More concerns about the High Street Post Office in W H Smiths

Milton ward councillor Julian Ware-Lane had expressed concerns about the move of the High Street  Post  Office into the W H Smith store. It was something that concerned not least because he could foresee issues with access.

This move has happened in the last year, with mixed views as to its success. Some customers do not like having to traipse through the stationery store and bookshop to purchase stamps, etc; others are stoical.

Recent rains have seen the roof leak in the building that house WH Smith and now the Post Office. The leak cause all self service machines to fail. There was water all over the floor; this affected access to Post Office services.

Cllr Ware-Lane said: "Having the Post Office counters above the ground floor not only makes access a little more difficult, but it is also liable to these  sort of extreme weather incidents."

Deputy Leader of the Labour Group on Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Cllr Anne Jones, said: "Labour councillors and activists spoke to many members of the public, prior to the Post Office moving to their current premises. The most frequent concern was that it would be located on the first floor and could be inaccessible to wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and people with children in prams. It is appalling that not only did the post office dismiss these concerns, but the premises underwent only a cosmetic refurbishment and not a proper upgrade. The concern all along was that the building would  not be fit for purpose. Furthermore, it is not particularly safe for the public to use."

WCA AGM

Cllr Robinson addresses the meeting

The Royal British Legion Hall in Northview Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, reminds me of a Tardis. This establishment has a modest frontage, but go inside and it turns into a rather sizeable establishment. This was the venue for last night's meeting of the Westborough Community Association.

I have been to a few WCA meetings over the years. Last night's appeared the least well attended, reflected in a sombre address by the Chair. There is a cloud over the WCA at the moment, and real doubts exist as to its future. This is a shame as I feel that community grounds likes this, a residents' association in all but name, really help in making a neighbourhood a better place to live and work in.

Nonetheless, I found it an interesting meeting. The Chair's spoke wanted to know what members wanted from their association - is it just to be about clearing up litter and fly-tipping?

Cllrs Kevin Robinson and Anne Jones gave reports as to what they had been up to on behalf of their residents.

As always, the end of the meeting gave me an opportunity to catch with one or two people.

Press Release

Southend Labour disappointed with council properties' sales

On December 7th, 2016, the Council sold 2A Bournemouth Park Road for £224,000. On the same day it also sold 4 Cranley Avenue for £301,000

Labour councillors were disappointed that the Conservative Administration decided to sell these two properties, which have been used for decades as social housing.

These properties were family homes, one for more than 40 years and another for over twenty years. The two properties were relinquished by their tenants, as in both cases one of the residents encountered ill health.

The council have used the technical argument that the properties are not part of the South Essex Homes portfolio, yet both sets of residents had access to the full range of services from SEH over the period that the properties were managed by them. Previously, the properties were managed directly by the council, prior to ALMO transfer and even further back, by Essex County Council.

Cllr Anne Jones says: "It hardly matters to families deserving of housing, which part of the council are responsible for particular properties. They just want a place to call home. The Conservatives have stated that the properties are in need of major repair, but this is not the case and is an insult to the families who resided there. Both properties, internally and externally were meticulously maintained by the residents who took pride in their much loved homes."

The Conservatives describe these properties as 'not typical council houses', whatever that means and not 'not forming part of an estate', which further shows the lack of regard that they have for the people of this town. Such stereo typical views are most unwelcome and indicative of an administration out of touch with the people it serves.

The excuses that are given by the Conservatives do not hold up to scrutiny, as they continue to let similar properties at market rent from the same property portfolio, resulting in sustained income and the retention of family homes, much needed in the current housing crisis.

Cllr Jones goes on to say: "The revenue from these sales ( £525,000) will not be ploughed back into social housing (unlike receipts from Right To Buy) Instead it will transfer to the Council's General Fund. It is interesting to note that the costs of plans for commemorating  Southend's 125th anniversary are estimated at a similar figure."

Cllr Julian Ware-Lane said: "I am sure other properties have also been sold in recent years. Bearing in mind the local housing crisis and the large housing list, what does the selling of these properties say to those who still await to be housed by this Council?"

"It really is very disappointing" Julian, "The money raised is roughly equal to what is being spent on the 125 year anniversary of the Borough; I think a better way to celebrate would be the housing of two families by the local authority."