News In Brief

Thrown Out – PLANS to turn the former Barclays bank in Leigh’s Broadway into a patisserie and Airbnb have been thrown out by Southend Council.

Southend Council planning department had recommended plans for the bank, which closed in 2022, to be converted to a coffee and patisserie shop at ground level with an Airbnb holiday rental upstairs.

However, the plans were refused after councillors on the development control committee raised concerns about the impact of extra traffic and parking near a busy junction.

Coun Ron Woodley said: “We want housing. Airbnbs does not make that happen.”

Coun Mulroney added that the site was badly situated for the plans, being already a busy street area.

She added: “We are talking about a site that has no parking. There’s a potential for 18 cars, not counting the café. Where are they going to go?

“This is the worst possible area you could bring extra traffic. I’ve got no objection to the café.”

Plans for the first-floor accommodation for the Airbnb included a flat roof area used only as a fire escape accessed by a door.

It was feared that this could be used by those staying in the short stay accommodation as it has to remain unlocked.

Richard Longstaff, Green Party councillor for Leigh Ward, reportedly added: “The fire escape is the elephant in the room for me.

“When you look at where people congregate, if you look at the ground floor plan that’s the communal area for the residents staying in the Airbnb and the fire escape is just beyond that accesses the first-floor roof.

“The door to access the flat roof on the first floor will always be open and a temptation to young people.”

 

Leigh charity quiz – LEIGH runners are holding a charity quiz night in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society.

Sally and Tutts of Leigh Striders are completing a “Ness 2 Nevis” challenge to raise money for the charity, and are holding a quiz at Belfairs Golf Club to put towards this fundraising goal.

Teams of up o seven people can join, and tickets are £10 per person, with drinks available at the bar.

The event will take place on Friday, April 26, at 7.30 pm.

 

Driver fined – A LEIGH man who failed to provide evidence to a police officer has been fine more than £600.

Mr Johnson, 54, of Woodfield Road, failed to give information to a chief officer for the City of London police in relation to the identification of a driver alleged to have been guilty of an offence, Bromley Magistrates’ Court heard.

The offence was proved by the single justice procedure.

Johnson has been fined £660, order to pay cost of £110 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £264.

His driving record was endorsed with six points.

 

 

Baby Music Classes – EARLY years music classes are being held in Westcliff.

Mini Musicians classes are led by an arts specialist for three months to four-year-olds on Friday mornings at the Palace Theatre.

For more information, contact [email protected]

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