News In Brief

Big ‘Plastic Patrol’

Volunteers from a new community group called ‘Grassroots Westcliff ‘ met up with volunteers from Chalkwell Lifeguards Club and Surfers Against Sewage group, to carry out a big ‘Plastic Patrol’ litter pick along Chalkwell Beach, the promenade and surrounding pathways.

‘Grassroots Westcliff’ are planning to create new community flower garden spaces on waste ground around Southend City, the first of these will be located outside the north entrance to Westcliff Station.

Alan Hardiman from ‘Grassroots Westcliff’ said: “Single use plastics is the big enemy of our seas, rivers, lakes, canals and ponds and a massive threat to our sea life. Anything that members of the public can do to reduce this plastic pollution to our waterways is going to help towards saving our planet and its sea life.”

 

Anti-idling Motion Victory

AT the latest meeting of Southend City Council, a motion was heard to reduce air pollution around schools, by tackling idling vehicles.

Labour councillors Donna Richardson and Daniel Cowan put forward the motion with the aim of increasing enforcement around schools and installing public awareness signs to encourage parents to switch off their engines.

After debate the motion was passed by majority vote with 27 councillors casting their ballots in favour.

Coun Buck, the Conservative councillor responsible for Highways and Parking spoke against the motion and encouraged councillors to vote against it.

Coun Dan Nelson, Conservative, spoke in favour of Labour’s motion, but eventually abstained.

The motion tasks the council to increase presence of Civil Enforcement Officers around schools across the city. The motion has been referred to cabinet where it will be considered.

Coun Donna Richardson, Labour councillor for Blenheim Park ward, who proposed the motion said:  “I am delighted that councillors supported this motion.

“Improving air quality around our schools is so important and this motion is the first step toward better air for our children.”

Coun Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Labour Group said: “This is a commendable motion and if implemented as proposed, it will not only help air quality around our schools, but will have knock-on benefits such as encouraging active travel and reducing bad parking.

“I hope that the cabinet implements the will of the council.”

 

Restaurant’s Grand Opening.

A STYLISH new restaurant and cocktail bar located in the Clifftown Shore development is nearing its grand opening.

With an expected launch in mid-July, Zinnia, on Western Esplanade, is currently in the final stages of preparation.

Despite facing some delays, Zinnia’s managing director, Ash Afzalnia, explained that the setbacks were primarily due to contractual matters.

The space, once opened, will feature an airy dining area, a lounge bar, a private dining space, and an outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the Thames Estuary.

The site occupies the former Esplanade pub and Marriott’s fish restaurant, and it aims to enhance the Southend seafront experience.

Zinnia will offer diners the opportunity to indulge in a Pan-Pacific-inspired menu, with “culinary fusions of the western North and South American shores, the Polynesian islands and the shared kinship with eastern Asia and Australia”.

While an exact opening date is yet to be announced, Zinnia has already submitted a licensing application to Southend Council, which seeks permission for the sale of alcohol and provision of entertainment.

The establishment intends to serve alcohol both on and off the premises from 7am to 12am daily.

Additionally, they have requested approval to offer late-night refreshments between 11pm and 12:30am.

The application also outlines plans to provide various forms of entertainment, including films, live and recorded music, and dance performances, from 7am to 12am.

Zinnia, which already operates two similar styled restaurants in Colchester and Chelmsford, will also cater to early diners by offering breakfast and brunch options starting from 8am, seven days a week.

The new restaurant is expected to create approximately 30 full-time and part-time job opportunities.

 

Leigh Planning Appeal

A PLANNING appeal has been made to the Secretary of State against the decision of Southend Council to refuse to grant Mr and Mrs M Champ planning permission ‘to remove condition 03 – obscure glazing to first floor’ at 11 The Drive, Westcliff, SS0 8PL.

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

The procedure to be followed is set out in the Town and Country Planning (Appeals) (Written Representations Procedure and Advertisements) (England)(Amendment)   Regulations 2013 and the appeal reference is APP/D1590/W/23/3316028.

All  the representations made to  the Council on the application have been forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate and the appellant. These will be considered  by the  Inspector  when determining the appeal.

 

Read more.

Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news

Contact us. Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us

Twitter: @leighonsea_news