Southend-On-Sea Borough Council

If you're in the town centre today, pop in and see us at the Forum and give us your views to be part of our new Local Plan.

We are pleased to be supporting the government’s new apprenticeship campaign.
Did you know 83% of apprenticeship employers would recommend apprentices to other businesses – including us!
Help shout about the great work that apprentices are doing across the country. Whether you’re a school leaver, degree apprentice, re-trainer – thank you for your contribution!
... You can read more about the campaign stars and their experiences here ➡️ http://socsi.in/Apprentices_ZJ4UJ #FireItUp
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NHS help is available at the touch of a button on the new #NHS111 interactive website. Log on to http://socsi.in/NHS_Flu_8vfh9 if you need medical advice quickly but it’s not life-threatening. #HelpUsHelpYou

Syphilis is on the rise and, if left untreated, can cause serious damage to your health. Find out where you can get a test. 👉 http://socsi.in/banana_OEt8Q

We've been having some great weather this half term, so be sure to check out our School Holiday Activities page and get out and about in Southend-on-Sea! ☀️ http://socsi.in/Half_Term_Lv5LV

There are lots of rewarding and varied social care jobs available right now – find out more at http://socsi.in/workincare_m1Vye #everydayisdifferent #workincare

**DEVELOPMENT**
New planters, lighting columns and benches are being installed at the town-centre end of London Road as part of a project to improve access and create a more attractive gateway to the town.
The work is part of the Southend Central Area Transport Scheme (S-CATS) and follows the reconfiguration of the highway and parking of London Road between Queensway and College Way as well as the introduction of new electric vehicle charging points.
... A total of eight Corten steel lighting columns, which are designed to give a rust effect, were erected earlier this week together with seven complementary planters and seven benches. The planters will be planted with ivy within the next few weeks.
The landscaping scheme was the result of consultation with local businesses and marks the end of the first phase work along this stretch of London Road.
Later phases of the project will focus on improving the section of London Road (from College Way to Victoria Circus) and then improving the Victoria Circus public area itself.
Cllr Andrew Moring, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “I’m pleased to see work progressing on the landscaping of this important gateway to the town. The clever design allows us to introduce greenery to an area where planting trees into the ground was not an option due to the large number of pipes and cables beneath the road, as well as introducing attractive new lighting and seating.
“I’d like to thank all the local businesses who fed into the final design by sharing their ideas.”
Southend Central Area Transport Scheme (S-CATS) is a £7m project is being fully funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Growth Fund through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).
The first phase of S-CATS was completed in 2017 with £1m worth junction improvements on Victoria Avenue (Great Eastern, Carnarvon Road and East Street/West Street).
Phase 2 (just completed) is a £2m public realm and streetscape improvement scheme along London Road (between Queensway and College Way through to Elmer Avenue) to make this an attractive gateway to Southend High Street.
Later phases of the project will focus on improving the section of London Road (from College Way to Victoria Circus) and then improving the Victoria Circus itself. A much wider stakeholder engagement process is planned to develop design options for these phases.
https://www.southend.gov.uk/…/work_unde rway_on_greening_gat…
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**NEWS FROM FORWARDMOTION**
A new grant scheme has been launched to help out those running projects that promote sustainable travel.
The ForwardMotion grant scheme wants bids from voluntary organisations and community groups who are delivering innovative projects to support people travelling by cycle, public transport or walking.
... The goal of the scheme is to encourage people to think about different ways of travelling around the borough and reduce our reliance on cars.
ForwardMotion is a collaboration between Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock Councils. The initiative is funded by the Department for Transport.
Cllr Andrew Moring, cabinet member for transport, said: “In our busy day-to-day modern lives it is often more convenient to jump into the car to commute or complete errands. But actually cycling or walking can improve health and wellbeing and is a very cheap form of travel, while cycling, walking and public transport are all more environmentally friendly ways of travelling.
“I would urge any local community project or group who feels their scheme meets the requirements, to apply for a grant of anything between £250 to £20,000 to help give their project the boost it deserves.”
More information about the scheme and the types of projects we are looking to support, can be found on the ForwardMotion website.
If you have a great idea you’d like to discuss, please email us at info@forwardmotionsouthessex.co.uk. You can also get in touch if you have any questions about the grant scheme or require support in completing the application form.
The deadline for grant applications is Friday 1 March 2019 at 5pm.
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Why wait in the doctor’s surgery for advice about a minor health concern? Pharmacists are trained to help with common illnesses such as sore throats and tummy troubles. http://socsi.in/NHS_Advice_q612T #HelpUsHelpYou

Find out about the many and varied ways to make a difference when you work in social care at http://socsi.in/workincare_LkicE #everydayisdifferent #workincare

**EVENT** Southend musicians and school children will be given the opportunity to perform at the Palace Theatre as part of a local music show.
Southend Makes Music, which is now in its eighth year, will showcase the musical talent of local school children and musical groups across five evening shows held at the Palace Theatre. Each night will include choral and musical performances from a range of acts.
... Shows start at 7pm each evening, with special guests including The Worshipful The Mayor, Cllr Derek Jarvis, Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, along with other dignitaries.
Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “The Southend Makes Music event gives hundreds of local children and groups the opportunity to perform on a stage in front of a live audience, something that can encourage people – particularly young students – into a career in the entertainment industry.
“It is also wonderful for parents to be able to support their children on the grand stage and it really does bring the local community together. The event always promises to be a fantastic week of shows, and all local music lovers are advised to book your tickets fast.”
The shows will take place between Monday 25 February and Friday 1 March, with tickets and full school and performer list available at http://www.musiconsea.co.uk/events
Southend Makes Music is hosted by Music on Sea, the Music Education Hub for Southend funded by Arts Council England.
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There is more to working in adult social care than meets the eye; find out how working in social care helps you build on the skills you have and learn new ones http://socsi.in/workincare_nLSAq #everydayisdifferent #workincare

Half term is on its way and our School Holiday Activities page is full of ideas to get out and about in Southend-on-Sea. Make your own bird feeder, join in Under the Sea activities or stop by Mousechurch Hall and see our Medieval Moated Manor House from a different perspective! http://socsi.in/Half_Term_NUqmg

**NEWS**
Recharge points for electric taxis will be put in place in Southend-on-Sea following a government funding grant.
The four rapid electric chargers will be for the exclusive use of taxis, making it easier and more viable for taxis to be electric and helping to improve air quality in and around the town.
... The four chargers will cost £120,000, with £90,000 coming from a Government grant. The project will start with a consultation with the local taxi drivers, before locations are chosen and chargers procured and installed. The chargers should be in place by summer 2020.
Cllr Andrew Moring, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “This is excellent news for the town as it will help us fulfil our duty to do all we can to promote sustainable transport and protect our air quality for future generations.
“There are currently 199 electric and hybrid vehicles registered in the Southend-on-Sea area and we hope putting these rapid rechargers in place will encourage taxi drivers to take the step to switch to electric and hybrid cars.”
The grant is part of a £450,000 pot of funding for 17 charge points across the East of England region. It is another milestone announcement in the delivery of the government’s Road to Zero Strategy and Future of Mobility Grand Challenge, which aims to take advantage of innovation in UK engineering and technology to usher in cleaner, greener journeys.
For more information about the scheme, and how it fits with the council's Air Quality Action Plan and Low Emission Startegy, please click on the link:
https://www.southend.gov.uk/…/recharge_ points_for_electric_…
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NHS help is available at the touch of a button on the new #NHS111 interactive website. Log on to http://socsi.in/F5lCB if you need medical advice quickly but it’s not life-threatening. #HelpUsHelpYou

If you're concerned about Equine Influenza our Environmental Health Team have provided information below.

Save time if you have a minor health concern by asking your local pharmacist for advice rather than see the GP. Pharmacists are trained to help with common illnesses. http://socsi.in/NHS_Advice_f3leV #HelpUsHelpYou

**EVENT FUNDING**
The council is once again offering event organisers and organisations the opportunity to bid for funding to set up events and activities across the borough.
Following on from the two funding streams that were set up in October 2018 to help residents and visitors alike enjoy more cultural events and nightlife opportunities across the borough, the council is now excited to announce that the planned second round of bidding is now open.
... The first round proved very popular, with a wide-ranging variety of ideas submitted by bidders, many of whom have gone on to or are in the process of hosting successful events in the town.
The two funding pots - the Southend Culture and Wellbeing Small Grants and the Safe and Enjoyable Town Centres Grants - cater for different types of events and projects, from cultural and wellbeing events, to night time safety and support services. There is an expectation that funding applied for will be match funded by other sources.
Cllr James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, said: “After the first round of bidding saw 18 bids, I am excited to see what potential events are considered as part of the second round of bidding.
“As stated during the bidding process of round one, whilst we are not able to help everyone, we will do everything we can to provide support and guidance to both successful and unsuccessful applicants.”
Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “This funding initiative has given local people the opportunity to hold events that can really make a difference both physically and mentally, and that is the really pleasing part of this. We know that local people are helping to improve the wellbeing of others, and that is something worth celebrating.”
All applications will be reviewed and scored by council officers, with the winners announced by Friday 8 March.
For more information, please follow the link.
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