Southend's Economic future

Firstly, the last time I wrote in this publication I spoke about the 85,000 vehicle movements through our city. As a way of a short update, Southend Council passed an amended Conservative party motion which will empower us to fight these vehicle movements. Which I think you will all agree is great news.

Today however, I wish to talk to you about something more generic but possibly the most important thing we as a City need to discuss, but over many years have failed to - the future of our local economy.

I don't want to speak ill of the local economy we currently have. This publication alone is a testament that there are many businesses in Southend, and the surrounding area, doing well, with many success stories being found in these pages alone. It is true that there are many places in the UK with a far worse offering than our own.

But that does not mean that we can take it for granted, nor does it mean that improvements cannot be made. In fact as a Councillor the condition of our high streets and overall business offering are some of the most important things that residents raise.

Southend's Economy under attack!

It isn't difficult to see why. When Southend's businesses flourish we create more jobs, we improve how our city looks we encourage investment into our core infrastructure and of course, we are able to raise funds to pay for core public services.

However, Southend's economy is under attack. It isn't hard to see the impact those attacks are having. In the recent Southend Council budget the Council is now £2m a year worse off due to a