“Welcome to summer!”, says Southend-on-Sea City Council leader Cllr Tony Cox.

Rob Tinlin MBE has been appointed as the council’s interim Chief Executive, following approval at Full Council on Monday 24 July.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is reminding residents to stay cool and hydrated to cope with future heat waves and to avoid heat stress. Including a Southend Cool Spaces interactive map highlighting public cooling spots for the hot weather across the city. 

Southend-on-Sea City Council chamber erupted in celebratory applause last night (Thursday 20 July) as David Stanley of The Music Man Project was awarded the Freedom of the City.

Bookworms of all ages are being encouraged to take part in the annual summer reading challenge through Southend libraries.

This year there are also British Sign Language sessions available.

Southend shoppers and visitors to the city centre are being encouraged to make use of a new relaxing landscaped area and playground just off the high street.

As part of Plastic Free July, we are running an exciting new social media competition. Residents are encouraged to share photos of their reusable water bottle or coffee cup anywhere in the city. The top five entries, chosen by our Climate Change team, will win a goody bag.