The Latest News for Southend & South East Essex

Lidl announces plans to open new supermarket on site of Rayleigh pet store

A brand new Lidl supermarket is set to be built in Rayleigh, replacing the long-standing Swallow Aquatics store on London…

8 months ago

Thousands of illegal cigarettes and “dangerous vapes” uncovered in corner shop raids

A major enforcement operation in Southend has uncovered a huge haul of illegal cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco and non-compliant disposable vapes…

8 months ago

Lonely peacock called Kevin wanders house-to-house in search of love

Kevin the Peacock – the flamboyant feathered local who strutted off from his home near Magnolia Nature Reserve in Ashingdon…

8 months ago

Infinity Showbar in Southend closes after five years of drag, glitter and good times

A much-loved LGBTQ+ venue in Southend has shut its doors after five colourful years. Infinity Showbar & Lounge, based on…

8 months ago

Major blaze engulfs warehouse near Sadlers Farm in Benfleet, with “30-feet flames”

A major fire broke out late on Tuesday night (9 April) at a long-abandoned warehouse in South Benfleet, sending flames…

8 months ago

Car overturns in Westcliff, following a number of vehicle rollovers in Southend in recent weeks

A car overturned on Westborough Road in Westcliff on Tuesday afternoon, becoming at least the third such incident in Southend…

8 months ago

Popeyes fried chicken to open new Southend High Street restaurant, next to KFC & Taco Bell

The famous fried chicken chain Popeyes is bringing its signature Louisiana flavour to Southend High Street, with a brand new…

8 months ago

Two crashes on same road in Southend city centre take out lights and block road

Two cars crashed on the same stretch of road in Southend city centre early this morning, with both collisions taking…

9 months ago

Pensioner left ‘shaken and scared’ after masked intruders break in to his home at 4am

A burglary investigation has been launched in Westcliff after masked intruders broke into the home of an 80-year-old man in…

9 months ago

“Broken machines, disgusting cleanliness, and a smell of urine”: Southend Leisure Centre under fire as council seeks new operator

A leisure and fitness facility in Southend has now fallen into such a shocking state that many users say it’s…

9 months ago