representing the community in which I grew up.”

Local party’s website: https://www.southendwestconservatives.com

Christopher Hind (Liberal Democrat)

Chris Hind (Liberal Democrat) grew up in Southend. He moved back to Leigh and then Chalkwell over 10 years ago in order to bring up his own children. Chris would like to represent Chalkwell on the Council so that the Liberal Democrat group can continue to build on the success of the administration over the past two years, including the tree planting programme and the record road and pavement repairs.

Local party’s website: https://southendlibdems.org.uk

Sorraiya Nawaz (Labour)

Chalkwell born-and-raised, I attended Westcliff High and live opposite the park; naturally I'm eager to preserve this vibrant part of town while tackling areas of concern to you in the council chamber. My community values have inspired me to take action in Southend, such as maintaining our green spaces, speaking for local audiences on discrimination, and performing for Mencap. I appreciate this chance to continue serving our town, making each and every voice in Chalkwell count.

Local party’s website: https://www.southendlabour.com

James Vessey-Miller (Green)

James Vessey-Miller is the Green Party’s candidate for Chalkwell ward. Whilst also being a local publican, he is actively engaged in many charitable initiatives and community arts organisations, also previously working as the Vice-Chair of Southend Pride. James has been a long-standing and vocal campaigner for social justice, better town planning, and transparent government in Southend, and currently chairs the local Green Party branch.

Local party’s website: https://southeastessex.greenparty.org.uk

15th April 2021

Link to official Covid-19 related information for Southend-on-Sea

Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS) has issued a booklet putting together various types of information relating to Covid-19. Please see below for a link to this:

https://savs-southend.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FINAL-BOOKLET.pdf

5th March 2021

Southend parking charge changes

As part of its budget for 2021/22, Southend Council has implemented a number of changes to parking charges within the town.

 The town has now been divided into four parking zones, to which differing charges will apply. While zone 1a (seafront) charges will range from £2.50 for one hour to £18 for up to 10 hours, those in zone 2 (eg Civic Centre or Elm Road) are from £1 to £10. Charging hours for all zones will be 8am-6pm.

 At the same time, from 1st April, the council is introducing a new Southend Pass. Costing £8.50 per month, this will allow three hours parking every day in each of the borough’s four zones, and will be available to residents and non-residents alike. The council points out that, if used daily, this works out at less than 30p per day, or £2.12 if used just four times per month. The Pass will be available via the MOBON app on mobile phones, or you can contact 01702 215003 for information about other means of payment.

 For further information about zones and charges, please see: Car Park Parking Charges from 1st April 2021 – Car Park and On-Street Parking Charges from 1st April 2021 – Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

14th December 2020

Season’s greetings and big thank you from CWRA to all key workers

As we approach the festive season, and the end of a long, difficult and even dangerous year, CWRA would like to send seasons greetings along with a big thank-you to all the key workers who have put in such a huge effort both to keep us all safe and to provide continuity of services in 2020.

11th December 2020

Essex Police launches live chat facility and local newsletter

Every day between the hours of 7am and 11pm you can now report non-emergency crime or provide information to Essex Police, via a new live chat facility available on its website at https://www.essex.police.uk You will find the chat button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

In another new community initiative, Essex Police has launched a series of local newsletters. To sign up to Southend Spotlight and get regular news on community policing in our area, go to: Newsletter Signup - Essex Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner (pfcc.police.uk)

1st December 2020 

Have your say on paying for policing and fire & rescue services in Essex

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, is once more seeking the views of Essex residents on our priorities and whether we would be prepared to pay more for greater investment in these services.

Given the difficult financial times, he acknowledges that any plans to increase council tax must be considered very carefully, and that is why he is reaching out to residents for our views. The results of the survey will be used to inform plans for the 2021/2022 policing and fire & rescue services budget for the county.

The Band D Council Tax for policing in Essex for 2020/21 is £198.63 per year. For fire and rescue services it is £73.89 for a Band D property.

To contribute online to the survey, go to: Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Precept Survey 2020 (limequery.com)

For other ways of contributing, please either call 01245 291600, and leave full contact details so you can be called back, or email pfcc@essex.police.uk.

The survey will close at midnight on Sunday, 20th December.

1st December 2020

 Dog controls: your views wanted

Southend Council is seeking the views of residents on dog control restrictions in public areas.

The previous Dog Control Orders expired in October and the council intends to carry out a full review to determine if a further order is needed. Questions it wishes to address are whether any changes are needed; should there be any change to the areas that have been included, should any of the previous restrictions be lifted and whether there are any additional disruptive behaviours that were not previously included?

If you have views on any of this, then please respond to the consultation by the deadline of 7th December. You can find it at: Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) - Dog Control | Your say Southend

1st December 2020

Conservation areas consultation

 Southend Council has also opened a new consultation on the borough’s 14 conservation areas, with the stated aim to ensure they remain up-to-date and relevant.

In Chalkwell, there is just one conservation area at present, which consists of numbers 30-35 The Leas and Crowstone House (nursing home), on the esplanade.

If you have views you would like to share on this subject, you can complete the online survey any time between now and Friday, 22nd January 2021. Please follow the link below:

Conservation Area Appraisals Consultation | Your say Southend

You will need to register to take part in both surveys.

Covid-19 track and trace changes in Southend

Local councils have been given a new, enhanced role in the Covid-19 track and trace system.

 From this week, Southend council, along with others countrywide, have been give access to the national data, and will take over all local contact tracing after the first 32 hours in the national trace system.

 This means that Southend Council officers will have the task of knocking on the doors of people who have tested positive for the virus, but who have not yet been contacted by the national system. A dedicated 20-person team of current council employees will be based in Southend to carry out this role, which will also involve reminding infected people of the need to self-isolate for 10 days after testing positive, whether or not they are showing symptoms.

 Until now, local authorities have played a limited role, focusing on outbreaks in schools, care homes and businesses, and it is hoped that this change will improve the effectiveness of the system and so help protect the community.

 ▪ Further information on this topic will be provided at our meeting on 11th November, when, Southend’s Director of Public Health, Krishna Ramkhelawon will be our speaker  - see Events.

22nd September 2020

Your views on waste & recycling services

Veolia, Southend's recycling, waste and street-cleansing contractor, is asking the public to take part in a short customer satisfaction survey to let them know what you think of the services you receive.

Feedback will be used to help improve local services, and the results will be published later in 2020. 

Fill in the survey by following the link below:

https://www.veolia.co.uk/southend/about-us/news/waste-survey-live-and-we-want-hear-your-views 

17th September 2020

Get reliable information on Covid-19 related matters

Chalkwell Residents Association has been chosen to take part in Southend Council’s community engagement and information relating to its Test, Trace, Contain and Enable plan for dealing with Covid-19 at local level.

 SAVS will be sending out regular information to participating groups and organisations to ensure that members of the public have access to reliable, factual information, supplied by official sources, and we will be publishing this via our website and member newsletters.

 Please do check our website regularly for updates. You can also find information from Southend Council and the Government by following the links below:

 https://www.southend.gov.uk/homepage/438/coronavirus-advice-and-support

 https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

14th September 2020

The new 'rule of six': message from Southend’s Director of Public Health

The following message has been issued by Southend Borough Council:

The Prime Minister has announced new rules on how people can socialise amidst rising cases of coronavirus across the country. The new rules mean that from Monday 14 September, the number of people allowed to meet socially, both indoors and outdoors, is now a maximum of six, from multiple households.

The rules apply at home, in restaurants, public spaces, indoors, parks or outdoor spaces. Anyone ignoring the “rule of six” runs the risk of prosecution and a £100 fine.

Even with gatherings of six or fewer, the advice is to still remain two metres (three paces) apart wherever possible. If this is not possible, people should take other steps to protect themselves and others, such as wearing a face covering or facing away from others not in your household.

There are exceptions to this rule where groups of more than six people will be allowed. These include:

• When a household is more than six (although you will not be able to meet with anyone else)

• When a support bubble is more than six (although you will not be able to meet with anyone else)

• Gatherings for work or education purposes

• Weddings and funerals. Under existing guidance up to 30 people are able to attend (depending on the capacity of the venue)

• Team sports organised in a way limiting the spread of coronavirus

Face coverings will remain compulsory on public transport and in shops.

COVID-secure venues can hold more than six people but no one group can be larger than six unless they all live together (or are in the same support bubble). Venues must take people’s contact details for contact tracing and could be fined if they fail to maintain COVID-security. Plans to allow larger audiences in venues are being reviewed.

With these measures the Prime Minister said schools and workplaces would be able to remain open and colleges to welcome students back this month. But if an outbreak occurs in a college they are asked to isolate the students at the college, not send them home.

As well as only meeting in groups of six or below, we must all keep doing the basics – please keep at least two metres from others, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering when in enclosed or crowded spaces, please self-isolate if you have symptoms and book a test as soon as possible by calling 119.

Please take care and stay safe,

Krishna Ramkhelawon

For trusted information, please visit: www.southend.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you need help and have no family or support locally please call our helpline on 01702 212497. 

25th June 2020

 Council 's new anti-litter campaign

Southend Council has launched a new anti-litter campaign reminding residents and visitors of their responsibility to dispose of litter appropriately, and to take their rubbish home if they see a bin is full.

The campaign includes various messages around taking your rubbish home if you see a bin that’s full, considering the impact on wildlife and marine species and respecting parks, open spaces and beaches. The messages will be displayed on large boards, bin and floor stickers, social media adverts, banners and posters.

Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “Globally, litter has caused, and continues to cause, devastating damage to our planet. I know that a Council campaign isn’t going to completely solve the problem, but we must impress on everyone the importance of the message and I hope this campaign will help. We must all work together to tackle this problem.

“We are continuing to discuss different ways of reducing the amount of litter and bags left around bins, but it is essential everyone plays their part. We are often pushed to issue fines for people littering, this is not straight forward, but we will take action where possible and it remains a pivotal part of our conversations going forward.

“We will monitor how the campaign goes over the coming weeks, and we hope by using stronger language and reaching a wider audience we will get the message across.

“So please, throw your rubbish in a bin and if the bin is full, take it home.”

For more information around recycling, please visit Southend Council's recycling pages.

23rd June 2020

CWRA meeting dates from September 2020

 As usual, CWRA will take a break during August. Meetings will resume (online, if it is still not possible to meet in person) in September. The following are our meeting dates until July 2021:

9th September 2020

14th October 2020

11th November 2020

9th December 2020

10th February 2021

10th March 2021

21st April 2021 (hustings for local council elections)

12th May 2021 

9th June 2021

14th July 2021

20th June 2020

 Chalkwell crime

 We have received various reports of crime to property within the ward over recent weeks. These include break-ins to sheds and theft of bicycles, as well as damage to cars. Residents are warned to be vigilant and to take sensible measures to protect their property.

29th April 2020

CWRA says thank you to all key workers

CWRA would like to express its own heartfelt thanks to everyone who is putting themselves at risk at this time to provide essential services – not only the doctors, nurses and care workers on the front line, but also the many other, often unsung, workers, including our pharmacists, police and emergency services, supermarket employees, refuse collectors, post men & women, and many others. We are very grateful to you all.

7th April 2020

Community fundraising effort for Southend Hospital

 Southend Hospital has announced a new public appeal for funds to help in the battle against COVID-19. Please see below an announcement from the hospital:

 “Southend Hospital, along with our colleagues at Basildon and Broomfield Hospitals, have launched a new COVID-19 Rapid Response Appeal to raise funds to support our amazing staff during this challenging time.

 The appeal is in place to help provide support wherever the need is greatest. Donations will fund projects such as:

·       Care packages to provide snacks and toiletries for teams as they work intensively to care for patients

·       Wellbeing resources to help alleviate stress for people while working under constant pressure

·       Establishing fully equipped staff rest areas as places for people to take a break during periods of intensive work and ensure they are not too tired to drive home

·       The provision of alternative transport to work such as taxi or a minibus if public transport is not available

·       Care packages for patients including toiletries, puzzle/colouring books and dignity clothing (please note, PPE equipment and ventilators are being procured and distributed centrally and the charity are unable to purchase these items independently at this stage).

 As you know, during this critical time, NHS staff at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend Hospitals are working around the clock to look after patients in their care. We appreciate that our community are fundraising with good intentions and we are grateful for the support, however we are reminding people not to go out to collect food or essential items for our staff; the best thing you can do as a community is to stay home and stay safe. If you wish to help, we ask that donations are directed towards our latest appeal www.justgiving.com/campaign/MSEhelpyourhospital and as a team working alongside our colleagues in the hospital, MSE Hospitals Charity can make sure items of greatest need are purchased and are safely distributed.” 

31st March 2020

The Southend Coronavirus Action (SCA) helpline 

In addition to the support that CWRA is offering to its members at this time, there is also a Southend-wide group that has been set up to help local people who are vulnerable and who do not have friends or family or local support in place at this time. It is available now, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, and is coordinating the delivery of supplies through the help of currently over 400 local people and businesses. This effort is being promoted by Southend Borough Council. To contact the SCA, please call 01702 212497.

6th January 2020

Chalkwell Residents Annual Lunch - places still available

All are welcome to attend our Annual Lunch at The Arlington on Sunday, 26th January.  Come along, meet fellow residents and enjoy an afternoon of good food and wine.

Tickets are priced £25 per person for a three-course meal with choice of starter, main course and dessert. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.  

For a booking form and menu information, please download the form you will find on our Documents page, or contact us for further information. Please don't delay, as we  need to confirm numbers by 17th January. 

6th January 2020

Payment for policing: your views

 Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, is seeking residents’ views on paying for policing in Essex. Do you want more investment in the police service, and would you be willing to pay more council tax to provide it? You can provide feedback via an online survey at: https://essexpfcc.limequery.com/667238?lang=en

Survey closes midnight on Sunday, 12th January.

6th January 2020

SE Essex Organic Gardeners – forthcoming events

 Members of the public are invited to attend the next two events organised by SE Essex Organic Gardeners.

 The first of these will take place at 8pm on Monday 20 January at Growing Together Westcliff, 47 Fairfax Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9AG (corner of Fairfax Drive and Prittlewell Chase – please use Prittlewell Chase entrance). All are welcome – charge for non-members is £2. Darren Lerigo will present: 'A Very British Garden' and will explore the subjects of pruning, carbon capture, weed control, planting, food growing and the effect of gardening on the British landscape.

https://modernmint.co.uk/british-garden-new-garden-talk-2019/

The second is its Seed Potato Day from 10am-2pm on Saturday 8th February. This is a community partnership event between SE Essex Organic Gardeners, Southend in Transition and local charity Trust Links. Location: As above. Admission is free.

Over 40 varieties of seed potato (some organic) have been ordered, to be sold individually at 20p per tuber (1 free tuber for every 5 bought). Some onion sets for sale.

Further information via its website at: http://seeog.org.uk/ 

25th November 2019

General election hustings for Southend West

A hustings for candidates standing for Southend West in the forthcoming general election has been arranged by Leigh Road Baptist Church in Marguerite Drive, Leigh-on-Sea.

The event will take place on Wednesday 4th December, with doors opening at 7:30pm for a 7:45pm start.

Three of the four candidates – Sir David Amess (Conservative); Aston Line (Labour) and Nina Stimson (Liberal Democrat) will take part.

The organisers are requesting questions in advance for the candidates, and invite these to be emailed, by midday on Monday 2nd December, to office@lrbc.org.uk, with Hustings Question as the subject line.

8th October 2019

South East Essex Organic Gardeners would love you to join them at their next meeting at 8pm on Monday 18 November at Growing Together Westcliff, 

47 Fairfax Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9AG (corner of Fairfax Drive and Prittlewell Chase). Please use the entrance in Prittlewell Chase. Cost to non-members £2. 

They are using one of the allotment plots at Southend East Allotment Society site to create a community plot where local residents can come occasionally or regularly to learn new growing skills; interact with each other and nature; save some money by taking some organic produce home and then maybe start growing at home or take on their own plot when they have the confidence. More information at:

https://sitcommunityallotment.wordpress.com/

16th May 2019

Cheap parking in central Southend

 Following discussion of the high cost of central Southend parking charges with Cllr Courtenay at our March meeting, we have been provided with a list of locations where parking is available for less than the standard £1.90 for 2 hours, as follows:

 £1.10 for one hour:

Short Street (101 spaces)

Tyler’s Avenue & York Road (340 spaces)

Seaway (630 spaces) 

Royals (400 spaces)

 £1.00 for one hour:

Sainsbury’s, London Road (340 spaces)

 £0.90 for one hour:

Victoria Shopping Centre (670 spaces)

 £0.20 for half hour or £0.50 for one hour:

North Road (14 spaces)

Pitman’s (12 spaces)

£0.90 for one hour:

Luker Road (Britannia Parking)

£1.70 for one hour:

Southend Central Station (NCP, 138 spaces)

 Half and single hour parking is also available in on-street bays in the following streets within the town centre area:

 Alexandra Road, Alexandra Street, Baltic Avenue, Cambridge Road, Capel Terrace, Cashiobury Terrace, Clarence Road, Clifton Terrace, Devereaux Road, Gordon Road London Road, Nelson Street, Prittlewell Square, Queen’s Road, Royal Terrace, Runwell Terrace, Southchurch Road, Warrior Square, Weston Road, Victoria Avenue, Whitegate Road, York Road.

9th May 2019

Council elections: Chalkwell bucks the trend

 On a night when the Conservative Party lost eight seats on Southend Council overall, our sitting Chalkwell councillor, Stephen Habermel, was re-elected by a margin of 271 votes. He achieved just over 38% of the vote, ahead of Labour candidate, Aston Line. The turnout for the ward was just over 35%. The full results for Chalkwell were as follows:

Stephen Habermel        Conservative                    38.3%

Aston Line                          Labour                                  27.6%

Jill Allen-King                   Liberal Democrat            12.6%

Andy Crow                        Independent                       12.0%

Nathaniel Love               Green                                      7.8%

Vinice Cowell                   Women’s Equality          0.1%

 Following the elections, the Conservative Party has lost overall control of the council. The number of seats now held by each party is:

Conservative                    20

Labour                              14

Independent                    12

Liberal Democrat              5

Below: CWRA chair, Lucy Courtenay with Chalkwell ward election candidates at our hustings, April 2019

Photo by Gaz de Vere, all rights reserved.

12th April 2019 - updated 23rd April

Chalkwell candidates for Southend Council

 In the forthcoming elections to Southend Council on Thursday, 2nd May, six candidates have been nominated to stand for Chalkwell Ward. 

 All have been invited to take part in our hustings on 24th April, and all have either accepted to attend personally or to send a representative. In alphabetical order, the candidates are:

 Jill Allen-King, OBE (Liberal Democrat), has lived in Westcliff for 56 years. An active campaigner, she started the Southend branch of the National Federation of the Blind in 1974, and was a founder member of the Southend Access Committee. She worked with the Department for Transport for 20 years, initiating tactile paving for pedestrian crossings and low-floor buses. For 15 years she chaired the European Blind Union on Mobility and Guide Dogs. A trustee of Research Institute for Disabled Consumers for 15 years, she produced a tape magazine for blind people. With her experience of sitting on government committees and working locally on groups for older people, she would like to represent the residents of Chalkwell on the council.

 Vinice Cowell (Women’s Equality Party): no information received from this candidate at time of writing. Information on the policies of the Women’s Equality Party is available at: https://www.womensequality.org.uk/

 Andy Crow (Independent) grew up in Southend and has lived in the ward for over a decade. He stood for Chalkwell in the 2016 and 2018 local elections, coming second. After over 30 years working in the City, he now runs his own business locally. He has been chair of Southend Samaritans and continues to support this and other local charities. He feels that local issues – such as speeding, parking, road maintenance and rubbish-dumping – are not party-political, and strongly believes that all candidates should live in the ward they represent to fully understand the day-to-day issues.

 Stephen Habermel (Conservative), a publisher who has lived in Chalkwell Ward for over 40 years, is one of our sitting councillors, attending our meetings since his election in 2007 and actively participating in the Association. He says it has been a great privilege to represent the residents of Chalkwell and that there is still much he would like to do as a councillor, including continuing to promote a cleaner and safer Ward and campaigning against over-development.

Aston Line (Labour) is a local business manager, born and raised in Leigh-on-Sea. He is a community campaigner involved in Safe Southend, a campaign for increased police funding in the town, and the Save Southend NHS campaign to protect local health services. He is also a fundraiser for Cancer Research UK, and a member of SERA, an environmental campaign association. If elected, Aston pledges to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, to oppose further cuts to local NHS services, and to work with both residents and small businesses to find innovative solutions to our everyday problems, including parking.

 Nathaniel Love (Green): no information received from the candidate at time of writing. Information on the policies of the Green Party is available on its website at: 

https://southeastessex.greenparty.org.uk/

New waste bin for Chalkwell Avenue

We are informed that a new waste bin is to be installed in Chalkwell Avenue at a site about half-way between Imperial Avenue and the London Road. This is thanks to efforts by the Veolia Customer Liaison Group, which had raised concerns about the amount of fast-food litter in the area.