Mike Assenheim

And so a fourth councillor that I have shared the chamber at Southend-on-Sea has passed away. It really is very sad. I can be quite combative in debate, but at times like this all of that must be forgotten. Someone who has served his community has passed on.

I have many memories of Mike Assenheim. I cannot pretend to know him as well as others, my tenure as councillor for Milton is still not yet five years after all. But we chatted, and often agreed. I used to tease him a bit, and I am still not sure whether he knew I was joking at the time!

If I sit and think about our non-political conversations it was often on the subject of Westcliff-on-Sea, my birthplace and where I live today. I cannot recall if Mike was born here, but he certainly had a long association with it. We talked of places and streets we knew well.

Recently I sat beside him when we were interviewing prospective Town Clerks. His contribution to the process was mostly excellent.

He died on the way back from his doctor's, and I can only say I am pleased that in a recent debate about parking at his GP surgery I supported Mike's arguments.

Mike was 74, far too young to be taken.  He was a leading light in politics in the east of the borough, even if he often asserted he was non-political.

My condolences to Mike's loved ones, and to the Independent Group who have lost a wise and gentle voice.

 

Town mourns sudden death of ‘Mr Shoebury’

Southend in Transition

https://westclifftransition.wordpress.com/

Southend Labour secures new council homes for residents

Press release

This week five new council houses in Shoeburyness will be occupied by local families,  due to the work done by Labour councillors in administration over the last couple of years. This will provide better quality, more affordable housing in Southend, all the homes have been built according to Communities Agency (HCA) space standards, and to Lifetime Homes specification.  

Under the joint administration formed in 2014, the Southend Labour Party launched a £3 million scheme to construct between 13 and 27 council homes.

 With house prices up 14% on last year, it is essential the current Conservative administration continue to implement the Labour Party’s flagship scheme in Southend.  

Cllr Ian Gilbert, Leader of the Labour Group, says:  "The government is making it harder at every turn for local councils to build council housing. We recognise that these new homes are a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed, yet this is still five more local families who will have decent place to live. It shows that even in a brief spell in administration we can get things done."

With Theresa May refusing to provide a clear national direction for solving the housing crisis, Councillor David Norman and colleagues within Southend Labour have worked tirelessly to guarantee Southend resident’s affordable housing.  National Tory policy fails to provide more social housing, better private rental regulation or the construction of more council housing. Ultimately, this left many people unable to gain a foothold on the first rung of the property ladder.  

According to data collected by the charity Shelter, Southend had in 2013 5,676 people on housing waiting lists.  The Conservative administration must accept their responsibility to rapidly expand this program in order to assist these residents.

PRESS RELEASE:

Carriage and Wagon Shed in Shoebury Garrison

The Southend-on-Sea Labour Group believes that the borough's heritage assets must be maintained for future generations. Therefore, it has been pleased that the Council has sought to look after the Carriage and Wagon Shed in Shoebury Garrison.

We are disappointed that owing to a number of factors what was promised in 2011 has failed to materialise.  Economic pressures has meant that the promise of a visitor centre and community facility have failed to materialise.

The Council is faced with a number of options, including leaving the building to decline. The Labour Group does not want this to happen and wants the building maintained.

Cllr Julian Ware-Lane says: "The Borough is currently facing the loss of a number of heritage assets, and I hope that this does not join that sorry list. We must preserve the best of our heritage - and I believe that Carriage and Wagon Shed, owing to its listing, is amongst the best."

"The sums involved in maintaining it are quite modest" added Cllr Ware-Lane, "and the alternative is the loss of another piece of history. We owe it to future generations to maintain these sorts of buildings."

Southend Labour believes that the original intention of creating a visitor centre and community facility still has merit, and that this should still be pursued.

The Council recognises the potential loss to the borough, and Labour hopes that the Conservative-UKIP administration faces up to its duty of care to history and heritage within Southend-on-Sea.

ENDS

Notes

·         This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest. Name: CARRIAGE / WAGON SHED, HORSESHOE BARRACKS List entry Number: 1322322

·         https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1322322

·         The developer (Avant Homes)  took an obligation under an S106 agreement to refurbish the Carriage and Wagon Shed for use as a visitor centre and community facility.