News in Brief - Leigh-on-Sea

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News in Brief Leigh On Sea News

Rochford pub project tackles violence against women

ROCHFORD District Council is backing a local initiative developed by Rayleigh pubs, which campaigns to end men’s violence against women and girls.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity in Britain engaging with men and boys, and is being supported in this work with specially-produced bar runners that will feature in local pubs.

The runners, developed by Rayleigh’s Pubwatch, have a QR code for men to pledge to the White Ribbon promise, which also encourages men to challenge friends or work colleagues about inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Coun Arthur Williams, Portfolio Holder for Communities & Health, said: “The Council is supporting this important campaign and the need to educate men and boys on their responsibilities to ensuring public safety for women.

“My thanks to follow councillor, Lisa Newport, who has been leading on highlighting this issue in the District.”

Savannah Jenkins from the White Ribbon Charity added: “This initiative by Rochford District Council is a great way to raise awareness about men’s violence against women in settings where anti-social behaviours can be encouraged and fuelled by peer pressure and alcohol.

“The White Ribbon pub runners are an excellent example of how local councils and businesses can work together to spread the White Ribbon message in their communities.”

For more on the White Ribbon Campaign go to: whiteribbon.org.uk/whiteribbonday22.

Help is available for anybody suffering domestic abuse, at: nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Parking fees waived for Coronation

ROCHFORD District Town Council is getting ready for celebrations surrounding the Coronation of King George III.

To help residents mark this historic occasion, the council is extending free parking in its car parks from 10am on Saturday May 6.

If any resident is attending an event on Sunday or Monday, they can also enjoy the free parking that all carparks owned by Rochford District Council offers on Sundays and Bank holidays, giving people more time to enjoy street parties and locally organised events within the district.

Portfolio Holder for Environment, Coun Dave Sperring, said: “May this small gesture, as an act of good will from the Council, go some way to ensuring that you and your family can celebrate events being held across the district to mark this once in a generation moment, as well as supporting our local businesses.”

Residents are reminded to note that this relaxation in charges applies solely to the Council’s car parks.

Rayleigh Coronation Art Project

ROCHFORD District Council are launching a community art project to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III.

The Council has commissioned two local artists who, with the help of residents, will create an artwork to mark the historic event.

A series of free creative workshops exploring Rochford District’s history and heritage through art, run by local artists Laurence Harding and Philippa Stewart, will be held across the District.

The workshops are open to all ages, and no experience is necessary.

Attendees will learn how to make their own cyanotype photographic print on paper and fabric, which will become part of a large-scale community artwork created by Philippa and Laurence.

This will be displayed at the Mill Hall Arts and Events Centre in Rayleigh.

For more information on dates, and how to book your place, visit: rochford.gov.uk/coronation-art-project.

Local history talk

A LOCAL genealogy group has its next talk scheduled for April 1, on the subject of The Pewter Tankard.

The South East branch of the Essex Society for Family History holds their meeting at Avenue Baptist Church Hall, and will be welcoming branch chair Heather Feather to deliver the talk for this month’s meet up.

Ms Feather explained: “My talk will explore whether the “Pewter Tankard” is a family heirloom, in an intriguing story of a Victorian licensee and greyhound trainer.”

She added: “The hall opens at 1.30pm for research and friendship, with the talk beginning at 2.30pm.”

The group, whose aim it is to inspire an interest in genealogy, and record history for future generations, meets on the first Saturday of each month at Avenue Baptist Church Hall, Milton Road, Westcliff, SS0 7JX.

Visitors are welcome. Please contact: [email protected].

Leigh raid sees man arrested for threats to kill

A LEIGH man was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and threats to kill, intentional strangulation and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, following an armed police raid in Leigh.

Armed police, dog units and police cars were seen in between the junctions Medway Crescent and Thames Drive junctions of the London Road, Leigh, at about 6pm on Sunday, March 19.

Essex Police confirmed that officers executed a raid at a residential property on the road and arrested a 40-year-old man from Leigh.

The man was taken into police custody.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Officers, including armed response officers, carried out a warrant at an address on London Road in Leigh-on-Sea on March 19.

“A 40-year-old man from Leigh was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment, threats to kill, intentional strangulation and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.”

Art Wall

LEIGH Community Centre’s Art Wall is available for exhibitions.

The exhibition space is suitable for art groups, or an artist with lots of paintings.

September 18 to October 27 and October 30 to December 1.

For more information visit:instagram.com/leightowncouncilartsgroup/

Drink driver’s ban

A WOMAN from Leigh who was caught drink-driving has been handed a driving ban.

Kerry Cregan, 52, of Kingswood Chase, was accused of driving on Theobalds Road, Western Road, and London Road with 44 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath on September 14.

Cregan denied the offense, but was found guilty on February 2 at Southend Magistrates’ Court.

She has been fined £225 and ordered to pay surcharges to fund victim services of £90.

She will also pay prosecution cost of £625 and been banned from driving for 12 months

Cost of Living

ROCHFORD District Council (RDC) has produced a page on its website to help residents with advice to combat the cost-of-living.

The regularly updated page contains links to advice and services, including help with bills, food, wellbeing, ecological issues, and work.

A statement from RDC said: “The Council is determined to do everything it can at a local level to support people as the cost-of-living rises.

“The page provides useful information, advice and support from the Council, DWP and other organisations.

“The pages will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with any government changes, in support and any local information provided by partners.”

To view the page, visit: https://www.rochford.gov.uk/cost-of-living

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