Civic Pride Action Plan - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Civic Pride Action Plan – An action plan designed to strengthen the civic pride that residents, workers, and visitors feel towards the city has been published and will be discussed by councillors later this month.

Civic Pride Action Plan - An action plan designed to strengthen the civic pride that residents, workers, and visitors feel towards the city has been published and will be discussed by councillors later this month.

AN action plan designed to strengthen the civic pride that residents, workers, and visitors feel towards the city has been published and will be discussed by councillors later this month.

This plan, a priority for the joint administration, aims to set a clear path to celebrating Southend’s unique character, working with residents, businesses and organisations to boost civic pride and addressing challenges to ensure long-term improvements.

A council spokesperson explained: “As we are approaching three years since being granted city status, the Civic Pride action plan outlines initiatives to promote a city that is prosperous and proud of its rich arts, culture, and heritage; boasts safe, clean and green spaces, and provides a good quality of life for residents and communities.

“Activity will be aligned with the implementation of our new city vision, which is currently being developed by the Southend City Partnership based on the views of people who live, work and study in the city.

The plan identifies key goals, including: Promoting and celebrating Southend’s arts, culture, and heritage.

Improving navigation around the city.

Enhancing civic pride through social value initiatives in council contracts and business partnerships.

Making Southend sparkle with cleaner, safer public spaces.

Communicating environmental benefits to reduce waste and encourage sustainability.

Developing new approaches to parks and open spaces.

Encouraging strong, active communities with a focus on inclusion.

Fostering citizenship, particularly among younger residents.

The spokesperson continued: “We know from previous engagement with residents, students, employees and business owners that people are proud of their area and want to stay living, studying and working in Southend.

“Recognising the challenging financial landscape, the council has carefully balanced ambition with responsibility. The plan will be resourced through a mix of existing budgets, external funding, and grants, alongside one-off and permanent investments where needed. We will work with our residents and communities.”

Initial funding includes: £210,000 to support ongoing services, £260,000 (potentially up to £410,000) for short-term projects funded by council reserves and £405,000 for improvements to important facilities and initiatives.

Coun Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, said: “Southend is a city of incredible culture, community spirit, resilience, and ambition.

“It is a place of pride for residents, businesses, and students alike. This action plan is part of our commitment to Southend, investing in what makes Southend special while addressing areas for improvement. We’re committed to ensuring value for money while delivering meaningful benefits for all residents, organisations and businesses in Southend.

“Our inaugural City Day is effectively the launch party for what we intend to be a pact between us all as citizens of Southend to build lasting pride in our city.

“Our words weren’t hollow when we said we want to build a city we can be proud of. We meant it and this action plan demonstrates our clear intentions to deliver on that and forge a shared sense of purpose for the city we all love.”

The cabinet report was discussed at policy and resources scrutiny committee on 16 December and will then be discussed at cabinet on 19 December.

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