MP speaks out on Eurovision
THE MP for Southend West tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament regarding the Eurovision Song Contest.
Sir David Amess said: “This House believes that, as the UK has left the European Union, the UK should now leave the Eurovision Song Contest; calls on the BBC to no longer spend licence fee money on an event designed to humiliate the UK; and notes that, if the winning song is to be broadcast on the public airwaves, it should be preceded by a public health warning.”
Old Leigh Regatta cancelled
THE Organisers of the Old Leigh Regatta have announced that this year’s event will not go ahead.
The annual event held in the Old Town attracts many visitors and crowds, and was also cancelled last year due to the pandemic restrictions.
In a statement, the organisers explained that the lack of certainty surrounding Government restrictions made it impossible to safely plan the event again, making it the second year running that the popular event will not go ahead.
A spokesperson said: “the Organisers of the Old Leigh Regatta the Lions Club of Leigh on Sea, regret to announce that after consultation with the two Scout groups in Old Leigh, this year’s event scheduled for September will not go ahead.
“The Lions and the Scouts are mindful of the current uncertainty surrounding the lifting of Government restrictions in June and that other open events of this type may only be starting shortly before but with ticket entry to control crowd numbers.
“In view of the difficulty of controlling numbers in the Old Town and the many weeks of planning the event requires it is impossible to hold a Covid-safe Regatta and ensure the safety of the public and organisers.”
A spokesperson for the Lions said: “We sincerely hope that the Old Leigh Regatta will return in 2022 in its normal vibrant and family friendly way.”
Teen rebailed in Luke Bellfield murder enquiry
A TEENAGE boy arrested on suspicion of the murder of Luke Bellfield in Old Leigh was rebailed to June 1.
The 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder on March 1 but was later released on conditional bail on March 26, having previously been bailed until May 24.
Now, police have bailed him again while enquiries continue.
Essex Police launched a murder investigation after 18-year-old Luke died following an attack near the Peterboat in the Old Town in February this year.
A post mortem examination found Luke died as a result of a single stab wound to the heart.
Friends set up a fundraiser for the victims’ family, with more than £7,728 raised so far.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/donations-for-luke-bellfield
Canvey/Rayleigh: The first virtual South Essex Private Landlord Forum.
THE South Essex private housing group, which includes Rochford, Basildon, Castle Point, and Thurrock Councils, are working in partnership with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) to put on a free private landlord forum. A range of topics designed to give practical advice and support include: The new Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Landlord legislation update, ‘Breathing space’ debt moratoriums.
Coun D Efde said: “This Landlord Forum offers a unique opportunity to share professional expertise and advice.
“If you are a local private landlord I would urge you to register your interest for this event to help you keep up to date with the latest information available.”
The first virtual South Essex Private Landlord Forum is on the June 17, 6-7pm.
Further information about this free event and how to register can be found here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpce2rqjojHdQ5Ebq0KJd5BCkxsyIPc8RZ
Vehicle Thefts
ESSEX Police are urging residents across Castel Point and Rochford to be extra vigilant after a spate of vehicle thefts.
They’ve given advice for residents on installing addition security, and to park in well-lit areas, whilst ensuring all doors and windows are secure.
Other advice it so remove tools and valuable from the vehicle, or keep them secured in an internal compartment.
Canvey mistaken identity shooting
A MAN has been charged after shots were fired at a property on Canvey, just after 2.05am on May 5.
The incident, at a home on Chiltern Approach, is believed to be a targeted incident.
Nobody was injured but the person inside was left shaken in what is believed to be case of mistaken identity.
Officers carried out warrants at addresses in Benfleet the following day, and two men were arrested.
John Vassallo, 34, of Woodside View, Benfleet has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, cannabis production, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.
He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on May 8 and is due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on June 7.
A 22 year-old man arrested has been released on bail.
Hunt for man in Canvey burglary
POLICE have issued an appeal to speak with a 30-year-old man in connection with a burglary on Canvey.
It is believed the culprit took cash from St Nicholas’ Church, in Long Road, between 6.30pm and 6.45pm on Sunday,May 23.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We want to speak to Micky Scott in connection with a burglary on Canvey Island.
“He is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build with short light-brown hair and stubble.
“He has links to Canvey Island, Benfleet, and Southend.”
If you have any information, submit a report at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the ’Live Chat’ button for online operator between 7am-11pm.
Alternatively, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Drug driving
A MAN from Canvey appeared in court charged with drug driving.
The 36-year-old man was arrested for being three times over the legal limit.
He received a 12month-driving ban, and a £347 fine, plus £105 costs, and a £34 victim surcharge
He also had his license endorsed.
Roof blaze at Leigh Hill flats
FIRE crews battled a blaze in the roof of some flats in Old Leigh.
Fire fighters were called to Leigh Hill at around 4 pm on Monday, May 24th.
Due to the proximity with the railway line running from Leigh to Chalkwell, Essex Fire liaised with the rail operators to stop trains whilst the blaze was tackled.
The fire, which is reported to have been caused by solar panels catching alight, has been recorded as accidental.
Images from the scene show fire engines outside the block of flats as the crews extinguished the fire.
A spokesman for Essex Fire said: “We were called to a fire affecting the roof of a three-storey block of flats on Leigh Hill, Leigh on Monday, May 24th at 4.04pm.
“Two crews from Southend, including the aerial ladder platform, and one crew from Leigh attended.
Due to the proximity of the fire to railway lines, we liaised with rail operators who stopped trains from running for a short time. The fire was fully extinguished at 7.59pm.
The cause has been recorded as accidental.”
Haul of indecent images
A PAEDOPHILE from Canvey has escaped jail despite being caught with a haul of indecent images of children.
Jordan Lazell had his home raided by Police in May 2019.
After an investigation of his devices, 31 indecent images were found, including two category A images and extreme pornographic images.
Lazell, 22, of Second Avenue was voluntarily interviewed by police and later admitted making indecent images of children and possession of extreme and prohibited images.
At the time of the offense, Lazell was under 18.
He was given a three-year community order with 9- days rehabilitation and must complete a sexual offending accredited behaviour programme.
Erratic driving
A CAR being driven “erratically” prompted officers to conduct a search of the vehicle.
Police detected the car on Haven Road on Canvey and upon conducting a search found what is suspected to be Class A drugs.
A 31-year-old man from Canvey was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.
He has been questioned and released under investigation.
3 new homes
PERMISSION is being sought to demolish a dilapidated bungalow in Leigh and replace it with three town-house style dwellings.
The application, lodged with Southend Council, proposes to build three dwellings, and layout associated amenity space, to the site at 34 Elmsleigh Drive.
The plans also include parking to the front, and the creation of three new vehicle crossovers onto Elmsleigh Drive.
Southend Council will decide on whether the plans are given the green light.
Vehicle crossover
AN application has been lodged with Southend Council requesting permission to extend the existing vehicle crossover at a home in Leigh.
The application is for the home on Eastwood Road North.
Extension
AN application has been lodged with Southend Council requesting permission to erect a single storey rear and side extension to a property in Leigh.
The plans are for a home at 64, The Ryde.
Oak Tree
AN application has been lodged with Southend Council requesting permission to reduce and prune an oak tree in the rear garden of 128 Blenheim Chase Leigh.
This application is to reduce by 25% (15-20 feet / 4.57-6.1 metres) in height and sides the tree, which is subject to a Tree Preservation Order.
New home
PLANS to build a two-storey house on land in Westcliff have been submitted to Southend Council.
The application seeks permission to erect the two-storey dwelling house on land known as Unit 2 Shoe Lane.
The proposal would see a new dwelling consisting of a small two-bedroom house of approximately 70sqm of floor space, situated at the southern end of Shoe Lane cul-de-sac, at the back of 488 London Road.
The design would include a flat roof and have the appearance of a small mews property, and would also include associated amenity space, parking and bin and cycle storage.
Southend Council will decide on whether the development goes ahead.
Extension
PLANS for building works to a Leigh property have been submitted to Southend Council.
The application asks for permission to erect a single storey rear extension to
99 Blenheim Chase.
Extension
PLANS for building works to a Leigh property have been submitted to Southend Council.
The application asks for permission to erect a single storey rear extension to 276 Manchester Drive.
Balconies
AN application has been lodged with Southend Council requesting permission for balconies to be erected to the first floor a house in Westcliff.
The plans are for the rear of the property at 73 Silversea Drive
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