This week Southend-on-Sea City Council’s leader Cllr Stephen George, discusses White Ribbon Day, keeping your valuables safe and the new council branding.
You may have noticed some changes on the City Council’s social media and website pages, as we adopt our new City branding. Following public engagement in the summer and a vote on the four concepts, the shell concept was declared the favourite and cabinet agreed to adopt it going forward as part of the council’s new branding. It confirms the new period in the council’s history and let’s hope, an exciting and prosperous one going forward.
This week, councillors have backed two very different, but equally important community pledges. The first was a two-day event to educate residents on recycling and to renew our PlastiCity Pledge. The mobile unit positioned at the top of the High Street to engage and educate residents, was another example of how the council is taking steps in the right direction to make our City greener and tackle the climate challenge.
The second is the ever-important White Ribbon Day, which many of our councillors are supporting again this year. White Ribbon Day falls on the same week that the World Cup has started and the campaign will highlight 11 traits that men and boys can nurture to help create a world of equality and safety for women – that's #TheGoal for White Ribbon Day 2022. I was pleased to commit my support to the cause earlier this week with a photo with a number of other councillors. Many councillors will be wearing their white ribbons proudly and the council continues to work towards accreditation. Visit the White Ribbon website for more information.
If you’ve taken advantage of Black Friday today, to get some early pre-Christmas deals, it might be worth taking a look at Essex Police’s websites and their crime prevention tips. The advice ranges from getting Black Friday parcels delivered to alternative addresses where someone will be home to putting indoor lights on timers, through to never leaving valuables on display in your car. There are simple steps you can take to protect the things important to you. You can find the advice on the Essex Police website. There is also a useful website that helps support the victims of crime, giving practical advice and guidance on how to cope with crime, including domestic abuse, theft and everything in between. Visit Essex Victims Gateway.
Finishing on a local and personal note, I have signed the book of condolence for Josephine Melville at The Focal Point Gallery and it is open for messages on condolence until 5pm on Friday 9 December. Jo was a tour de force when it came to the arts in Southend and was heavily involved in a number of community projects including Hamlet Court Road in Harmony in my own ward. She will be sorely missed.
Have a lovely weekend and stay safe.