Member News
By David Amess MP - 14th February 2011
Writing ahead of his adjournment debate, David Amess MP says Southend is a town to be proud of and should be celebrated as such.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word "City" as simply being "a large town or other inhabited place" but distinguishes a city as being "a title ranking above that of 'town'". By such defined terms, Southend-on-Sea certainly meets the very basic defined requirements to call itself "a city". Of course there are many more complex requirements, but speaking plainly, it would be fair to define a city as a cultural and economic hub, with a large and diverse local community and an area in which communities and businesses look to centralise their interests. Indeed, to the everyday person, it would be hard to distinguish Southend from any other British city.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee falls in 2012 and as part of the national celebrations, it has been announced that a bidding process will open to bestow the honour of city status on successful competing areas – Southend is one of those submitting a bid for city status.
A key theme of the bid will be the projection of the community's views of Southend, in particular highlighting its vibrancy and ambition. Furthermore, the bid will champion the various successful aspects of the town, celebrating the thriving local businesses in the area; it's wonderful cultural and volunteering communities; the massive regeneration projects that have taken place to improve pedestrian and road safety while giving Southend a modern and clean feel; the growing education sector and the fabulous local schools that the town boasts; and its diverse and multicultural population.
Southend is a town to be proud of and should be celebrated as such. In towns up and down the United Kingdom, and during tough times such as these, we sometimes need to remind ourselves of the greatness of where we live; achieving city status would be an outstanding way for everyone associated with Southend to realise that. Recognising that greatness locally and nationally would have a very real impact on civic pride felt by local communities in the area where they live. Evidence from previously successful bids has shown that this can lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and in turn can increase aspiration amongst communities. Indeed, aspiration in itself can lead to higher educational attainment and economic activity.
Southend has moved a long way over the last five years, improving social housing - to meet the needs of the local population, adult community care, children's services, education at all levels – from Sure Start centres to the University, and the regeneration of the area including roads and public spaces. With a population of 164,000 people, Southend is the largest populated town in the East of England and is already seen by many as a hub for learning and culture and business. Hosting superb transport links to the surrounding areas and to London – with 9 railway stations, 2 different bus companies operating in the area, vastly improving road networks and an expanding airport – with the facilities to accommodate people from all religious faiths with a strong multicultural community.
In many ways, Southend-on-Sea already has the look and feel of a modern British city. The only thing that is lacking is the title: "The City of Southend".
David Amess has been a Conservative MP since 1983 and has represented Southend West since 1997.
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