All are welcome to attend.
Sat 14th June, 17:30

We’re meeting at Trust Links Westcliff for our legendary vegan BBQ! Come and meet the Southend Green team, grab some great food, and enjoy!

Our volunteer chefs will be cooking up a delicious plant-based BBQ, with all the sides and delightful desserts!

This event is BYOB and Pay What You Can Afford, with all proceeds benefiting the Green Party in South East Essex.

The post Big Summer Social appeared first on South East Essex.

The Green Group had submitted an amendment to ensure that this land would never be built on, but was rejected.

Cllr Richard Longstaff, Green Group Leader said;

Nationally, the Green Party strongly opposes to building on metropolitan greenbelt land, which exists for a reason to prevent urban sprawl, protect nature and support mental and physical wellbeing through access to green spaces.

We’re also against administrative impropriety, where council is bypassed by any administration and council officers in making applications to government without full council debate. We’ve already voted against this as a council. I said very clearly last year how local government is based on democratic principles. This, again, doesn’t feel very democratic. Our residents deserve better. Bournes Green lightly serves as a valuable, ecological and community resource. Once built on its environmental and social value, cannot be recovered.

Alternatives exist. Southend, like many other urban areas, has underutilised brownfield sites, empty homes, and outdated commercial buildings that can be repurposed as repurposed or refitted as we seeing on on a yearly basis as the population grows. Prioritising urban regeneration and retrofitting high quality infill housing aligns with sustainable planning principles.

This type of proposal should be mastermind by planning and urban design professionals, not politicians and council officers. Southend is a peninsula of land the size of Manhattan. Is constrained on the north by greenbelt and at the south by history. It’s fairly unique. It is not Cambridge, Chelmsford or Colchester. It can’t expand in all directions. It needs a joined up masterplan to deal with sustainable growth.

Climate commitments in developing greenbelt land is inconsistent with local and national planning policy and environmental goals. Such development represents urban sprawl, which increases car dependency, harms biodiversity, releases stored carbon from soils and vegetation. It also risks food security for communities in the event of a food supply chain issue have we’ve seen recently, in recent years. In times of continued instability, with 55% of our food imported, we as a council, need to think very carefully about our development plans and future food security. This land is agricultural land.

Affordable housing shouldn’t be a Trojan horse. While housing needs is urgent, particularly for genuinely affordable homes, developers often use this argument to justify building executive homes on greenbelt land that represents urban sprawl and creates car dependency.

You can’t build infrastructure on a constrained city like Southend. Moving people through cities is what makes cities function. We can’t build an M11 to London. This is not the way to plan sustainable development. We believe we should be focusing on community led housing, co-operatives and council led affordable homes in existing urban areas instead. This needs a joined up approach with a more robust, forward thinking plan for growth.

Cllr Stuart Allen added;

I speak tonight not just as a councillor, but as someone who cares deeply about the future of our communities and our environment. Let me be clear: the Green Party had no part in the decisions around Bournes Green. We were elected in 2023. We weren’t in the cabinet. We didn’t vote for this and we won’t defend it.

What we have done is consistently oppose building on green-belt land. Bournes Green is not brownfield. It’s agricultural land, a vital green buffer between Southend and Rochford. Now we face plans for up to 10,000 homes. Let’s be honest, this motion has more to do with political point-scoring than protecting the land. And residents deserve better.

This kind of development risks turning Southend into a featureless sprawl. We’ve seen it before — unaffordable homes, watered-down social housing, and estates with no shops, no schools, no services. Meanwhile, over a million homes nationwide already have planning permission but haven’t been built. Thousands are empty – including here in Southend. We don’t need to build over our last green spaces to meet Local demand.

With climate change accelerating, land like Bournes Green could help feed our city. Once it’s lost, it’s lost forever. Neither the motion nor the amendment guarantees protection for this land. Had our amendment been accepted, it would have.

But I ask this chamber: stand for green spaces. Stand for smarter, fairer development.

Let’s build a Southend worth living in – not just for now, but for the future.

— ENDS —

The post Green Councillors stand up against the proposed Bournes Green Development appeared first on South East Essex.

The Green Party in Southend has spoken out firmly against proposals to build on Bournes Green and surrounding green spaces, warning that the plans threaten both the environment and the character of local communities.

The proposals, which would see up to 10,000 homes built on land classed as ‘very good quality’, have been criticised for encouraging urban sprawl and risking the merger of Southend with neighbouring Rochford into a single, sprawling mega-city.

Green Party Councillor, Richard Longstaff said:

“We absolutely recognise the need for new housing, but it must be in the right place. Building over what should be productive agricultural land and precious green spaces is not the answer. There are over one million empty homes across the country and another million plots with planning permission already granted. We should be putting that land and those homes to use first.”

The Party is calling for housing developments to prioritise brownfield sites close to existing public transport links, and to be planned alongside vital services such as shops, cafés, doctors’ surgeries and schools – rather than simply sprawling into open countryside without adequate provisions.

Bournes Green, the Greens argue, offers far more value to the community and future generations as protected agricultural land and open space, particularly as climate change threatens food security.

“Local food production will become increasingly critical. Concreting over land like Bournes Green undermines our ability to feed ourselves in the future,” Cllr Stuart Allen added.

The Green Party is urging Southend residents to oppose the proposals and support a smarter, more sustainable approach to housing and community planning.

– ENDS –

Bournes Green in Southend-on-Sea is classified as Grade 2 agricultural land, indicating it is of very good quality and suitable for a wide range of crops. This classification is based on a detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey conducted by Natural England, which assessed approximately 78.3 hectares of land at Bournes Green. The survey found that the area is predominantly in arable agricultural use, with the majority of the land under winter cereals at the time of assessment. ​

The post Green Party Opposes Development on Bournes Green: Calls for Smarter Housing Solutions appeared first on South East Essex.

Green Party campaigner AJ Sutherland has criticised the Southend Council’s handling of reports of damaged street infrastructure, arguing that essential repairs are being ignored despite clear signs of damage.

AJ reported a leaning bus stop sign on Marine Parade in Leigh – tilted at an 11-degree angle – as well as a road sign on Tattersall Gardens that has been twisted 80 degrees in the wrong direction. Both did ‘did not meet the necessary requirements’ under the council’s current criteria. “These signs are visibly damaged and need fixing,” AJ said. 

“Either the contractor isn’t doing its job, or the council is deliberately cutting corners to save money – all while residents face a 4.99% increase in council tax in April.”

“It’s hard to take pride in a city where basic infrastructure is falling apart,” he added.

Local councillor Stuart Allen, who represents Leigh ward, echoed these concerns. “The administration is pushing residents and councillors to report issues on mySouthend, but time-and-time again I receive messages from residents that reports are being dismissed. Pavements falling apart, signage damaged, bollards knocked over – all not meeting the said criteria.”

Building on their ‘Fix or No Fix’ social media campaign – which spotlighted ongoing issues with neglected infrastructure across the city – the Green Party is urging the administration to adopt a more proactive stance on maintenance. They’re also calling for greater accountability in ensuring that damage reported via the mySouthend system is swiftly and effectively resolved.

– ENDS –

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Footpaths in Chalkwell Park, long in a state of disrepair, have been made safe after pressure from Green Party campaigners prompted action from the council. Contractors completed the long-overdue work this week following calls from residents frustrated by the deteriorating conditions.

The push for repairs gained attention earlier this year after an article highlighting the issue prompted further contact from local residents. Several shared stories with Green councillors about being unable to use the park at all – particularly those with mobility issues, for whom the broken and uneven paths had become a serious barrier.

Kay Mitchell, a local Green campaigner, and Councillor Stuart Allen had been pressing the council for months to address the issue. “These paths had been neglected for far too long, creating real hazards for people using the park,” Kay said. “I’m pleased to see the work finally getting done.”

Cllr Allen, who represents the neighbouring Leigh ward, credited persistent pressure from the Greens for securing the repairs. “This is yet another example of Greens working hard together and delivering results – not just in Leigh, but across the wider community,” he said.

Cllr Richard Longstaff, leader of the Green Group added, “Kay’s shown real determination to get things done – not just talking, but delivering real change for the people who use Chalkwell Park and the wider community.”

The Greens continue to push for better upkeep of public spaces, urging the council to ensure parks and footpaths remain safe and well-maintained.

– ENDS –

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A dangerous junction in Leigh has been made safer after the council took action following concerns from residents about drivers traveling the wrong way on North Street.

Reports of repeated incidents prompted Green Councillor Stuart Allen to call for a survey to assess the scale of the problem. The results confirmed the issue, leading to the junction’s reprofiling and the installation of clearer signage to reduce the risk of any accidents.

“It was a serious hazard, particularly with the primary school nearby. When drivers go against the expected flow of traffic, the risk of collisions increases dramatically. I’m grateful to the residents who raised the issue and to the council staff who worked with me to get something done.”

Stuart Allen

The changes are part of a wider effort by the Green Party to make Southend’s roads safer for all.

“Everyone should feel safe on our streets,” added Cllr. Allen. “Our goal is to eliminate accidents and ensure that no one is put at risk simply because of poor road design.”

– ENDS –

The post Safer Streets for Leigh: Green Councillor Secures Junction Improvements appeared first on South East Essex.

Thank you for contacting me about airport expansion and the need for urgent action on tackling the climate crisis. I would also  like to thank you for sharing the fact sheet with me. 

On climate action, I agree with you on the gravity of the situation. Last year was the hottest on record, the first to pass 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average. This should be an alarm call for all of us.

I therefore welcome that since coming to office, the Government has already introduced a world-leading agenda on climate and nature action, making rapid progress and overturning the legacy of the previous Government, which left the country, as the Climate Change Committee confirmed last July, off track to meet our climate goals.

I welcome, for example, the Government’s ambitious mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower – delivering clean power by 2030 and accelerating to net zero across the economy. And I back the crucial steps it has already taken towards getting us back on course, including removing the ban on onshore wind in England, committing over £20 billion for carbon capture, approving solar projects that will be able to power millions of homes, launching Great British Energy and delivering a record-breaking renewables auction. I also support the plans it has set out for increasing the energy efficiency of rented homes to lift up to half a million households out of fuel poverty.

On Heathrow, I understand the concerns that many people have about the expansion of airports and their compatibility with our climate change targets. So I am pleased that the Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals will need to demonstrate they can be delivered in line with our legally binding climate change commitments, as well as meeting strict air quality standards.

I am pleased that progress is already being made in transitioning to greener aviation with the introduction of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate which is now in force. In support of this, the Government will invest £63 million over the next year in the advanced fuels fund, supporting SAF producers across the UK. Ministers have been clear that the Government’s SAF commitments will support thousands of jobs while bringing down our transport emissions.

As for Southend Airport I do not believe there are any plans to expand the current flights operations.  

I believe the benefits to the South-east through the Lower Thames Crossing will be profound. This project is expected to almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London, significantly easing congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improving journey times by up to 46% between Tilbury and Medway. It will also create a more resilient road network, reducing traffic spill over onto local roads and providing a vital new route for freight, connecting South-East ports with manufacturing centres and distribution hubs. Additionally, the project is projected to add up to £40 billion to the UK economy by making journeys quicker, safer, and more reliable. I support my fellow parliamentary peers in the South East with their efforts in progressing the proposed development forward, as it will bring substantial economic and logistical benefits to our region.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue. I can assure you that I will continue to support the strong action that we need on climate change.

The post Response from David Burton-Sampson MP on Heathrow Expansion & Lower Thames Crossing appeared first on South East Essex.

Tricia Cowdrey, a local Green campaigner, is urging the Council to set a clear timeline for the removal of the pedestrian bridge over the Queensway following another recent suicide attempt.

Earlier this year, an off-duty officer intervened to help a woman to safety after she was seen climbing onto the handrail of the disused bridge.

The structure, originally scheduled for removal by the end of 2023, remains in place. Last July, the Council stated that a large crane would be needed to dismantle it, but no further progress has been made.

Despite the bridge being closed, suicide attempts continue, Since 2021, I have supported the campaign to have this bridge removed. Lives have already been lost at this site and it remains a place of high risk, as we have recently seen.

Each loss is a tragedy for families and friends. We must act to protect vulnerable residents. I hope the Leader of the Council, Daniel Cowen, can finally provide a timeframe for its removal.

Tricia Cowdrey

Cllr Richard Longstaff echoed her concerns. “It is incredibly sad to see people reach a point where they feel they can’t go on. This is the result of failings by successive Governments. Instead of blame and culture wars, we need to come together and provide long-term investment in support services.”

The Green Party has linked the crisis to years of underinvestment in mental health services and widening inequalities driven by austerity. It is calling on the Government to commit to sustained funding for public health services.

– ENDS –

The post Green campaigner presses council to remove the Queensway Bridge which remains a suicide risk appeared first on South East Essex.

This time, we’ll be cooking up a selection of sandwiches and cakes for you all to enjoy!

There’s a limited number of spaces available, so make sure to RSVP today.

 PRICE: Pay what you can afford on the day.
All funds raised will go to support the work of the local Green Party.

 All dishes will be 100% plant-based, and homemade by our wonderful chefs.

 There will be tea/coffee available during the afternoon, but please feel free to bring your own drinks.

RSVP TODAY!

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In a bid to restore reducing hedgehog populations, Councillor Stuart Allen, Green Party for Leigh Ward, has submitted a motion calling for the creation of a city-wide network of hedgehog highways, helping hedgehogs move more easily between gardens and making our streets greener and more wildlife-friendly.

The UK’s hedgehog population has plummeted over the past six decades. Once estimated at 30 million in the 1950s, the number has now dropped to fewer than one million across England, Scotland, and Wales. One major factor in this decline is the widespread use of concrete gravel boards, which seal off the natural pathways between gardens, forcing hedgehogs onto roads and leaving populations increasingly isolated.

Hedgehogs play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, acting as natural pest controllers by feeding on slugs, snails, and caterpillars. Their presence supports biodiversity and soil health, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

“When was the last time you saw a hedgehog? We need to act now to reverse their decline. I am bringing this motion to Full Council to raise awareness and provide grants to support hedgehog-friendly initiatives – whether that’s replacing gravel boards with accessible alternatives or encouraging residents to create more welcoming spaces for them. These wonderful creatures are not only a gardener’s best ally but a vital part of our local environment. More hedgehogs mean fewer chemicals in the soil.”

Cllr Stuart Allen, Leigh Ward

Cllr. Allen’s motion, seconded by Independent Councillor Susan Badger, will be debated at Full Council on 20 March. If passed, the initiative could mark a significant step toward making the city a more hospitable place for its disappearing hedgehog population.

– ENDS –

Notes to editor:

Cllr Allen’s motion states:

This Council notes that hedgehog populations in England have experienced a significant decline over the past six decades. In the 1950s, it was estimated that there were approximately 30 million hedgehogs across the UK; today, the population has fallen to well below one million across England, Scotland, and Wales combined.

One contributing factor to this decline is the widespread use of concrete gravel boards, which obstruct natural travel routes between gardens. This forces hedgehogs onto roads, leading to increased fatalities and fragmented populations.

Hedgehogs play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by providing natural pest control, contributing to biodiversity, and improving soil health. Their presence supports the balance of our natural environment, which is increasingly under threat.

This Council therefore resolves to:

• Establish a Hedgehog Highway Scheme to support existing residential areas, raising public awareness and providing grants to homeowners who replace concrete gravel boards with timber alternatives featuring hedgehog access holes.
• Incorporate hedgehog-friendly design into planning conditions for new developments, requiring the inclusion of hedgehog access holes in fencing and ensuring residents are informed of their purpose.
• Explore further initiatives to enhance local hedgehog populations, including the promotion of wildlife-friendly gardening practices and a reduction in pesticide use.

This Council recognises the importance of proactive conservation measures and commits to supporting the protection and recovery of hedgehog populations within our local area.

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