Plans to create a new cultural venue in Clacton have taken a step forward with the submission of proposals to transform three seafront buildings.
Tendring District Council (TDC) has applied to make significant changes to disused public conveniences, a storage hut and curved shelter close to the Garden of Remembrance.
The proposals aim to improve the appearance of the buildings and make them useable for a future tenant ideally in the creative and cultural sector. TDC has requested a broad range of potential use classes, enabling different types of businesses to express interest in taking over the site.
Over the last few weeks, a consultation has been ongoing asking residents, businesses and members of Clacton’s creative community to share their ideas and priorities for the buildings. This included a successful pop-up engagement event at the nearby Martello Lounge.
Councillor Gary Scott, Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Heritage said: “The submission of these plans marks a major milestone in this exciting project.
“It has been fantastic to see so many getting involved in the consultation. I enjoyed speaking to attendees at the pop-up event, hearing their opinions and priorities for the buildings and how they would like to see them used to enhance Clacton’s creative offering.
“There is still time to submit your views online and help shape the future of this site – we’d love to hear from you.”
The planning application also includes plans to reconfigure the layout of the Beach Patrol office on the lower promenade.
This project is part of the Community Regeneration Partnership – a £20million investment programme from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government aimed at revitalising Clacton and Jaywick Sands.
Sixteen remarkable individuals and groups have been named as recipients of this year’s Pride of Tendring Awards, recognising those whose dedication and kindness make a real difference across the district.
Organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), the awards are now in their fourteenth year and continue to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who give their time, energy and skills to help others.
From tireless volunteers and community leaders to organisations supporting local causes, these honourees represent the very best of Tendring.
In addition to the 16 winners, this year’s expanded Pride of Tendring Awards will also recognise four highly commended organisations and individuals.
They were all nominated for an award and the judging panel were impressed with their valuable contribution to the communities in which they work.
This new element ensures even more local champions receive the appreciation they deserve for their hard work to provide much-needed support and assistance in their communities.
The recipients will be celebrated at a special ceremony at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Thursday, 26 February, where they will be officially recognised and presented with their awards.
This year’s awards are supported by headline sponsor Burney Property Group, alongside Air Rescue UK, Halterman Carless and the Harwich Haven Authority.
TDC Chairman Bill Davidson said the awards are a chance to highlight the people who make the district thrive. He said: “The Pride of Tendring Awards are a celebration of the people who make our district what it is – not through headlines or fanfare, but through quiet acts of kindness, determination and service.
“Every one of this year’s recipients has gone above and beyond, whether by supporting neighbours, championing local causes, or creating opportunities for others.
“Their efforts strengthen the fabric of our communities and remind us that real change often starts with one person deciding to make a difference.
“These awards are not just about recognition, they are about telling the stories that inspire.
“When we see what can be achieved through compassion and commitment, it encourages all of us to play our part – whether that’s volunteering, mentoring, or simply lending a hand where it’s needed.
“Tendring is full of remarkable people, and we want to shine a light on them. They are the heartbeat of our district, and their example will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
The list of recipients is as follows:
The Manifest Theatre (Award sponsored by Burney Group Property & Development). Nominated by Councillor Giancarlo Guglielmi
The Manifest Theatre, founded in 1977, has grown from just 16 members to more than 1,200. Since acquiring its Oxford Road venue in 1984, it has staged more than 150 productions, including sell-out hits like Sister Act. Committed to accessible, high-quality theatre, it welcomes 15,000 audience members annually.
Clacton School Uniform Bank
Clacton Uniform Bank.Nominated by Councillor Gina Placey
Clacton Uniform Bank, founded in 2022, ensures every child has access to school uniform through donations from schools, businesses, and charities. Supported by grants and volunteers, it has rehomed over 4,500 items since moving to St Johns Road. Operating five days a week, it reduces waste and supports local families.
Community Voluntary Service Tendring – Kennedy Way Garden Community Group. Nominated by Councillor Andy Baker
Kennedy Way Volunteer Group
Kennedy Way Community Garden volunteers welcome visitors, support woodworking in the Men’s Shed, planting, and upcycling, and maintain gardens including the recently completed sensory garden. They offer companionship, run stalls at open days, and fundraise. Initiatives like Wellness Mondays and Project Ignite foster health, youth engagement, and community.
Dale Ward. Nominated by Councillor Bernie Goldman
Dale Ward has spent over a decade promoting health and community in Tendring. He co-founded the Clacton 10k Run, helping to raise £10,000 for local causes, and volunteers weekly at Parkrun. His leadership spans fundraising for RNLI and St Helena Hospice, including helping to raise £21,000 during a virtual marathon.
Dave Morgan. Nominated by Councillor Adrian Smith
Dave Morgan founded Get Cycling Sunshine Coast to promote health, companionship, and community spirit. His leadership encourages residents — many recovering from strokes or heart conditions — to enjoy cycling and Tai Chi warm-ups. Through inclusive rides and events, Dave fosters wellbeing, social connection, and appreciation of Tendring’s scenic beauty.
Dave Priestnall. (Award sponsored by Air Rescue UK). Nominated by Councillor Bill Davidson, Chairman of the Council
Dave Priestnall’s dedication to Harwich and Parkeston shines through his tireless efforts to restore pathways, clear rivers, and protect wildlife. His efforts help to transform neglected spaces into safe, vibrant areas, inspiring community pride and collaboration. Dave’s care and vision create lasting environmental and social benefits for generations to come.
David Eagle.Nominated by Councillor Ann Oxley
David Eagle has shown outstanding leadership as chairman of the Naze Protection Society, revitalising it in 2021 to champion coastal protection and environmental awareness. He forged strong partnerships, raised public understanding of erosion, and united the community to safeguard Walton’s iconic Naze for future generations.
Dennis Webb. Nominated by Councillor Bradley Thompson
Dennis Webb has dedicated more than eight years to improving the Jaywick community through environmental work, supporting residents, and fostering local arts. He founded Jaywick Sands Performing Arts, drove aid to Ukraine as part of a convoy, and serves as a trustee for The Falconer Trust, which supports children in Zambia.
Great Oakley Baby and Toddler Group. Nominated by Councillor Mike Bush
Great Oakley Baby and Toddler Group welcomes children from birth to five, offering a safe, friendly space for families. Meeting Tuesdays at Great Oakley Village Hall, volunteers provide activities, snacks, and sing-alongs. Founded in 1998, it remains affordable and fosters community connections and early childhood development.
Ipswich Road Volunteers Group
Ipswich Road Volunteer Group. Nominated by Councillor Carrie Doyle
Ipswich Road Volunteer Group, led by Steve Collitt, has transformed Ipswich Road Paddock in Holland-on-Sea into a thriving wildlife haven. Projects include wildflower and woodland areas, bug hotels, and a reclaimed garden. Supported by local councils and residents, volunteers meet weekly, creating a tranquil, biodiverse space praised as a model of excellence.
Karen O’Connor. Nominated by Councillor Gemma Stephenson
Karen O’Connor, founder and chair of the Tendring Youth Awards, has spent over a decade celebrating young people’s achievements. Her leadership honours inspiring individuals — often from challenging circumstances — while promoting pride and raising aspirations across the community. Karen’s passion and vision ensure the Awards’ continued success and lasting impact.
Kim Woodham
Kim Woodham. Nominated by Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of the Council
Kim Woodham has been an active volunteer since moving to Clacton three years ago. Best known for her welcoming presence at CVST Community Centre, she supports visitors, assists at events, and helps vulnerable individuals. Her tireless work with CVST, Clacton Carnival, and St James’s Soup Kitchen embodies true community spirit.
Manningtree and District Community Bus team
Manningtree & District Community Bus. Nominated by Councillor Terry Barrett
The Manningtree & District Community Bus, chaired by Steve English, is a volunteer-run charity founded in 1994. It provides vital transport for residents in Manningtree, Mistley, and Lawford, offering trips that reduce isolation and build community. For many, it’s a lifeline — their only weekly chance to connect and feel less lonely.
Marjorie Appleyard. Nominated by Councillor Geeta Sudra
Marjorie Appleyard has devoted thousands of hours to volunteering, supporting people with dementia, multicultural communities, and vulnerable residents. A long-standing Alzheimer’s Society volunteer, she now serves CVST’s Dementia Café, Resilience Team, and community events. Her kindness impacts more than 100 people weekly and raises vital funds for local charities.
Richard and Julia Hunt, Brightlingsea Cricket Club. Nominated by Councillor Mick Barry
Richard and Julia Hunt have revitalised Brightlingsea Cricket Club since 2015. Richard led youth programs, helping the club to re-entered senior leagues post-COVID, and introduced girls’ and disability teams. Julia, the first female chair, helped to raise £25,000 for facilities and is driving plans for a £500,000 clubhouse. Their leadership transformed the club into a thriving, inclusive community.
The Stour Blue Water Pass Trust. Nominated by Councillor Matthew Bensilum
The spirit of global friendship shone brightly at the Princes Theatre as hundreds of young people took centre stage for this year’s Tendring Junior Ambassadors celebration.
Organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), the Junior Ambassadors Project brought together more than 360 Year Five and Six pupils from nine local primary schools, who spent the term exploring cultures from around the world through creative workshops.
From the rhythmic beats of African drumming to the lively steps of Indian dance, where adults and children joined in with the vibrant energy of Bhangra, and the heartfelt traditions of Ukrainian song, the event was a joyful celebration of learning and unity.
Pupils also shared a powerful message of peace through music, echoing the importance of harmony in today’s world.
Pupils from Clacton’s Cann Hall Primary School enjoyed the the rhythmic beats of African drumming. Image: TDC
Councillor Gina Placey, TDC Cabinet Member for Partnerships, praised the young ambassadors for their commitment.
“What an incredible showcase of local talent and creativity the showcase was – every performance was full of energy and passion,” she said.
“The Junior Ambassadors Project gives our young people the chance to discover new ideas, build confidence, and take pride in their achievements.
“This project is about more than performance – it’s about raising aspirations and broadening horizons.
“Seeing our young people embrace different cultures with such enthusiasm gives me real hope for the future.
“I also want to thank them and their families for making it such a great event – truly one of the highlights of my year.”
The project encourages young people to discover the rich traditions and stories that shape different communities, helping them develop curiosity, understanding, and respect for others.
A way forward in the race against time to save the historic Leading Lighthouses and Causeway in Dovercourt has been set out by Tendring District Council (TDC).
Surveys from accredited heritage experts and commissioned by the council – with support from Historic England – have revealed the iconic structures are at risk of being lost if preservation works are not carried out in the next three to five years – at an estimated cost of around £3million.
TDC has swiftly put in motion plans to try to save the much-loved heritage assets, paying for an initial Expression of Interest bid to secure the funding needed for the conservation project.
The authority has also earmarked £330,000 from Section 106 money to meet match-funding requirements for the overall scheme to secure the Leading Lights’ future.
Victorian structures, the Leading Lights guided ships around the deep-water Harwich peninsular until 1917 and are of historical significance as they are believed to be the only remaining pair of iron leading lights in England.
Peter Kotz, TDC Cabinet Member for Assets, said the urgency from the structural and condition surveys – and the time needed to secure funding and complete the works – meant doing nothing was not an option.
“We are committed to promoting our heritage and protecting it for future generations, and we know just how important the Leading Lights are to the local community,” Councillor Kotz said.
“With just three to five years to save them before significant damage is done, we are moving quickly to try to secure the funding needed to save these landmarks – which have perhaps immeasurable historic value.
“This means not only working now on the necessary funding bids to partners in Historic England and the Heritage Fund, but also putting up some of our available money to show our commitment to preserving these precious icons, which are vulnerable to the marine environment they are part of.
“Of course, this is only achievable if we can secure the required funding as this is a scheme beyond the ability of Tendring District Council to accomplish alone.”
While full details will be worked up during the funding application phase, TDC’s ambition is to not just save the Leading Lights, but to also undertake education, interpretation and community engagement work as part of the project.
endring’s ‘excellent’ waters are making a real splash after being named amongst the cleanest in the country.
Visitors and residents alike can have confidence in the cleanliness of waters along the Essex Sunshine Coast, as the latest Environment Agency bathing water results confirm seven beaches have achieved the highest ‘Excellent’ rating – with two more rated ‘Good’.
The waters at Walton, Frinton, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton, Jaywick, Dovercourt and Brightlingsea are all now rated ‘Excellent’, while Clacton’s Martello Beach and Manningtree Beach are rated ‘Good’.
Manningtree’s rise from ‘Sufficient’ last year is particularly welcome, and both Holland and Jaywick have moved up to the top rating.
Councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the results were a huge boost for tourism and local pride.
“Our Essex Sunshine Coast is one of the district’s greatest assets – and these latest water quality ratings show it’s among the best in the country,” he said.
“Clean, safe bathing waters give confidence to residents and visitors, encouraging people to stay longer and enjoy everything our coastline has to offer.
“Coupled with our Blue Flag beaches – including Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Frinton and Walton’s Albion Beach – these results underline Tendring’s reputation as a top seaside destination.”
Earlier this year, Tendring proudly announced seven beaches flying Blue Flags or Seaside Awards, recognising high standards of cleanliness, safety and facilities.
Walton’s Albion Beach regained its Blue Flag after water quality improvements, and other beaches such as Harwich and Martello Bay in Clacton received Seaside Awards.
Councillor Adrian Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, said the council has been championing water quality improvements, working with partners and local community groups.
“Water quality in Tendring matters to all of us,” he said. “With 36 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches and wildlife areas in the country, it’s a big part of what makes our district special.
“We’ve worked closely with partners like Anglian Water and other local groups to keep improving standards – and these latest results show that effort is paying off.
“From the Manningtree Mermaids campaigning for official bathing status – triggering regular Environment Agency testing that helped to drive improvements – to Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners’ collaboration with the University of Essex to reduce pollutants from boat maintenance project, it’s been a real team effort.
“We’re proud of the progress so far and will keep working with partners to make things even better.”
Nationally, 87% of bathing waters were rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’, and 93% met minimum standards, marking a slight improvement on last year.
Local firms and entrepreneurs across Tendring are being invited to share their views as part of the 2025 Tendring4Growth Business Survey.
The Tendring4Growth, Tendring District Council’s (TDC) flagship initiative for economic development, is committed to improving the support and advice offered to businesses across the district.
This annual survey is an opportunity for businesses to tell us what they need to grow and prosper, helping shape future services and resources.
As an added incentive, every completed survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £50 vouchers for Clacton’s award-winning Black Rock Restaurant.
Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “Local businesses are the backbone of our economy.
“By taking part in this survey, you’re helping us understand what really matters to you and how we can work together to create the best possible environment for growth.
“We’re proud to support our businesses and want to help the local firms that make Tendring thrive.
“Our great local businesses and entrepreneurs drive economic growth, support communities, and raise aspirations – and we want to help them succeed.
“It’s about creating opportunities for our residents and making sure every business, no matter its size or sector, feels supported and valued as they help us make Tendring a great place to live, work, and do business.”
The survey is kindly sponsored by Black Rock Restaurant and Blink Creative Media.
To have your say and be in with a chance of winning, complete the survey here.
Drivers across Tendring can park with even greater confidence as a total of 30 car parks have this year earned the prestigious Park Mark award – a national seal of approval for safety and quality.
The Park Mark, part of the Safer Parking Scheme run by the British Parking Association (BPA), is awarded to car parks that meet rigorous standards for security, lighting, maintenance and management.
This latest round of awards sees 13 more sites added to the list, including Hastings Beach, Hastings Grass, Promenade Way, and the seafront parking bays, in Clacton, as well Orwell Place in Dovercourt, York Road, Brighton Road and Holland Haven in Holland-on-sea, Brook Street in Manningtree, and Station Yard, Mill Lane, Coronation Car Park, and The Naze, in Walton-on-the-Naze.
Earlier this year, 17 car parks across the district – including locations in Ardleigh, Brightlingsea, Clacton, Harwich, Jaywick, Manningtree and Walton – also achieved the accreditation.
Councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council’s Cabinet Member for Car Parks, said: “Residents have told us that car parking matters to them – and that’s why we’re proud to continue the Householder Parking Permit, which offers free parking after 11am at most council-run car parks.
“We’re committed to maintaining high standards and making sure our car parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone.
“That’s why we are continuing to invest in improvements, such as plans to install low-level, solar-powered lighting to complement existing ambient lighting at Victoria Place car park in Brightlingsea.
“Receiving Park Mark accreditation for 30 of our car parks – more than any other district in Essex – is a fantastic achievement, and I want to thank our dedicated Parking Services team for their hard work and commitment.
“These awards give residents and visitors alike confidence that our car parks are well-managed, clean, and secure.”
The Householder Parking Permit gives residents free parking after 11am at most council-run car parks (excluding July and August). For details, visit http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/householder-parking-permit.
Council leaders have agreed to bolster the budgets for a series of exciting projects in Clacton and Jaywick Sands.
Earlier this year, Tendring District Council (TDC) entered a new Community Regeneration Partnership with the Government, after the authority was awarded £19.7million by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help regenerate the areas.
The money was initially allocated across 15 projects, chosen by Government ministers after a detailed review from officials into Clacton and Jaywick Sands. These projects are being delivered by TDC, Essex County Council and the NHS.
On Friday, TDC’s Cabinet agreed to reallocate additional budget to seven of the schemes.
Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism said: “Reallocating the funding means we are able to boost a string of brilliant projects which will make a huge difference to residents and businesses in Clacton and Jaywick Sands.
“Making changes at this comparatively early stage means we can move away from projects that have turned out not to be feasible and put the money into projects which have clear benefits.
“The same amount of money which was ringfenced for Jaywick Sands remains committed to that area.
“We are already seeing the real-life impact on the Community Regeneration Partnership but I am excited to see even more progress in the coming months.”
An extra £1.2 million has been added to the budget for the Jaywick Sands Open Spaces project, to improve up to ten public spaces within the area and identified within the Jaywick Sands Place Plan. Residents now have the opportunity to co-design enhancements to areas across the village. The new budget for this project is £3.2 million.
Plans to bring Martello Tower E in Clacton back to community use has been allocated an additional £1.5 million, bringing the budget up to £3.5 million, and £400,000 has been added to a project to create a new venue in TDC-owned buildings on Clacton seafront, raising the total budget to £900,000.
Additional funding has also been added to the plan to install solar panels at Sunspot, TDC’s business centre in Jaywick Sands, reducing bills for tenants who are mainly local entrepreneurs. An additional £50,000 has been committed to the scheme raising the total budget to £200,000.
Other projects to receive additional funding are:
An additional £100,000 to extend the scope of an initiative to tackle long-term vacant buildings in Jaywick Sands to include work on the Enterprise Centre to support TDC’s Healthy Homes team, raising the total budget to £300,000
An additional £750,000 to a project to improve Clacton Leisure Centre raising the budget to £3.75 million
An additional £150,000 added to a fund where Jaywick Sands businesses can apply to make improvements to their shopfronts. A significant amount of budget has already been taken up by business owners
An additional £2.5million to the Clacton Town Centre Public Realm project which aims to enhance the route between the town centre and the seafront, raising the total budget to £3.8 million. This project is being led by Essex County Council.
The additional money has been reallocated from two other projects in the programme.
There are still ongoing discussions about extending the walking and cycling route from Tudor Fields to Jaywick Sands, though initial ideas around its use for vehicle evacuation during flooding have been reconsidered due to feasibility concerns.
It is hoped the project can now be delivered for £1million rather than the £2.5million originally allocated while still improving the link between the two areas.
Councillor Henderson added: “We remain committed to addressing concerns around flooding in Jaywick Sands and have called for £100 million of national flood funding to help us with this.
“It has become clear that this site is much more suitable for walking and cycling.”
Work investigating the purchase and repurpose of a building in Clacton town centre into a community and cultural space is no longer being pursued due to market constraints.
The Community Regeneration Partnership has already awarded grants to three local groups to purchase brand-new minibuses for community transport initiatives, with one already on the road. Businesses in Clacton, Jaywick Sands and Holland-on-Sea have also received funding to make significant improvements to their shopfronts.
A new sculpture celebrating mentorship and youth empowerment has been unveiled in Brightlingsea as part of the Youth Voice Project.
The sculpture marks the tenth anniversary of local charity Lads Need Dads, which has supported boys growing up without a father figure since 2015.
The artwork, titled ‘The Strength to Stand Beside’, was developed by local artist Luke Edgar in collaboration with his father John Edgar following a workshop he delivered for the charity.
It reflects values of mentorship, resilience, and youth empowerment.
The sculpture, which has been installed in Millennium Gardens, Promenade Way, by Brightlingsea Town Council with support from Tendring District Council (TDC) and the Arts Council England as part of the Youth Voice Project, which gives voice to young people and their journeys.
Artwork – ‘The Strength to Stand Beside’, was developed by local artist Luke Edgar in collaboration with his father John Edgar
Gary Scott, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “This sculpture is a powerful and moving tribute to the importance of mentoring and the strength that comes from walking alongside young people.
“It’s a celebration of ten years of life-changing work by Lads Need Dads, and a reminder of the positive impact that creative projects like Youth Voice can have in our communities.
“We’re committed to working with our partners to improve quality of life for our residents as well as raising aspirations and opportunities for our young people.”
Founded in 2015 and based in Tendring, Lads Need Dads is an award-winning not-for-profit Community Interest Company, set up to prevent potential problems and address existing ones where boys are missing a father-figure in their lives.
The work reflects values of mentorship, resilience, and youth empowerment.
Lads Need Dads is currently one of the only projects in the UK that works proactively to address the impact of the absent father on boys aged 10 to 18, and whose approach is both early intervention and long-term.
Sonia Shaljean, founder and managing director, said: “This sculpture beautifully captures what Lads Need Dads stands for – the strength found in standing beside young people as they grow in confidence and resilience.
“To see this artwork unveiled in our tenth anniversary year is deeply moving.
“It represents a decade of boys finding their voices, and the power of mentorship to change lives and shape futures.”
The Youth Voice Project is a collaboration between Tendring Cultural Education Partnership, Tendring District Council and Arts Council England.
Essential sea defence works have been completed at The Naze in Walton reinforcing protection for the unique coastal environment.
The project focused on replacing damaged gabion baskets at the north-east corner of the area and installing new gabions behind Crag Walk.
These measures will help prevent tidal erosion and protect the fragile cliffs and surrounding habitats for at least the next decade.
The works, which took around five weeks to complete, were carried out by Coastal Defence Contractors Ltd at a cost of £70,000. Funding included a £50,000 contribution from Tendring District Council (TDC) and £20,000 from the Naze Protection Society.
Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC’s Cabinet Member responsible for Coast Protection and Engineering, said the scheme was another vital step in safeguarding The Naze and championing our local environment.
“The Naze is one of our district’s most treasured landscapes – rich in wildlife, geology, and history, and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” he said.
“Without these defences, the sea would continue to erode this special area, putting habitats, heritage, and even homes at risk.
“This work ensures we can protect and preserve The Naze for future generations.”
Works – the gabion wall at the north east corner of the Naze, Walton. Image: TDC
The gabion baskets – wire cages filled with stone – act as a barrier against the force of the tide, reducing erosion and stabilising the coastline.
By reinforcing vulnerable sections, the scheme helps maintain access to Crag Walk and supports the long-term management of the site.
Ian Davidson, Chief Executive of TDC and Chairman of the Naze Management Board, added his thanks to all involved.
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership working. I am grateful to our contractors, staff, and the Naze Protection Society for their commitment to protecting this remarkable area.”
The Naze and Walton Backwaters are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and are home to rare species and important geological features.
