“We love Westcliff”

THE first “We love Westcliff” Impact Day was a roaring success according to David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West & Leigh, who initiated the campaign.
Nearly 20 council staff attended, as well as five police officers, including the team trained to deal with illegal e bikes and scooters and two community support officers.
A gazebo was set up outside Westcliff library where local groups welcomed residents to showcase what Westcliff has to offer.
This included Chalkwell Residents Association, SAVs community officer, Westcliff Cricket Club, Metal arts from Chalkwell Park, St Andrew’s Church, Age Concern, several local councillors, members of the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation and Street Pastors from Westcliff Free Church, which also opened to provide refreshments.
“It was fantastic to see such a turnout”, said Mr Burton-Sampson.
“I am delighted that all these groups came down to engage with many people from the community and we have had really positive feedback from the council teams and police patrols too.
“It’s been a great day.”
The council split into groups covering London Road, Hamlet Court Road and resident’s hotspots.
Barry Davis, the council’s Surveillance operations manager said it had been a really productive day: “It has been our best impact day yet.
“The reaction we have had has been so positive. We have met people from all walks of life. It exposes things that go under the radar and it was marvellous to get people here and help them understand what the day is all about.
“It’s so important to get out in the community and we can build from here.”
The teams also looked at fly tipping in alleyways and low-level littering particularly on the London Road.
The first “We love Westcliff” campaign day also cleared antisemitic graffiti from lighting pillars in Chalkwell Park. As part of the big clean-up day patrolling park officers spotted the anti-Israeli slogans and ensured they were immediately erased in the area, which is home to a significant Jewish population.
The police were equally enthusiastic about the day. Several residents raised anti-social behaviour with the officers, from street drinking to inappropriate bike use and shop lifting from local outlets was also discussed.
Police Constable Nikki Drake said: “We are so happy to talk to the public like this.
“The common factor is that people don’t know how to report to the police or don’t want to but without reports we cannot build up an accurate picture of where the hot spots are. I would encourage everyone to report and keep reporting, even if they have done so before.”
The “We love Westcliff” campaign was started by David Burton-Sampson last year and is aimed at restoring civic pride to the area.
He said: “We really hope to build on this great start. We will take all the feedback from today forward and start planning our next events.
“Westcliff is a fantastic place to live, with great beaches, a fantastic park and a vibrant community.
“This is just the beginning of showing how much “We love Westcliff”.
Picture: A gazebo was set up outside Westcliff library where local groups welcomed residents to showcase what Westcliff has to offer.
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