A public consultation is now open for residents to have their say on natural habitats across Southend-on-Sea and Essex and give their views on the proposed plan for nature recovery.

The Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is one of 48 strategies across England. It is aimed at helping habitats and vulnerable species thrive for future generations. One in six wildlife species are at risk of extinction in Great Britain and there has been a 55% decline in farm birds.

Get 13 hours parking everyday for just 34p per day with the Southend Pass.

The Southend Pass is an annual parking permit, that can be paid for monthly, quarterly or annually.

Southend-on-Sea will host City Day celebrations on Saturday 1st March 2025 and want the local community and businesses to get involved.

From 9 to 13 September, organisations, people and communities in Essex are lighting up buildings and landmarks green, as part of the ‘Creating hope through light’ event.

The week-long event, hopes to raise awareness of suicide prevention and challenge Essex residents to take free online suicide prevention training.

The council’s cabinet will be asked to agree the council’s ‘preferred bidder’ for its recycling, waste and street cleansing contract on Monday 16 September.

The Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) scheme provides free energy-saving home improvements to people who struggle to paid their heating bills and keep their homes warm in winter.

Funded by the government, the scheme is available to homeowners with off gas properties in participating local authority areas who meet certain eligibility criteria.

Eligibility depends on factors including household income or benefits, location and the energy performance of homes.