Author Archives: jamescourtenay

Nothing beats having a copper on the beat. This is why I am delighted that Roger Hirst, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), has announced another five police officers to join the dedicated Southend town centre police team by … Continue reading →

New information and circumstances As time went on, I was conscious to ensure that I and my fellow Cabinet colleagues had the most up-to-date and detailed information we could possibly have to make a decision. 2016-17 birth data (for pupils … Continue reading →

Well it has been a little while since I have blogged, preferring the newer medium of Twitter for those who prefer the instant gratification of social media, rather than newsletters and face-to-face meetings. However sometimes 140 characters (or 280 as … Continue reading →

Click here for the Conservatives’ budget amendment proposal to the Rainbow Coalition’s proposed 2016-17 budget.

Tonight was the LCM where the community from Blenheim Park, Chalkwell, Prittlewell and Westborough wards get to meet with the police and discuss serious and ‘less serious’ crime that has been happening in the area, since the last meeting.  We … Continue reading →

Wahoo! Today Southend Council’s Cabinet met and rejected Cllr Longley’s attempt to railroad through the Blenheim Park Pavilion proposal and deferred taking a decision on this until such time as a proper consultation takes place and ward councillors (or at … Continue reading →

At the meeting of the full council last night, the debate continued. http://www.southend.public-i.tv/core/share/open/webcast/0/0/560/185976/185976/webcast/start_time/5267000 – here you can see the debate. The full debate lasts for about 25 minutes. I asked for a response to my request for a public meeting, … Continue reading →

Unlike many Southend political bloggers I tend only to blog when I have something interesting to say (that hasn’t already been said!). However I have been a little remiss in not publicly thanking the residents of Blenheim Park ward for re-electing … Continue reading →

This is a real cheat, but why reinvent the wheel? Thanks to my political opponent in Blenheim Park for having put together this blog post and for a decent clean fight in Blenheim. More from me soon on the elections. … Continue reading →

Four years ago, almost to the day, the people of Blenheim Park elected me as their representative on Southend Council. Today they get the chance to kick me out or renew my mandate. There is also that other election today, … Continue reading →