Latest news with #Southend-on-SeaCityCouncil
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I used to ride bike under that doomed tree - it could've killed me decades ago'
Since Leonna Ruka died after a tree collapsed in Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, last week, concern has been raised about managing trees and dangerous trees in our parks and green spaces She was "a shining star who brought happiness wherever she went and she met". Leonna Ruka's death has rocked the nation. A seven-year-old girl enjoying a family day out in the park was pronounced dead within hours - after a tree collapsed on her. Concern has grown in the week since, not least because Southend-on-Sea City Council is yet to confirm when the cedar in Chalkwell Park was last inspected. Residents across the Essex city have expressed their anger and sadness since the tragedy, which happened on Saturday afternoon. Adam Ramet, a 54-year-old dad, used to ride his trike under the huge cedar - and fears he could have been killed by it years ago. Photographs taken as early as 1919 are believed to show wooden struts that, more than a century ago, were propping up the much-loved tree's vast horizontal limbs. Mr Ramet, who was in the park on Saturday and heard Leonna's screams, said: "The cedar has been a big strong presence that's just always been there, it sits in all our childhood memories. For this terrible tragedy to have come from that tree is almost unthinkable. People are grieving for the little girl who lost her life and shocked because they know it could so easily have been them or their own kids." It means Southend-on-Sea is consumed with grief and sadness. Speaking to Mail Online, Mr Ramet added: "People are deeply affected by what happened... The struts have been there as long as I can remember, and you could see very clearly that it was the top of the tree that had sheared off sideways and come crashing down." Four other children were injured in the horror on Saturday. Families had gathered in the Victorian park to enjoy the warm weather last week, many having picnics while their children played. Leonna's family had travelled to see relatives. Although Leonna's family are from Dagenham, east London, the community has rallied in Southend-on-Sea. Flowers have been left near the doomed scene. Experts have this week indicated that while fatalities from fallen trees are mercifully rare – five or six every year across the UK according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures – a hot summer's afternoon is the most likely time for such a tragedy. Arboriculturalists have pointed to a phenomenon called Sudden Branch Drop (SBD) – the unexpected collapse of mature tree branches during a prolonged dry period where there is no other obvious defect or cause. But due to the police investigation, Southend-on-Sea City Council is yet to confirm when the cedar in Chalkwell Park was last inspected or whether its position next to a main footpath meant it required extra checks. Essex Police said that no arrests or charges have so far been made and that "our enquiries continue".
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Support withdrawn for 10,000 homes plan near city
Pressure on towns and villages have made plans for 10,000 new homes "unsuitable", a council leader said. It came as Rochford District Council withdrew its support for the new town on land sprawling across Southend-on-Sea and Shoeburyness. The local authority made the decision during a meeting of its planning policy committee. Conservative leader Danielle Belton said: "Our district simply does not have the capacity for this scale of development." The council had previously submitted a joint "expression of interest" to the government with Southend-on-Sea City Council, which has not reversed its support. A report discussed during the meeting showed the new town would have included a new country park. The earmarked land was north of Fossetts Way and Bournes Green Close. Councillors voted to tell the government they would be withdrawing an expression of interest in the development. Belton said there was no evidence to show 10,000 homes were needed in the area. "Continuing to support the EOI [Expression of Interest] risks giving the impression that we endorse vast, unsuitable growth, at a time when our towns and villages are already under pressure," she added. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Plans for thousands of new homes 'insane' - MP Calls for probe into 10,000 new homes plan Essex housing target increases by 37% Rochford District Council
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Striking poppy display to line city's famous pier
Thousands of knitted poppies are expected to turn a city's famous pier into a striking remembrance memorial. The display will run the entire 1.33-mile (2.14km) length of Southend Pier in Essex from 5-16 November. People have been invited to donate their creations by the end of September. Labour city councillor Matt Dent said it would be a "truly memorable" commemoration. The display would culminate with a "dramatic installation at the pier's selfie signpost", Southend-on-Sea City Council said. Crafters of all skills were encouraged to get involved, with Dent hoping it would instil "a sense of civic pride". He added: "As well as being a poignant tribute, I expect the display will give a welcome boost to tourism and visitor numbers on the pier during the quieter off-peak season." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Much-loved biker event makes comeback Rundown playgrounds will be spruced up with £1m Seafront celebrates first City Day festival Southend-on-Sea City Council
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Search for Shakedown bikers who 'flouted safety'
A police force has said it recorded about 50 motoring offences during a major motorcycle event. After a three-year break, the Southend Shakedown - which attracts hundreds of bikers - returned to the city in April. Essex Police and the city's council have praised most riders who went to the Easter Monday rally, but the force has appealed for help to trace those spotted acting dangerously. "If these riders act this way when they attend a popular public event, I have grave concerns as to how they behave on the road on a day-to-day basis," said Adam Pipe, head of roads policing. He added: "The overwhelming majority of bikers who took part in the Southend Shakedown did so responsibly – but we cannot ignore those who flouted road safety. "In 2025 alone, we've seen the tragic loss of more than 20 lives [on the roads]. "That number is heartbreaking, and we're determined to do all we can to stop more lives being lost." At the Shakedown, officers spotted 23 illegal, obscured or missing number plates and dealt with one "fail to stop" incident. The force said there were two careless riding incidents, and five riders without insurance. There were four seizures under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, as well as one seizure for antisocial driving. Police also dealt with untaxed vehicles, dangerous tyres, invalid MOTs, two minor collisions and criminal damage. After reviewing footage, officers identified 16 additional incidents of dangerous driving. Essex Police said it was hoping to track down those involved and urged anyone with information to contact them. Daniel Cowan, the Labour leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "We want Shakedown to have a positive future in Southend, and that means keeping everyone safe and setting the right example for the years ahead." He added: "The return of Shakedown was a huge success. "Thousands of people came to Southend, families enjoyed the day, and seafront traders reported a welcome boost in business." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Much-loved biker event makes comeback Bikers delighted with much-loved Shakedown's return Seafront motorcycle rally to return after hiatus Essex Police
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Search for Shakedown bikers who 'flouted safety'
A police force has said it recorded about 50 motoring offences during a major motorcycle event. After a three-year break, the Southend Shakedown - which attracts hundreds of bikers - returned to the city in April. Essex Police and the city's council have praised most riders who went to the Easter Monday rally, but the force has appealed for help to trace those spotted acting dangerously. "If these riders act this way when they attend a popular public event, I have grave concerns as to how they behave on the road on a day-to-day basis," said Adam Pipe, head of roads policing. He added: "The overwhelming majority of bikers who took part in the Southend Shakedown did so responsibly – but we cannot ignore those who flouted road safety. "In 2025 alone, we've seen the tragic loss of more than 20 lives [on the roads]. "That number is heartbreaking, and we're determined to do all we can to stop more lives being lost." At the Shakedown, officers spotted 23 illegal, obscured or missing number plates and dealt with one "fail to stop" incident. The force said there were two careless riding incidents, and five riders without insurance. There were four seizures under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, as well as one seizure for antisocial driving. Police also dealt with untaxed vehicles, dangerous tyres, invalid MOTs, two minor collisions and criminal damage. After reviewing footage, officers identified 16 additional incidents of dangerous driving. Essex Police said it was hoping to track down those involved and urged anyone with information to contact them. Daniel Cowan, the Labour leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "We want Shakedown to have a positive future in Southend, and that means keeping everyone safe and setting the right example for the years ahead." He added: "The return of Shakedown was a huge success. "Thousands of people came to Southend, families enjoyed the day, and seafront traders reported a welcome boost in business." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Much-loved biker event makes comeback Bikers delighted with much-loved Shakedown's return Seafront motorcycle rally to return after hiatus Essex Police
