The long awaited return of Southend s ever popular park run is set to be next month, organisers have announced. Yesterday bosses of Parkrun announced the events will be pushed back despite permission being granted from owners of 250 sites. The weekly running events were due to return on June 5 but organisers now say it s more likely to be on June 26. All the 5km events including those in Southend and Chalkwell are currently suspended due to the Covid pandemic. James Duddridge, Tory MP for Southend East and Rochford, who has previously taking part in the Chalkwell Parkrun said he s sad to see the delay in the events restarting.
QUIRKY homeware stores and niche outlets would breathe new life into our towns say readers, as its revealed one in six believe improving shops is a top priority. South Essex shoppers say widening the variety of our stores should be a focus as we come out of lockdown and take one step closer towards normality. Niche outlets, independent businesses and quirky homeware stores were top of the list when it came to asking Echo readers what they’d like to see. It comes after a survey - carried out by the think tank Demos - revealed around one in six people believe improving local shops is the most urgent issue in Southend West.
Tickets are still available to enjoy a special day-trip and luxurious train journey to the south coast. The Steam Dreams Rail Company is still offering tickets for the steam-train ride from Southend to Hastings later this summer. Passengers will be seated in vintage train carriages and offered Pullman Style Dining, all while being pulled along by an iconic steam locomotive. There s also a chance to enjoy a Champagne breakfast and a two-course evening meal throughout the day. Passengers will get several hours to explore Hastings, including its past, beaches and vibrant arts community. The train will be departing Southend East on Saturday, July 10, at 7.20am.