THE latest stabbings in Southend saw a dispersal order almost the size of the town itself put in place. The attack on two teenagers in Beach Road on Monday night last week saw a massive response from police, covering Station Road in Westcliff and up to Southchurch. The zone for extra stop and search powers extended to many parts of the borough. The huge incident raised concerns that gang crime in Southend was “out of control” – right in the middle of Anti-Social Behaviour Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of the issue. But assistant chief constable of Essex Police, Andy Prophet, said dispersal orders were a key tool for short term intervention.
Delighted business owners agree with its ranking, saying the town has so much to offer. Sara Welton, who owns Sara’s Tea Garden in Old Leigh, said: “It’s just a happy place to live, it’s by the sea it’s a very easy commute to London and it’s got a lot going for it. “I live in Leigh and I love where we live, we’re very lucky to have a property that overlooks the sea. I like the vibe of Leigh it’s a very friendly place and there’s lots of places to go and there’s lots of places to eat.
Here are a number of places that have or could be opening up in your area.
Cookies and Cones Cookies and Cones recently opened its new shop on Southend High Street, selling out all its bakery items by midday on its first day in business. The brand initially opened in leigh three years ago and flourished through lockdown, opening branches in Rayleigh and Wickford. Southend’s branch is the latest to open, with bosses revealing plans for another south Essex branch and a potential move to the big apple.
Frank’s A plush new Latin American bar and restaurant is set to open in the former Bar Rio in Leigh after a £350,000 refurbishment.
Ambulances and police cars have been seen near the Grand pub and Broadway Grill in Leigh Broadway. It is suggested on social media that a 14-year-old has been stabbed but this has not been confirmed by police. It is reported that three people tried to save the teenager. On Twitter, one person reported: Boy, aged 14, was stabbed. East side of Leigh Broadway. Left the scene with (at least) critical injuries. At least one person (also young) was arrested and taken away in a police car. Broadway between Ashleigh Drive and Grand Drive cordoned off for police investigation. Leading Southend cab company, AC wrote on Facebook: We are hearing a reported stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea outside Broadway Grill involving some youngsters estimated 18 years old.