Prittlewell Confelicity - Elizabeth Smith

27/11/2025

Gridlock, Floods, Urban Sprawl – Unless You Object

Developers want to put a major housing development on the open fields between Great Wakering and Shoebury – on Green Belt land in a serious flood-risk area.

If this goes ahead it will mean:
• 🛑 Losing protected Green Belt countryside between our communities
• 🌊 More homes on flood-risk land behind ageing sea defences
• 🚗 Hundreds of extra car journeys on roads that are already dangerous and congested
• 🏥 Even more pressure on schools, GPs and sewers that are already struggling

We’re not against new homes – but they must be safe, sustainable and in the right place, not crammed onto vulnerable fields just because it suits a developer.

Already, many local residents are objecting to this plan – but every single objection counts, and yours will be read as part of the decision.

⸻

✍️ Object in under 2 minutes

1️⃣ Click here: https://bit.ly/Friendsfarm
2️⃣ It takes you straight to the comment form for planning application 25/00772/OUT
3️⃣ Start your comment with “I OBJECT” and, in your own words, mention things like:
• Loss of Green Belt and countryside
• Flood risk and drainage
• Traffic and road safety
• Pressure on local schools, doctors and sewers

You don’t have to live in Great Wakering to object – if you use our roads, schools or GPs, or you care about flood safety and local green fields, this affects you and you can have your say.

Even a short comment in your own words makes a difference.

📣 Please share this post and ask friends, family and neighbours to object today.
Once these green fields are gone, they’re gone for good.

You should be aware that all letters received from consultees are available for public inspection via the Rochford website. All responses made online will be published with your name and address.

10/05/2025

09/05/2025

🚨 URGENT: Southend’s Green Belt Under Threat 🚨

A proposal to build 10,000 homes on the green belt land north of Bournes Green Chase has just survived a crucial Council vote — after Labour, Lib Dems, and the ‘Independent Group’ blocked a motion to stop it.

This land is vital for wildlife, clean air, and preserving the unique character of our community. If the plans go ahead, we’ll face even worse traffic, overcrowded schools and GPs, and permanent damage to Southend’s environment.

We must act now. Join the growing campaign to protect our green spaces and make your voice heard.

📝 Sign the petition to stop the development:
https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=102

🗳 And help us protect local democracy by backing the petition to stop the 2026 election cancellation:
https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=99

Let’s stand together for Southend. 💚

23/04/2025

https://saveourgreenbelt.org

The Green Belt between Southend and Rochford is under a major renewed threat.

14/01/2025

📢 Southend-on-Sea Budget 2024/25: A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain ⚖️
The 2024/25 budget from Southend-on-Sea City Council has been released, and while there are positives, it raises some serious concerns for our community. Here’s our take:
✅ The Good:
• Support for Vulnerable Residents: Investments in children’s services and high-needs education are vital and much-needed for our community.
• Economic Growth: Projects like the Airport Business Park and city centre regeneration offer hope for job creation and business opportunities.
• Environmental Progress: Funding for coastal defences and flood prevention is a step in the right direction to protect our city for future generations.
❌ Where the Budget Falls Short:
• Social Care Strain: Overspending on children’s and adult social care reflects a lack of long-term planning and risks the sustainability of these critical services.
• Cuts to Community Services: Libraries, museums, and other community facilities face reduced funding, which could weaken our cultural and social fabric.
• Over-Reliance on Reserves: Using reserves to plug short-term gaps is a worrying sign of financial instability, with no clear long-term solutions in sight.
Our View: While we welcome the focus on essential services and sustainability, this budget fails to address the root causes of rising costs and continues to neglect the broader needs of our community. Discretionary services that make Southend a vibrant and connected city are being sacrificed, and without a robust plan for the future, these issues will persist.
We believe Southend deserves better. A budget that truly works for everyone must balance financial resilience with a commitment to community wellbeing. Let’s hold the Council accountable and push for smarter, fairer solutions.
💬 What do you think? Join the conversation and share your views below!

25/12/2024

Joy to the World

18/10/2024

📢 Exciting News for Southend!
We are thrilled to announce an important addition to our manifesto, focused on empowering our youth and enhancing public safety in Southend!
🚀 Our Vision: A safer, more cohesive community where young people thrive through opportunity, mentorship, and personal development. Here's how we're making it happen:
1. Southend Youth Zone – A state-of-the-art space offering sports, arts, and vocational training, with affordable access.
2. Expanded Sports & Arts Programs – Boxing, martial arts, and team sports to teach discipline and resilience.
3. Outdoor Adventure & Leadership – Life-skill programs through outdoor activities in our parks and coastal areas.
4. Career & Enterprise Development – Partnerships with local businesses to provide employability skills and entrepreneurial support.
5. First Aid & Violence Prevention Education – Life-saving skills to combat street violence and empower our youth.
Join us as we build a safer, more vibrant Southend, filled with opportunities for all! 💪

08/07/2024

🤔 Thoughts 🤔

I'm thinking of holding a meet n greet session once a month....

Basically for the amazing residents of the kursaal ward it will give you a chance to meet up and talk about ideas/concerns you have.

Just an informal meet and chat

Is this something you would like me to do?

Venue to be annnounced

Please let me know with a like/comment and I'll make this happen. I really want to make a difference to our wonderful community and it starts with communication ❤️

Photo credit Gaz de Vere

24/06/2024

As I write this, the Southend West and Leigh hustings would be starting soon. I should be there. I should be experiencing a lot of nerves and excitement while in hope of saying what I want to say in the right way. Instead, I will be driving home after a long day at work penning this blog.I was infor...

22/06/2024

Help Marie Edmonds raise money to support Aspirations Day Program