The Green Party has voiced strong opposition to the Government’s fast-track devolution proposals, citing serious concerns over what it calls a “top-down” reorganisation of local councils orchestrated by the Labour Government.

At an emergency council meeting earlier this month, the Green councillors voted against the Council’s plans to apply to fast-track the devolution process. Greens objected to plans for a new London-style Mayor for 1.5 million residents and the merging of Districts to create “super-councils” serving 500,000 residents each – changes that would likely see Southend merged with Castle Point and Rochford District Councils by 2027. Concerningly, this new mayor system would remove local safeguards on planning, transport, and economic growth, with these decisions being made outside of our community. 

“Whilst we’re told of the benefits and efficiency of such a reorganisation and a directly elected mayoral combined authority, these are largely unproven, hypothetical and represent a risk to local democracy as there is little evidence of how this will benefit our residents in terms of planning, housing economic stimulus, transport, healthcare and environmental issues.  

“Southend is as financially robust as it can be and as a small unitary authority already has some autonomy over its affairs. Taking on more regional responsibility risks this and changes the demographics of local democracy, effectively disenfranchising our local electorate. Whilst I appreciate the 10th January deadline puts our leadership under pressure, this proposal is largely ill-thought-out and does a disservice to the electorate and possibly a cross-party collaboration on how best to move forward in a unified way. 

“Local government is all about serving the residents and allowing them to shape how their urban areas develop and evolve.  Whilst I recognise this will happen in any event – and fast-tracking may well put Southend forward on a firm footing – Without further detail, or even a draft letter of intent, our group cannot commit to something so vague that risks destabilising Southend Council and the wider region.”

Cllr Richard Longstaff
Leader of the Green Group on Southend City Council

Cllr Stuart Allen, representing Leigh ward, echoed these concerns:

“Devolution should be about empowering local communities, but I’m not convinced this proposal is in the best interests of Southend residents. The approach feels more like a top-down directive than genuine devolution. Offering £20 million might sound appealing, but it raises questions about whether this is the right move for us or simply a way to push through a one-size-fits-all solution.

“We need to ensure that any changes truly benefit our communities. That means proper consultation, real debate, and a model that reflects the needs of Southend—not arbitrary figures like 500,000-resident unitaries or an additional tier of governance led by a strategic mayor.”

Nationally, the Green Party’s Co-Leader and MP for Waveney Valley, Adrian Ramsay, criticised the broader implications of the Government’s approach:

“The creation of super-councils removes the local from local government. This is not the right way forward. I am not opposed to reform of local government but if the point of devolution is to transfer power to local communities, this will achieve the opposite by undermining the sense of ownership and local accountability which communities currently have. These are major changes – the biggest for half a century. They should not be rushed without proper consideration of all the options.”

The Green Party advocates for a devolution model built from the grassroots, allowing councils to determine structures that work best for them. Alongside this, they are calling for a fairer funding model to enable local councils to deliver essential services effectively.

– ENDS –

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Kay Mitchell, who previously served as Deputy Group Leader and who was formerly a Labour Councillor in Milton ward, has joined the Green Party citing the party’s progressive and forward-thinking policies at both local and national levels.

Bringing a wealth of experience from her tenure as Councillor for Milton Ward, Kay’s decision comes as the Green Party continues to rise in prominence. In last year’s local elections, the Greens secured the third-largest vote share in Southend, ahead of the Independents and Liberal Democrats, demonstrating residents’ growing support for the Greens’ principled and hard-working candidates.

A long-time Southend resident, Kay has lived and worked in the area for over 30 years, dedicating herself to volunteering across a range of vital support services. She was also one of the founding organisers of the popular Hamlet Court Road in Harmony festival.

“This move is a testament to the values I hold dear. The Green Party represents the kind of bold ideas, commitment, and action needed to drive real and meaningful change in tackling social inequality and the climate emergency.

“For years, I’ve championed the importance of ‘quality of life’ for all and the necessity of environmental sustainability. Joining the Green Party feels like a natural progression; this is where my values align, and I firmly believe it is the only party equipped to address the pressing challenges of our time.”

Kay Mitchell

Cllr Richard Longstaff, Leader of the Green Group on Southend City Council, welcomed Kay to the team:

“We’re thrilled to have Kay join us. She’s a dedicated and tireless campaigner, always holding the administration to account, and working hard for residents. Her extensive firsthand experience and considerable knowledge will be invaluable to the Green Group as we work with our community to build a greener and fairer future for Southend.”

Kay is already working closely with the Green Team in preparation for the upcoming local elections, bringing her passion and expertise to help advance the party’s mission for Southend and beyond.

– ENDS –

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Green Party Councillor Richard Longstaff has successfully driven significant enhancements to Southend City Council’s tree policy, with plans to increase the city’s tree canopy cover from 12% to at least 15%.

Discussions around the Green Party’s ambitious tree motion are finally gaining momentum, with Portfolio Holder Cllr Lydia Hyde recently announcing a comprehensive set of measures. While the motion was not debated at this month’s Full Council meeting, Cllr Longstaff’s proposals include tighter scrutiny on tree removals, planting thousands of new trees citywide, and introducing an interactive map for residents —all now under development by the administration.

“I’m encouraged by the administration’s commitment to my proposals after the inaction by the previous leadership. There’s still work to do, particularly on tree removal oversight which ideally should be brought to Place Scrutiny. Things are now moving in the right direction after years of lobbying, and I look forward to collaborating to enhance our tree canopy for future generations.

“That said, I will be the first to hold the administration to account if they fail to deliver on these pledges.

“I’m also glad to see a firm commitment from the leader to finally bring real trees to the High Street. This is a welcome step forward, especially after the Tories’ absurd proposal for fake trees at the last Full Council meeting.”

Cllr Richard Longstaff

The Green Party will remain focused in holding the administration to account, championing both social and environmental justice at every step.

– ENDS –

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Cllr Stuart Allen’s motion to phase out the use of glyphosate—a herbicide associated with cancer and significant health and environmental risks—on Southend’s streets has been approved at this month’s Full Council meeting.

The proposal was prompted by serious concerns from residents regarding the harmful effects on children, pets, and wildlife. During the meeting, Cllr Allen introduced his motion, stating:

 “In September 2019, this council made a commendable commitment by declaring a climate emergency, marking an important step toward environmental responsibility. Since then, we have demonstrated our leadership by banning the use of Glyphosate in our parks and open spaces. Today, I propose that we build on this progress by addressing the ongoing use of Glyphosate-based weed killers on our streets.

“We are witnessing significant declines in pollinators like bees and butterflies — creatures essential for our food systems and biodiversity. As a council committed to environmental stewardship, we must act now to reduce these harms and adopt sustainable alternatives. By supporting this motion, we are not just fulfilling our environmental commitments; we are sending a clear message that Southend is a forward-thinking, responsible city that values health, biodiversity, and the future of our planet.”

The Leader of Southend City Council, Cllr Cowen, stated at the meeting “I know this is something Cllr Allen is incredibly passionate about, and thank him for working with us collaboratively … I fully support this motion and recognise it is difficult to transition but not impossible. It may cost us more, but in the long term if we have biodiversity collapse, it will cost us even more.”

The motion will now be passed to Council staff to develop costings and additional details, which will be presented to the portfolio holder and cabinet at a later date.

– ENDS –

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Green Party campaigner and former publican, James Vessey-Miller, has called on Southend City Council to consider urgent action to support nightlife and live music venues within the City.

Local venue owners fear increased business rates and a rise in other operational costs will make trading even harder, and are calling on the Council for tailored support. 

At the City Council meeting on 12th December 2024, Mr Vessey-Miller will put an urgent question to the Council:

“In the four years leading to June 2024, British towns and cities have reportedly lost a total of 480 nightclubs, averaging 10 closures per month, or two a week. It is estimated that the East of England has lost 39% of its total nightclub venues in that period.

“Since the pandemic, Southend has seen a dramatic reduction in our nightlife offering, with many of the City Centre’s venues now shuttered. The venues that remain open are facing unprecedented pressures; including noise complaints from new housing built near venues, dramatic increases in rents and rates, and restrictive licensing conditions.

“Venues like this are important for fostering a thriving city centre and play a key role in the attraction, well-being, and employment opportunities of local people. Will the portfolio holder agree to meet with me and other hospitality and nightlife leaders to discuss how the council can support our vital nighttime economy?”

In a statement, James Vessey-Miller said;

“We can’t discount how important Southend’s night-time economy is as both a key attraction for visitors and a significant employer of local people. But in the past few years, we’ve lost many of our cornerstone nightlife venues including Talk and Chameleon nightclubs, and more recently Ravens, Coco, and Revolution bar. The bars and clubs that remain trading in the City Centre now face new obstacles and challenges which could result in closure unless something is done. This could have a terminal impact on our city’s attractiveness as a destination and as a place to live, with significant impacts on our local economy.

“Venue owners have told me they’re concerned that increases in rents and business rates and more restrictive licensing conditions could make operating nighttime venues unworkable. Additionally, the council has green-lit new housing developments around the High Street which will make it impossible to operate a late-opening bar or nightclub in the city centre without receiving frequent noise complaints.

“Venue owners tell me that schemes like the Purple Flag accreditation are just window-dressing. The Council has received this award every year for 11 years, and we’ve lost eleven of our major city-centre nightclubs and bars in that same time. Most equivalent cities are seeing nightlife footfall recover to pre-pandemic levels, but not in Southend. The Council should be asking; why?

“After speaking with local venue owners, I have taken this issue to the City Council and asked that they meet with me and other nightlife leaders to address their concerns, and discuss what can be proactively done to support these businesses.”

– ENDS –

Photo credit: Jess Hawkins

Notes for the editor:

• DJ MAG: “65 UK nightclubs have closed in 2024 so far, with the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) calling for urgent, targeted support from government to help with an “unprecedented crisis”.  In the four years leading to June 2024, British towns and cities have reportedly lost a total of 480 clubs, averaging at 10 per month, or two a week.”
  Citation: https://djmag.com/news/65-uk-nightclubs-shut-2024-unprecedented-crisis-nightlife
• BBC: “The Music Venues Trust (MVT) said financial stresses led 125 UK venues to abandon live music in 2023, with over half of these shutting entirely. Soaring utility bills and an average 37.5% rent hike put the surviving 835 venues at risk, which typically secured profits of just 0.5%, MVT said. It was the sector’s “most challenging year” of the past decade, it added. Their annual report found the grassroots scene remains “significantly underfunded compared to other areas of culture”, despite contributing over £500m to the economy and employing almost 30,000 people.
  Citation: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68050664
• ECHO ESSEX: ”Southend was rated fifth worst in the UK [for nightlife], despite ranking relatively well for the price of a pint, at just £3.78 on average. The city was let down by a lack of bars and clubs, with just 17.41 per 100,000 residents, well below its score of 83.24 pubs per 100,000 residents.“
  Citation: https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/20052480.southend-city-night-life-rated-fifth-worst-uk/

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Local mum and former Green Party candidate for Southend West & Leigh in the 2024 General Election, Tilly Hogrebe, has voiced strong concerns about the ongoing overdevelopment of the Garon Park complex following an article in last week’s Echo. She highlights its impact on natural spaces and the wider community.

Ms Hogrebe, who also stood for Southend City Council in St. Luke’s ward earlier this year, stated, “We are seeing a troubling expansion of new facilities and infrastructure encroaching on previously wild land. This is leading to the loss of trees, wildlife habitats, and vital ecosystems. What’s more, areas originally set aside by charitable trusts for public benefit are now being fenced off and are inaccessible to those who can’t afford the hire fees. This restricts local residents and undermines grassroots sports.”

Jo Bates, a campaigner recently featured in the Southend Echo, echoed these concerns, noting, “Previous planning conditions for this site have not been adhered to, and despite the latest application not yet being reviewed, work has already begun.”

Cllr Richard Longstaff, City Councillor for Leigh Ward, stated, “Although I cannot comment on this specific application, it is vital that applicants adhere to the rules and avoid proceeding with building work before receiving approval from the Development Control Committee. I’m glad to have referred this application to the Committee for a thorough discussion.”

Ms Bates plans to address the issue directly at Thursday’s Full Council meeting by asking the portfolio holder what measures are being taken to ensure development at Garon Park respects planning regulations, protects nature, and serves the local community.

– ENDS –

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Two key motions proposed by Green Party councillors are set to be discussed at Southend’s Full Council meeting on December 12th after discussions were delayed in October’s sitting. Among the postponed items were urgent motions on banning council use of glyphosate herbicides, and a new strategy for protecting the city’s tree canopy.

Cllr Stuart Allen’s proposal seeks to end the use of glyphosate, a cancer-causing herbicide linked to serious health and environmental concerns, on Southend’s streets. Meanwhile, Cllr Richard Longstaff’s motion calls for urgent action to stop unnecessary tree felling, preserve the city’s mature trees, and accelerate tree planting efforts.

Cllr Longstaff, who represents Leigh Ward, voiced his frustration, “Once again, we’re seeing delays in addressing this crucial issue. Mature trees are being lost at an alarming rate, and saplings simply can’t replace them fast enough. At our current rate, it could take 120 years to reach our 17% canopy target. We must act now, planting thousands of trees to protect future generations, particularly as climate change continues to intensify extreme weather and heatwaves that threaten the health and wellbeing of Southend’s residents.”

Cllr Allen added, “I’m eager for my motion to finally be debated. Glyphosate is not just dangerous to wildlife such as butterflies, bees, and other pollinators; it also poses significant risks to human health and pets. We must find safer alternatives and take a stand to ban this harmful chemical from our streets. I hope councillors across the chamber will join me in ensuring Southend does its part to protect people and the environment.”

The Green Party hopes the December meeting will allow for meaningful debate and swift action on these pressing issues.

– ENDS –

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Hello again, I write as the weather turns and we orientate ourselves towards the fast approaching festive season. On the theme of nativity and fear of not being left in a stable, the need for good quality affordable housing is as relevant now as it was 2,000 years ago.

I’ll start from where I left off in my last viewpoint with the alarming decision by the Salvation Army to put forward their land at Hadleigh, which borders Leigh-on-Sea, for options consultation in the Castle Point emerging local plan.   To clarify, this is a process whereby landowners put forward their land for appraisal by the local authority, it is not yet determined whether this land will be acceptable for development.  

Nevertheless, the fight is on to protect this area of outstanding natural beauty adjacent to the historic monument of Hadleigh Castle, a SSSi, and the beautiful natural landscape that surrounds its majestic setting.   Myself and Stuart last week met members of the Save Hadleigh Farm to listen to the key concerns.  Such is residents outrage, an 8,000 signature petition of objection was delivered to Castle Point Offices on Friday morning.

The Greenbelt act was implemented for the purpose of stopping urban conurbations from expanding and merging into each other.  This is an important factor in keeping openness and a strong sense of place, I strongly believe Hadliegh Farm is sacrosanct and should be protected from what is a completely illogical decision from the SA American HQ to put the land forward for consultation.

Aside from the ancient monument and SSSi, the other stupidity of such a proposal, if it were considered by Castle Point, is that the land is a long way from train stations and public transport hubs, creating more car dependency that will invariably be travelling to the main trunk roads of the A13 and A130.  Most of our roads are already at 98% capacity, It would be more logical to develop Land to the West of Castle Point closest to the trunk roads that serve it.   This should be Castle Points priority in creating more sustainable transport solutions and acknowledging the need for multi-modal options.

Another important quality in urban design and town planning is the spaces between buildings – The space between Hadleigh and Leigh along the London Road affords an important vista across the landscape to the Thames estuary, giving people a sense of human scale and orientation in the landscape – we all marvel at it and it should remain protected.

Of course, the pen is mightier than the sword, and legislation is mightier than campaigning alone. One way of protecting land from developers is under the localism act whereby residents can form Neighbourhood Planning groups under national planning policy framework (NPPF). ‘Neighbourhood Plans’ can be put forward and, once approved, would be Integrated within local planning policy that ultimately gives residents control over their neighbourhood and how it is developed.   Setting one up would be an essential first step.  It is also worth mentioning the important publication of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, LNRS, published by Essex County Council of which Hadleigh farm would be essential for Nature and biodiversity recovery. 

Of course, we have the same problem in Southend of the increasing population and demand for housing putting pressure on green and inappropriate sites. 

Previously I wrote about the council’s decision to drawdown £12 million to built 30 council houses on the questionable location of the former cattery site.  Not satisfied with the answers provided, I asked to see the monitoring equipment for noise and air pollution, yet to be seen.  Notwithstanding this, reading an article on the 700,000 empty homes in England I made an enquiry into how many empty homes there are in Southend.   The answer was around 1,700 and we have a dedicated officer to bring those properties back to market.  Our empty homes officer should be commended as this year alone she has thus-far brought 40 to market.  My point is that councils should be buying up these empty houses to help address a pressing need for affordable housing in the city.  They should also be thinking very carefully where they choose to build, as once developed, land is gone forever.  The Green Party maintain building the right houses in the right location, for Southend that has to be higher density around the major transport hubs.

Two weeks ago we approved the long anticipated 557 flats development of Alexander house, a high quality design by reputable architects and adjacent to major bus and train transport hubs.  I was asked onto BBC Essex last week as there was much ado about the 0.5 car park space allocation per flat, which would have been zero had it been in central Chelmsford or London.   Yet here in Southend, one of the most high density populated areas in Europe with no less than eight mainline London train stations compared to Chelmsford‘s of just one, people are concerned that more parking wasn’t approved.   It doesn’t take a mathematician to work out that we can’t keep building hundreds of flats in a concentrated area each with a parking space – Southend, as any other city, doesn’t have the road capacity.

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A neglected shelter along Marine Parade in Leigh-on-Sea is set to be restored following action by the Southend Green Party.

After concerns were raised in a local Facebook group about its deteriorating condition, Green campaigner and Leigh resident Simon Gittus took swift action by reaching out to Leigh ward councillor Stuart Allen.

“This shelter has been rotting away for far too long, and I’m delighted to have made a difference for residents. It’s the small, everyday improvements like this that truly enhance our community.

“Restoring the shelter will not only revive its charm but also make the area more welcoming for everyone. It’s a shame the West Leigh ward councillors overlooked the issue, but I’m glad we could step in and get things moving.”

Simon Gittus, Green Campaigner

Cllr Stuart Allen added: “As a councillor for a neighbouring ward, I’m always happy to help improve our shared spaces. I’ve secured a council survey of the shelter, and refurbishment work will begin soon. Plans include repairing the timber structure, replacing the missing glass, and repainting the shelter early next year. Fortunately, because the shelter is within the council-managed parks, the process has been relatively straightforward.”

Cllr Richard Longstaff also commented: “Working together as a Green team, we’re dedicated to ensuring Southend is a community we can all take pride in. While the Marine Parade shelter is a great win, we’re focusing on restoring another shelter along the cinder path. This project has been delayed due to permissions required from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), but we’re pushing hard to get it resolved.”

The refurbishment of the Marine Parade shelter marks another step in the Green Party’s ongoing efforts to enhance community spaces across the city.

– ENDS –

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