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Westcliff fire

SMOKE engulfed Westcliff gardens as a fire spread across two properties.

Essex fire were called to the blaze in Station Road, Westcliff at about 5.30pm on April 30.

Essex Fire Service says it was a small fire in a garden that spread to two sheds.

Videos and images from the incident show the large amount of black smoke rising into the air from the properties.

A spokesperson for Essex Fire Service said: “We were called at 5.33pm to Station Road, Westcliff and sent two crews from Southend.

“The crews returned to station at 6.30pm and the cause was recorded as accidental.”

Children’s coronation party

A SPECIAL children’s Coronation event at Leigh Town Council will raise money for a children’s chancer charity, Gold Geese.

The Pre-School Coronation Party with Joe Banana will offer children an opportunity to enjoy a one-hour long party with a goody bag.

The party is suitable for age 4 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Places cost £1.50 per child plus a reservation fee.

To book, visit Leigh Town Council’s website at: leighonseatowncouncil.gov.uk/king-charles-iii-coronation.

Leigh man racially abuses tourists

A LEIGH man has been charged with racial abuse against Chinese tourists in Southend.

Essex Police say it was reported that three Chinese tourists, on a day trip to Southend, were racially abused in the High Street at about 5.20pm on Thursday, April 13.

Danny Williams, of Sandleigh Road, Leigh, was arrested a short time later.

The 30-year-old has been charged with three counts of racially aggravated public order offences and one count of possession of a bladed article.

If anyone witnessed the incident, then they are asked to get in touch with the police by calling 101 or using the online live chat service on the Essex Police website.

Anglo-Italian Circle

THE next meeting of the Southend Anglo-Italian Circle will feature a talk, in Italian, focusing on sites of ancient civilisations in Italy and the culture of their peoples.

It will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at the Leigh Community Centre (room 1), Elm Road, Leigh, SS9 1SP.

Please arrive promptly for 8pm start. Doors open 7:30pm. Entry is £6.

For further information and details of the programme, visit: italiancircle.co.uk. Find them on Facebook: Southend Anglo Italian Circle.

Refused planning permission

AN appeal has been made after Southend Council refused planning permission to convert an existing first floor flat into two self-contained flats and install a dormer to the rear, to form a further self-contained flat in the loft space of 29A Ceylon Road in Westcliff.

The appeal will be determined on the basis of written representations.

Anyone wishing to make comments, or modify/withdraw previous representation, can do so at: gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate, by emailing: [email protected] or by sending three copies to: The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristo lBS1 6PN. All representations must be received by May 23.The Appeal reference is :23/00024/REFN

Major delays A127

A CRASH on a major road caused long delays for motorists near the Rayleigh section of A127.

The major road was partially blocked and had queueing traffic due to the crash London bound near Progress Road in Eastwood on April 17.

There were delays of 23 minutes between the A1245 at the Fairglen Interchange and Rayleigh Downs Road, with average speeds of five Mph.

There were also delays of at least eight minutes and traffic built up on and around the A130 between A130 and A1245 at Bonville’s Roundabout.

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