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  Cold Callers (posted 12 March 2010)

We have received reports of the Nottingham Knockers being back in town. These are young men, often offenders, who call door to door trying to sell dusters and other household goods. The quality is invariably shoddy and the prices inflated. These young people are paid on a commission only basis and the goods that they offer for sale are sold to them by the company. Accordingly, they will be on the lookout for other income sources, so to speak.The last sighting was in St Luke's Ward yesterday, but they could be operating anywhere in the Borough.

We have also received reports of a variation on the I have a load of tarmac left over from a job, going cheap con except this time, the vendor is trying to offload memory foam beds cheaply. He claims to have one left over from a job at a residential care home! We have no description of the man except that he was driving a white panel van.

The standard advice is, don't buy at the door from unsolicited callers - the chances are that you will be ripped off!

Bikeability at Blenheim (posted 11 March 2010)

Bikeability is the new National Standards training course replacing Cycle Proficiency. This new course teaches children how to ride their bikes confidently and safely on the road. The courses are run by two fully qualified trainers, provided by Southend Borough Council.

The first part takes place within the school grounds, after this the course then uses the surrounding roads. For details of the Bikeability courses at Blenheim Primary School and Children's Centre, click on the following link Bikeability at Blenheim

Communities and Local Government (CLG) (posted 9 March 2010)

Communities and Local Government (CLG) have arranged to hold a conference around Tackling Anti Social Behaviour in Southend on Monday 22nd March 2010 between 9.30 and 2.15 including lunch at the Maritime Rooms, Cliffs Pavilion.  This event will include a presentation on Tools and Powers, a case study from an Ilford senior school and workshop session to discuss anti social behaviour.

CLG will be hosting the event and there will be attendance from agencies working to combat asb in Southend. 

We have been asked to assist them in their promotion of the event.  If you are interested, please click on the following link where you will be asked to register directly with CLG. www.asb-events.org   If you have difficulties please contact 0845 680 9754

This is a Communities and Local Government Conference in Southend with assistance being provided by SMAART . Further information can be downloaded at 100308Revisedposter

2010 Citizen of Southend Award Launched (posted 5 March 2010)

It’s time to recognise those unsung heroes who perform selfless acts of kindness or make an outstanding contribution to the community, as nominations open for the fourth annual Citizen of Southend Awards (1 February).

The awards cover two categories - Adult and Youth (under 19) – with nominations coming from members of the public. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished Southend dignitaries; including former Southend East and Rochford MP Sir Teddy Taylor, Adventure Island Executive Chairman Philip Miller and Councillor Ian Robertson.

Last year’s Adult winner was 68-year old Rita Hasler from Kingswood Chase, Leigh-on-Sea who has worked as a volunteer for Southend Hospital (WRVS) and the PDSA shop for twenty-three years. She says “It was a great honour to be recognised in such a way. You do these things because you enjoy doing them. I never thought for a minute that I was doing it for an award but it was lovely to be given the award and such a surprise”.

Rita urges people to nominate deserving individuals, saying “Go ahead and do it! As someone said to me, it brings to peoples’ attention that important jobs are being and need to be done. If you know someone who is doing excellent work, nominate them for it.”

The 2009 Youth winner was 15-year old Joe Stone, a pupil at Shoeburyness High School. On top of his school work, Joe also is a member of St John Ambulance and takes an active part in work of the Neighbourhood Action Panel. He says, “Winning the Citizen of Southend Award has been fantastic for me. There’s loads of bad press about young people - hoodies and the like - but this scheme perfectly demonstrates that we are not all like that. I’ve also found my win has been great for raising awareness of projects that really need people’s help – it’s actually encouraged new people to get involved and make a difference. I would definitely recommend taking the time to make a nomination because it really can make a world of difference.”

Nominee’s achievements can be based on several criteria; including demonstrating courage and bravery, setting up or leading projects that benefit the community or helping/caring for the disadvantaged.

Nominating is easy - simply visit www.citizenofsouthend.co.uk  or pick up a form at any Southend Library.

The closing date for nominations is 30 June 2010.

In addition to the prestigious title, the winner of the Gold Adult award will receive a personalised trophy and £500. Similarly, the Youth section’s Gold winner will receive a commemorative prize and cheque for £100. 

The awards will be presented by the Mayor of Southend during a special ceremony at his official residence, Porters, on 28 September 2010.  

Citizen of Southend 2010 is sponsored by Southend Radio 105.1 and Adventure Island.

 

 Bag yourself some “Recycled Reads” (posted 19 February 2010)

  Friars Library Bargain Book sale     Saturday 13th March 2010: 9.30 - 1.00pm & 2.30 - 5.00pm

Visitors to Friars Library in Shoeburyness will have another chance to bag some bargains, when ex-library stock of all shapes and sizes becomes available as part of a big book sale on Saturday 13th March 2010 ( 9.30 -1pm and 2.30- 5.pm).

Whatever your interest, there will be something to catch your eye. Fiction, non-fiction, children’s titles, audio books, videos and DVDs will be on offer at sale prices that are guaranteed to suit everyone’s pocket.

Free Re-usable Bags for the first 60 bargain hunters

The first sixty visitors who buy ex-library titles will be offered the chance to take their bargains home in a free re-usable bag made from natural fibres, and that is also biodegradable.

Free Loan of Energy Cost Monitors

Library visitors will also have the opportunity to loan a free Energy Cost Monitor, which may help to reduce pounds on both your energy bills and impact on the environment.

The re-usable bags are limited to 2 per family and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, whilst stocks last. Loan of energy cost monitors are subject to availability on the day.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Libraries hopes that by encouraging readers to take a re-usable bag home, it will help to reduce plastic bags in circulation and encourage Southend residents to use their re-usable bag wherever they go, whether it’s to work, shopping or borrowing and returning library items.

For maps and directions to Friars Library visit www.southend.gov.uk/library  or call

Call 01702 215011. Free parking is available next to the library.

For details on recycling initiatives in the Borough visit www.southend.gov.uk/recycling

For energy saving schemes, contact Stuart Burrell, Southend Council’s Domestic

Energy Efficiency Officer 01702 534363.

 

British Transport Police - Passenger Forum (posted 19 February 2010)

The latest forum newsletter can be downloaded at Forumnewsletterfebruary

Southend Environmental Projects Update (posted 19 February 2010)

The latest environmental projects update for the Borough has been published. It can be downloaded via the following link SouthendEnviroprojectsupdateFeb2010 Comments or queries should be addressed to the Community Engagement Officer in the first instance on 01702 464199 or e-mail southendnhw@aol.com

Community Safety Roadshow 2010 dates announced (posted 18 February 2010)

The popular Community Safety Roadshow, organised by Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), will be at more locations than ever this year with 16 events already confirmed.

Recently recognised by the Government as ‘best practice’, the Community Safety Roadshow visits various locations across the borough to offer crime prevention advice and to hand out free security devices to members of the public.

Services include fitting electronic tags to mobility scooters and bicycles; post-coding valuable items such as iPods, mobile phones and cameras; handing out personal attack alarms and purse chains and taking referrals for smoke alarms and the HandyVan scheme.

The Roadshow works closely with its Southend CDRP agencies to reach as many members of the public as possible.

Mick Holland, Community Engagement Officer, said: “The Community Safety Roadshow is central to engaging with the public at all levels. For that reason we take the Roadshow to many diverse locations such as local libraries, parks, schools and even allotments. This is effected through the robust partnership working that we enjoy with our library service, local police officers, schools, council officers and Fire and Rescue Service.”

“As we are now embarking on our annual recruitment drive for Neighbourhood Watch - the target being to increase the number of watches across the Borough - it is important we continue to take the Roadshow to as many locations as possible."

For the latest information on the Community Safety Roadshow visit www.southendcdrp.co.uk or follow Southend CDRP on twitter at www.twitter.com/southendcdrp.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, please contact Mick Holland on 01702 464199 or email southendnhw@aol.com.

2010 Community Safety Roadshow events:

 

Westcliff Library 

Saturday 20 February 9.30am to 1pm

Morrisons, Western Approaches 

Saturday 27 March 9.30am to 1pm

Friars Library, The Renown,

Shoebury 

Saturday 10 April 9.30am to 1pm

Eastwood Police Station 

Wednesday 14 April 2pm to 5pm

Tesco, Prince Avenue 

Thursday 29 April 9.30am to 12.30pm

Leigh Library, Broadway West 

Saturday 8 May 9.30am to 1pm

Springfield Allotment Society

Sunday 9 May (Time TBA)

Warrior Square Gardens 

Friday 14 May 12noon to 4pm

Thorpedene Library, Shoebury 

Saturday 5 June 9.30am to 1pm

Milton Road Gardens 

Friday 11 June 12noon to 4pm

Shoebury Fair at Shoeburyness

High School

Saturday 19 June 12noon to 5pm

Community in Harmony at

Southend High School for boys 

Sunday 20 June 1pm to 6pm

Southchurch Library, Lifstan Way 

Saturday 11 September 9.30am to 1pm

Kent Elms Library 

Saturday 23 October, 9.30am to 1pm

Park Wardens' Event TBA

Southchurch Park TBA

 

BT Directories (posted 16 February 2010)

PDC (Product Development corporation UK) are contracted to deliver the new BT directory in Southend, starting around 8th March 2010.  The operation will take 2 -3 weeks.   The distributors will be private individuals driving their own vehicles.   They’ve been instructed not to leave books on doorsteps.   Any queries to southendnhw@aol.com or 01702 464199

A Feather in Our Cap (posted 11 February 2010)

The Southend Community Safety Roadshow has been flagged as best practice by the Home Office in the latest edition of GO EAST News, a quarterly publication that is circulated to councils and CDRPs across East Anglia. The article, entitled Changing Perceptions of Crime and raising confidence, can be dowloaded at GOEastarticle-Winter2010

Southend Spring Show at Garon Park (posted 9 February 2010)

Southend Spring Garden Show bursts into bloom this spring with over 250 stands displaying everything you could ever want for your garden and home. Whether you are an avid gardener or an amateur the show features fantastic products many at show discounted prices.

This years event features RHS topical gardening discussions, floral displays an on site restaurant and a fantastic main show arena with live entertainment.

For more information and discounted tickets visit (www.aztecevents.co.uk)

Show details: Southend Spring Garden Show, Garon Park, Southend-On-Sea, Essex, SS2 4FA

Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd & Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May

10am until 5pm Daily.

Admission:

Adults: £5.50

Children: £1.00

 

Third party reporting sites for victims of hate crime (posted 8 February 2010)

Southend CDRP is launching a new campaign to help those affected by hate crime in the Southend area.

By improving awareness of third-party reporting sites, we aim to support and encourage more people to come forward and to stop them from suffering in silence.

Third-party reporting sites offer an alternative way of reporting hate incidents and hate crimes. Those who, for whatever reason, choose not to involve the police can contact one of the sites listed below where their issue will be dealt with in confidence.

The under-reporting of hate crime has been identified by the Government as a nationwide issue. We aim to get a truer picture of what issues are affecting people living in Southend. This will enable us to respond to any particular problems that are affecting a specific area or group of people.

Simon Ford, Partnership Manager Community Safety, said: “Key agencies in Southend have worked in partnershipover the last twelve months to introduce new ways for victims of hate crime to report incidents. Our aim is to strengthen the support they receive, and encourage people who may be victims of hate crime, to come forward and speak to us.”

Victims of hate crime can contact the following sites –

Southend Citizens Advice Bureau: Southend CAB

Southend Victim Support: 0845 456 5995

Southend Police Hate Crime Unit: 01702 423 151

Southend Borough Council: 01702 215 000

Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

In an emergency always dial: 999

 

Southend in Bloom Competition 2010 Be part of the town’s growing Green Scene (posted 1 February 2010)

Local residents are being invited to take part in Southend in Bloom 2010, a local competition based on “Britain in Bloom” a prestigious floral and environmental contest, designed to encourage people to make their towns and cities look as attractive as possible.

Any resident, School and Business within the Borough can enter this free competition. Prizes are awarded at an official ceremony in the autumn and more than half of the Borough’s schools take part each year.

The 2010 theme is “World on a Plate” and the Southend in Bloom website has lots of hints and tips, fact sheets and practical ideas to get you started and encourage local residents to join in. You can also find out more and keep up to date with the competition by visiting the Southend in Bloom’s Face Book and Twitter pages.

The competition has been running since 1995 and attracts hundreds of local gardeners every year. Anyone can take part and you don’t need to be a “green fingered expert” to take part!

The official launch will be at the Central Library in early April - watch the local press for details closer to the date and entry forms will also be available at branch libraries, the Civic Centre or downloaded direct from the “Southend in Bloom” section of the Council’s website at www.southend.gov.uk

Committee members representing all parts of the local community give up their time to support & run the competition voluntarily.

For information please contact Southend in Bloom team on

01702 215000 or e-mail Southendinbloom@southend.gov.uk

 

Cold Calling Security Firms (posted 13 January 2010)

We have received reports of a couple of security companies cold calling by telephone on the Eastern side of the Borough and offering householders camera systems, alarm systems etc at greatly reduced costs. The general advice with regards to unsolicited callers whether they be calling in person or by telephone is the same. NEVER sign up to such deals without obtaining quotations from other companies that you have sourced yourselves.

In the case of security equipment, alarms, CCTV systems and the like, the advice is to only purchase equipment that is either Secured by Design or carries an NSI mark

 

Mobile Library calls at Centre Place Family Centre (posted 11 January 2010)

From Wednesday 13th January the mobile library will stop at Centre Place Family Centre, Prospect Close, on the Woodgrange Drive Estate in Southend to encourage local families to share books with young children.Families with children under 5 years old can catch the mobile every 3 weeks from Wednesday 13th January 10.45 – 11.15am

Staff employed by Estuary Housing Association at Centre Place Nursery are involved with the Every Child a Talker (ECaT) project which aims to develop children’s language. By sharing books and rhymes, parents can help their child develop good language and listening skills. It’s never too soon to start sharing the delights of picture books with children to develop a lifelong love of books. A “Bookstart” is the best start any child can have and any parent can give it.

A few minutes a day sharing a book helps children develop their language, concentration and skills that will make learning easy. Children who have been introduced to books do better when they get to school – and it works because it’s fun.

Janet Kempson, Nursery Manager says, “We’re very pleased we’re getting the mobile library as it will be of benefit to the families, help the children’s language and encourage the enjoyment of books and reading.”

Sharon Dodson, Centre Place Children’s Centre Manager says, “ Working in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Libraries has proved very fruitful and having the mobile library service will be very positive for local families”.

Lynsey Weston, Early Language Consultant for ECaT in Southend says "I am delighted that Centre Place have been given this opportunity. It is a well known fact that by far the most important ingredient in supporting children’s language and communication skills is the interaction that takes place between children and adults as they share experiences together. Book sharing can be one of these magical experiences. It is not only a time to show a child that reading is important, but it is also a time to show a child that they are important. I wish Centre Place and the mobile library every success.”

 

Twitter and Facebook (posted 8 January 2010

Southend CDRP passed another communications milestone today when our Facebook page was launched together with our new look Twitter page. To view both visit the Useful Websites page and click on the links

Bicycle Recycling Scheme (posted 7 January 2010)

The bike recycle project is an exciting opportunity that makes use of unwanted bikes and returns them recycled to people in the community that most need them.  To facilitate this we need your help!  If you have any unwanted bikes that are collecting dust and could be given a new home please bring them to Unit 2 Brunel Road, Eastwood, Essex, SS9 5JL on;

Tuesday            9:00 to 3:00

Wednesday       9:00 to 3:00

Thursday           4:00 to 8:00

Friday               9:00 to 12:30

Saturday           9:00 to 12:30

Your bike will be recycled by volunteers under the guidance of Cytech trained bike mechanics and then sold at nominal cost to cover the parts.

Book in for your Message in a Bottle (posted 7 January 2010)

All the town’s libraries are teaming up with the Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) to offer the free ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme at branches across the borough.

The Message in a Bottle scheme is aimed at older and vulnerable people living alone and has already proved a great success in Essex. The “bottle" is a small plastic container, which is kept in the fridge and holds  details of the person’s Carer or next of kin, medical condition and GP etc. This information can be easily found in an emergency and acts as a simple but effective lifesaver.

To date this voluntary scheme has saved the lives of 120 people living in Essex. Bottles are also available through Police Stations, local Neighbourhood Watch schemes and the Turning Tides (SAVS) Neighbourhood Management project.

Mick Holland, Southend Community Engagement Officer said:

“The real attractiveness of the Message in a Bottle scheme is its simplicity. Evidence shows that it has helped people to get quicker access to appropriate treatment in an emergency and provides peace of mind for people living alone."

For more information about the Message in a Bottle Scheme contact: Mick Holland, on southendnhw@aol.com or 01702 464199

 

Computer Virus Scam (posted 7 January 2010)

We have been advised of a possible scam where a householder received an unsolicited telephone call from a person claiming to be from their Internet Service provider security team. The caller advised the householder that a virus had been detected on the householder's broadband connection and tried to provide a telephone helpline number in order that the problem could be addressed.

The householder declined to provide any information to the caller and terminated the call. A 1471 check revealed number withheld. It is currently unclear how this scam would have developed. It is feasible that the help number offered would have been a premium rate number.

The standard advice on unsolicited calls is not to provide any details to the callers (personal or otherwise); to be wary of calling telephone numbers offered by such callers, and to terminate the call as soon as possible.

Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS) Volunteer survey (posted 6 January 2010)

SAVS have commissioned a survey to measure the increase in volunteering in Southend. This is happening now and for the next 6 weeks in various locations around the area. SAVS need to make sure they get as many people as possible to participate in the survey - the results from this survey have important funding implications for volunteering in Southend.

They would be very grateful if volunteers can participate in the survey by seeking out one of the surveyors at any of the locations around Southend (listed below). 

Location

Central Southend - Jan 9,15,21,28 - Feb 2,10
Hamlet Court Road - Jan 11,16,18,29 - Feb 3,11
Outside Lidl (Woodgrange Drive) - Jan 6,12,19,23,26 - Feb 1,11,12
Leigh Broadway - Jan 7,13,20,26,30 - Feb 4,8
Thorpe Bay Broadway - Jan 8,14,22,27 - Feb 5,6,9


Any questions about the survey or any volunteering matter please shoukld be directed to the Volunteer Centre Southend on 01702 356060 or email vb@savs-southend.co.uk

British Transport Police London North Passenger Forum - December newsletter (posted 23 December 2009)

The latest issue of the BTP newsletter can be downloaded here Forumnewsletterdecember

The Community Safety Roadshow - a review of 2009 (posted 22 December 2009)

Monday 21 December saw the last Community Safety Roadshow for 2009 at the highly successful Christmas event, run by the Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Action Panel, in Broadway, Since January the team has run thirty-five Roadshows at various locations across the Borough. In that time, we have tagged six hundred and thirty-five bikes; handed out 450 purse chains and 150 personal attack alarms. The breakdown by month can be seen in the chart below

We were joined for one session by the Borough Animal Warden who fitted dogs with electronic tags whilst we did the same to bikes. The Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Crime Reduction Initiative outreach workers, Turning Tides Wardens and Youth Offending Service workers attended a number of the events.

Details of next year's Roadshow events can be found on 'What's On' page of the site. The basic timetable is currrently displayed, but be sure to revisit it regularly to see additional events and locations as they are added.

 

 

Two new bikes for policing in Thorpe ward (posted 21 December 2009)

By Julia Pack

BERA bike handoverPolice in Thorpe Bay have received a boost to their cycle patrols with two new police bicycles, paid for by a local neighbourhood association.

The Burges Estate Residents Association Thorpe (BERA Thorpe), which represents residents across Thorpe Ward, has kindly sponsored two police bicycles including the cost of additional services, in support of the police initiative and cycle patrols.

Warren Lamb, Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for Thorpe Ward, said: “BERA Thorpe represents over 1,000 household members across Thorpe Ward. The association is fully committed to the community it represents and supporting the police, to help keep the ward a safer place to live.”

If you are interested in joining and supporting BERA Thorpe, please contact Mr Ron Woodley, BERA Thorpe Chairperson, 91 Tyrone Road, Thorpe Bay, Essex. Tel: 01702 588662.

Pictured left-right: PCSO Graham Baker, BERA member Emma Wynne-Morgan and PCSO Tristan Adams.

Have your say on equality issues in Southend (posted 18 December 2009)

Now is the time to give your views on the best ways for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council to promote equality for all its residents.

The Council has launched a major survey about its proposed new Single Equality Scheme. This scheme is being prepared to replace the Council’s three existing separate schemes for equality in disability, gender and race. It aims to make sure the Council goes beyond what is required by law. The new scheme will show how the Council aims to eliminate discrimination, across the key equality areas – age, carers, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and belief.

This would apply to all our services to all our communities in Southend, and internally across the entire organisation. The survey, which includes 15 questions and takes around 20 minutes to complete, will run until Tuesday 5th January. It is available online, but can be completed in other formats.

There will also be additional consultation workshops about it held at Southend Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend, between Tuesday 19th January and Thursday 28th January.

The final scheme, taking the consultation responses into account, will be published in April 2010. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing Councillor Mark Flewitt says: “The Council is committed to combating all forms of discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity and good relations between people from different communities and groups.

“This is why it is very important that we receive as many responses to this survey as possible, to help the development and delivery of the Single Equality Scheme (SES).

"During a recession it is not always easy to put the case for advancement of equality as surviving financial pressures will naturally come first. But against this background I am impressed that the Council is consulting its community.

“We will use the SES to drive our work to keep equality, diversity and human rights in the

forefront across the Council. It will set out what we have to do as a service provider, and as an employer. Also, it will show how we intend - over the three years of scheme - to continue to identify and act on:

  • · Reducing the inequalities gap
  • · Increasing the life chances of people living in Southend
  • · Identifying and removing barriers that prevent some people in our community from participating and accessing our services.

“Our Scheme would benefit local diverse communities by identifying and removing barriers that limit people’s access to Council services and protecting people from discrimination.

The survey is available online at www.southend.gov.uk/ses

For more information, or for the questionnaire in other formats, please contact the Equality and Diversity Advisor or Strategy and Performance Support Officer on 01702 215000 extension 5590, 01702 215000 extension 4862 or email equalities@southend.gov.uk

 

Polish Translation Service (posted 17 December 2009)

Jadzia Haughton has informed existing clients and provided information to the local Polish Community, Polish Saturday school, community contacts etc.that there will be no library-based Polish Translation Service on Friday 25th December or Friday 1st January 2010.

There have also been some slight changes to the venue for the library sessions. Times remain unaffected and run from 10am- 2pm.

15 January Lecture Theatre

22 January Ground Floor Meetings Room

29 January Lecture Theatre

5 February Ground Floor Meetings Room and in the same venue after this date  

 

Dynamic Council team makes national impact! (posted 16 December 2009)

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s innovative Youth Offending Service has just been shortlisted for a national LGC award. The acclaimed Service was picked from a huge number of entries to reach the finals in the Children’s Services category for these prestigious awards run by the Local Government Chronicle.

For the next stage, staff from the Service must give a presentation to the judging panel in London on Thursday 28th January, and answer questions.  Then the overall winners will be announced at the LGC Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 24th March 2010 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

One of the aims of the Youth Offending Service is to identify vulnerable young people and give them the support they need to prevent them getting involved in crime or antisocial behaviour. This high performing service, meets and exceeds national targets, and has had significant success in reducing antisocial behaviour.

Between 1st April and 31st October this year there was a 24.28 per cent reduction in reports of Youth Antisocial Behaviour compared with the same period the previous year. Businesses along Southend High Street have noticed the massive difference the YOS street based teams have made to crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre during the last year. Many have written to express their support.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor Children and Learning, Councillor Roger Hadley said: “Congratulations to all those who have contributed to making our Youth Offending Service so successful. It is already listed as the best performing Youth Offending Service in the country for keeping young people out of the youth justice system – demonstrated by official figures for the time period between October 08 and September 09.

“This was achieved through innovative, proactive initiatives, delivered in partnership with a range of agencies and organisations within Southend.  One key project helping reduce first-time entrants to the criminal justice system, is the Family Intervention Project (FIP).

“Southend’s FIP was the first in the country three years ago and is one of the most successful. In the last three years, 100% of those young people assessed as being at high risk of offending whose families received FIP support, were kept out of the criminal justice system. Southend’s FIP has achieved national recognition. Prime Minister Gordon Brown invited Head of the Youth Offending Service, Carol Compton and Council Chief Executive Rob Tinlin to Downing Street to discuss Southend’s approach. This helped develop a national expansion of the scheme.”

Other important initiatives include:

  • Triage – providing a new option of early diversion for young offenders involved in low level criminality
  • Challenge and Support Project - clearly identifying those young people at the earliest opportunity who are at risk and/or vulnerable and ensuring the appropriate level of support is put in place.
  • Operation Staysafe -  to protect vulnerable children and young people whose behaviour or whereabouts places them at risk of significant harm
  • Street based teams - These teams aim to tackle youth offending and anti social behaviour by engaging disaffected young people on the streets. 
  • After school patrols - designed to tackle anti-social behaviour, disorder and more serious offending at school closing time.
  • Reparation - to be carried out during young people’s leisure time, including Friday and Saturday nights. 

    

   Book in for your Message in a Bottle (posted 14 December 2009)

All the town’s libraries are teaming up with the Southend Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) to offer the free ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme at branches across the borough. The Message in a Bottle scheme is aimed at older and vulnerable people living alone and has already proved a great success in Essex. The “bottle" is a small plastic container, which is kept in the fridge and holds  details of the person’s Carer or next of kin, medical condition and GP etc. This information can be easily found in an emergency and acts as a simple but effective lifesaver.

To date this voluntary scheme has saved the lives of 120 people living in Essex. Bottles are also available through Police Stations, local Neighbourhood Watch schemes and the Turning Tides (SAVS) Neighbourhood Management project.

Mick Holland, Southend Community Engagement Officer said:

“The real attractiveness of the Message in a Bottle scheme is its simplicity. Evidence shows that it has helped people to get quicker access to appropriate treatment in an emergency and provides peace of mind for people living alone."

For more information about the Message in a Bottle Scheme contact: Mick Holland,

Southend CDRP, Telephone 01702 464199 E-mail southendnhw@aol.com  or visit www.southendcdrp.co.uk

To find your nearest branch visit www.southend.gov.uk/library or call the Community & Diversity Team, Central Library, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6EX.

Telephone 01702 215011 ext 4125 E-mail librarycommunityteam@southend.gov.uk

Southend Libraries gear up for 2010 Cyclewatch Tour (posted 11 December 2009)

All seven libraries across Southend are gearing up for a further series of Cyclewatch sessions in 2010. These FREE events will take place throughout the year at branches within the Borough and follow on from a series of library events at which over 800 bikes were successfully tagged.

The 2010 library tour dates are given below.

  • Westcliff Library  -  Saturday 20th February  2010 (9.30am - 1.00pm)
  • Friars Library  -  Saturday 10th April  2010  (9.30 - 1.00pm)
  • Leigh Library Gardens - Saturday 8th May  2010 (9.30 - 1.00pm)
  • Thorpedene Library - Saturday 5th June  2010 (9.30 - 1.00pm)
  • Southchurch Library - Saturday 11th September  2010 (9.30 - 1.00pm)
  • Kent Elms Library Saturday 23rd October  2010 (9.30 - 1.00pm)

By simply coming to a library session, you can quickly safeguard your wheels and get your bike fitted with an electronic security tag for FREE. No appointment is necessary - just turn up with your bicycle, and gear up to help prevent thieves stealing your treasured transport.

Please note: this offer is limited to one tag per bike per person and operates on a first come, first served basis.

Also on offer will be free security marking of items such as mobile phones, laptops, iPods, SatNavs and an information pack containing useful fire safety and crime reduction leaflets and a free library CD, DVD or audio book hire voucher.

Mick Holland, Southend Community Engagement Officer said: Many of the bikes tagged at similar library events were brand new or had been received as presents. Their owners came along to the sessions knowing that we were able to help protect their bikes from thieves”.

For details, contact Southend Neighbourhood Watch: 01702 464199

For library maps and directions visit www.southend.gov.uk/library or call 01702 215011. These events are organised by Southend Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), supported by Southend Cycle Watch, Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Southend Libraries.

Southend Together Engagement Strategy (posted 10 December 2009)

Southend Together Engagement Group woul dappreciate some feedback on the darft engagement strategy which has been launched for formal consultation as agreed by Southend Together Executive. The relevant documents can be downloaded below

DraftEngagementStrategyConsultationQuestions

DraftEngagementStrategy

 

Cold Calling Home Security Firm offering goods at inflated prices (posted 30 November 2009)

We have received reports of a national company cold calling in central Southend offering home security items, smoke detectors etc to householders on a supply and fit basis. Previous experience with companies such as this indicates that the items offered can cost up to three times their actual worth. Some of their sales tchniques can be aggressive. Anybody who has received a visit from such a company should advise Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 as soon as posible

Trading Standards advise that householders should not purchase goods or services from cold callers and to seek a number of quotations for any work etc before committing to a particular firm

For the over 60s requiring new and improved locks etc, please see the news on HandyVan item below

Handy Van needs more referrals (posted 27 November 2009)

HandyVan recently benefitted from the Home Office Safer Homes Fund and continues to operate in Southend Borough under the auspices of Help the Aged. It is a service designed to prevent crime and houshold accidents for residents of pensionable age and above. We need to increase the number of referrals to Handy Van. The service is free to residents of Southend Borough who meet the following criteria:

  • Sixty years of age and over
  • Cash savings of less than £20,000  

Handy Van will undertake a free, unbiased home security check and can supply and fit a range of door locks, window locks, door viewers, door chains, bolts, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and grab rails completely free of charge.  

To make use of this highly valuable service either e-mail me on southendnhw@aol.com or telephone me on (01702) 464199 giving name of the client, their address, postcode and contact telephone number. HandyVan will then call the client to arrange a suitable time for the fitter to attend the premises, carry out a survey and supply and fit all necessary items FREE OF CHARGE

 

Home Library Service (posted 27 November 2009)

Hundreds of residents in Southend are housebound and can’t easily access any of the town’s seven libraries because of age, disability, ill- health, or caring responsibilities. That’s why the free Home Library Service is such a blessing for many readers and their carers.

Through this service, residents can also receivelarge print books and take full advantage of a wide range of resources, including audio books, DVDs and music CDs. Items can also be requested free of charge.The service has seventy fully trained library volunteers who visit 250 housebound readers and carers at home on a regular basis.

The Home Library Service can also help to reduce the sense of isolation often experienced by many housebound people and their carers.                    

Do you know someone who might enjoy this FREE library service?

Call the Library Community team on 01702 215011 ext 4125 or ask at your library

E-mail librarycommunityteam@southend.gov.uk

Website www.southend.gov.uk

Connexions Southend (posted 26 November 2009)

Connexiions is the'one-stop' service for all young people in Southend. For further details and a personal safety leaflet click on the following A4posterHiRes 8pppersonalsafetyHiRes

Anti Bullying Week kicked off by Southend Borough Council, V and other partners delivering outreach sessions in Supermarkets, Tesco’s and ASDA.  The word was spread about cyber bullying and information given on how to stay safer.  At ASDA alone over 200 parents and carers got involved with 160 completing surveys linked to anti bullying week, free DVDs on how parents and carers can keep their children safe on line were also distributed. For the full review click on AntiBullyingWeekReview

 

British Transport Police London North Passenger Forum - November newsletter (posted 20 November 2009)

The latest edition of the newsletter can be downloaded at Novembernewsletter-final If you are concerned about crime and security on the railways and would be interested in joining the London North Passenger Forum – please contact Steven Fifer on: 020 7391 8279 or steven.fifer@btp.pnn.police.uk

 


Council clampdown on driveway blockers (posted 18 November)


Southend-on-Sea Borough Council plans to crack down on inconsiderate motorists who make life a misery for the borough’s residents by blocking their driveways. Up until recently only the police were permitted to take enforcement action over badly parked vehicles which obstructed people’s access to the highway. But new legislation has delegated the power to take action against so-called ‘driveway blockers’ to local authorities. It is an offence to leave any part of a vehicle protruding over any part of a driveway without the resident’s permission. Any resident suffering at the hands of ‘driveway blockers’ is urged to contact the council so that action can be taken.


The crackdown will come into force immediately and offending motorists will initially be issued with warning notices advising them not to park in such a fashion. But if the same vehicle is caught blocking a driveway again the owner will be issued with a penalty charge notice.


Cllr Anna Waite, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Planning and
Transport, said: “We are determined to act against inconsiderate motorists who obstruct
people’s driveways.“Their actions cause great annoyance to residents who find it difficult to get their own cars onto the highway and sometimes can’t get out at all.“The council will not hesitate to use the new powers it has been granted in a bid to stamp out this anti-social practice.”


The council’s civil enforcement officers will also take action against the owners of vehicles
parked over any part of a lowered footway. These are usually found in busy areas or at junctions to help residents using prams, wheelchairs or mobility scooters to cross the road.

Residents wishing to report parked vehicles which obstruct driveways or lowered footways
should call 01702-215003 and ask for parking management. Outside of office hours they should call 01702-466550 and the details will be passed to the council’s enforcement team.

Spotlight on Domestic Abuse (posted 18 November 2009)

For those experiencing Domestic Abuse, help is available from:

  • Southend Domestic Abuse Support Service: Advice, support and safe accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Support for men and women who are experiencing domestic abuse and wish to remain in their own homes. Call 01702 291266.
  • SOS Domestic Abuse Project’s Dove Project: A drop in service for women experiencing past or present domestic abuse, run by specialist trained staff and volunteers, with advice, support and free counselling available. Call 01702 302333.
  • Southend-on-Sea Domestic Abuse Project’s Fledgelings & Children & Young People’s Community Services A supervised child and family contact centre offering supervised contact and a range of associated contact support. Also offers a range of services for children and young people and their parents/carers affected by domestic abuse and family separation. Call: 01702 343868.
  • Victim Support :An independent national charity helping people cope with the effects of crime. Trained staff and volunteers offer free confidential support and information. Referrals can be forwarded from the police if a crime has been reported, and victims can self refer even if the crime has not been reported. Call 0845 4565995.
  • National Domestic Violence Helpline . This is a confidential helpline service giving women, children and their supporters confidential support and information. Call: 0808 2000 247
  • Men’s Advice Line. This is a confidential helpline for men experiencing violence and abuse from their partners or ex-partners. Call: 0808 801 0327
  • Broken Rainbow. This offers support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic abuse. Call: 0300 999 5428.

 

 

Revolutionary approach to pavement cycling (posted 3 November 2009)

Essex Police and Cycle Southend have launched a new scheme aimed at tackling the common complaint of cycling on the pavement as Not in My Neighbourhood Week begins across the country.

Cycling on the pavement causes a great deal of nuisance to many people in Southend and is a subject regularly brought up during community meetings. It is traditionally an issue which police deal with on an individual basis, however coming up with longer term solutions to the problem has previously proved a stumbling block.

Working together, Essex Police and the Cycle Southend team at Southend Borough Council have found a real solution to this problem through the launch of Operation Revolution.

Sgt Bill Potter, in charge of policing of the High Street and seafront, explained: “As it stands, when we stop pavement cyclists, we may simply give them advice or issue a £30 fixed penalty notice. That action may deal with the incident in the short term but we’ve been looking for ways in which we can begin to look at the longer term implications of this issue.

“While many will consider cycling on the pavement a minor offence, it is one which is constantly being raised to us during public meetings as a matter of local priority. After all, it affects a great many of us and is a very dangerous practice. However, we also appreciate that as roads have become busier in general, they may be perceived as an unsafe place for cyclists - so we’ve also needed to look at the reasons why cyclists choose to use the pavement”.

For Operation Revolution, which was launched on Monday, November 2, officers in Southend have teamed up with staff from Cycle Southend, who offer free adult cycle training to all. The training involves one-on-one practical sessions, which are tailor-made to each individual cyclist. It consists of a trainer working with them within the streets that they regularly ride. They can give advice and tips on how they can safely travel on the local busy roads and junctions, which may have previously made them feel uneasy and caused them to feel the need to ride on the pavement.

Councillor John Lamb, deputy leader of Southend Borough Council, says: “As part of our agenda to promote sustainable transport in Southend, the council has invested heavily in cycling initiatives since becoming a Cycling Demonstration Town last year.

“Bikeability is just one of the schemes we are offering. It is an excellent training programme; I have completed it myself and am now much more confident about on-road cycling in and around the borough.”

It is hoped that these personal training sessions will provide the cyclist with the confidence they need to ride safely on the road. On completion of the course, the cyclist will be provided with a free bicycle safety pack including lights, reflectors, water bottle and other useful accessories.

Sgt Potter continued: “Now, when we stop people cycling on the pavement, we will be able to offer them this free training which we truly believe will make them better, safer and more confident cyclists. In the long run, as word spreads of this fantastic service being offered by Cycle Southend and more and more people take up the training, I hope to see a real reduction in the number of people we find cycling on the pavement.”

The free training sessions are available to everyone and residents are invited to contact the team directly to book their own informative and educational training session. Email cyclesouthend@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215003 ext 5715.

 


Dog Control Orders (posted 29 July 2009)

The new dog control orders for Southend Borough come into force on Monday 10 August 2009. The following pdf contains all of the relevant information PublicNoticemakingofordersFinal

 

 

 



 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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