Author Archives: jamescourtenay

It has been said, usually by the same few opposition councillors to be fair, by those who like to put down our town that our schools are doing badly, getting worse or we are falling asleep at the helm. Well … Continue reading →

My Blog posts are like buses at the moment, but it has been a busy day today (yesterday now). Some comments to parents of Deanes pupils:   Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is currently considering its response to proposals to close The … Continue reading →

There has been a lot of press coverage over the past couple of months, perhaps slightly longer, with regards to children’s centres. I have, as many of my fellow councillors have pointed out, not said very much. There is a reason … Continue reading →

I was pleased to open the Southend Foster Families Council (SFFC) Fun Day at the Skylark Hotel earlier today. They have a new Chairman who is very energetic and along with fellow members they really are making efforts to re-energising the … Continue reading →

After my monthly surgery at the West Area Housing Offices on Mendip Road ( 10:30 to 12 midday on the first Saturday of every month), sorry for the shameless ‘plug’… I popped next door to St Cedd’s Church where I … Continue reading →

I was pleased to present awards to scores of our young people on Thursday evening,  at the Palace Theatre. This was the Jack Petchey awards, for youngsters 11-25 who are giving something back to their community. To listen to some … Continue reading →

“If it is once again one against forty-eight, then I am very sorry for the forty-eight”. Margaret Thatcher 1925-2013 Alter the numbers a little bit and the quote would work well in the council chamber in Southend! She was an … Continue reading →

I’m supporting the “Southend Prisoners” team, who are ‘escaping’ from Chelmsford prisoner in a couple of weeks time, rasing money for the Southend YMCA and the Essex Girls and Boys club. If you can afford to donate anything go here: … Continue reading →

Last night, I was feeling dreadful, dosed up to the eyeballs with drugs (over the counter of course!), I thought twice about attending the Southend YMCA event. Fortunately I dragged myself down there to be impressed, as always, not only by … Continue reading →

My response given in the budget debate on 28th February, to some of the points made about the Administration’s proposed budget. It does focus somewhat on Children and Learning, but that is hardly surprising, however the first point affects all … Continue reading →