Cllr Matt Dent
@cllrdent.bsky.social
Labour & Co-op councillor for Kursaal ward, Southend City Council. Cabinet member for Business, Culture, Music & Tourism.
cllrdent@southend.gov.uk/01702 212372
cllrdent@southend.gov.uk/01702 212372
Pinned
In 2026, the #KursaalWard councillors will be holding two advice surgeries each month.
❖The second Saturday of each month at Belle Vue Baptist Church, 10.00-11.00.
❖The third Thursday of each month at Southend Adult Community College, 16.30-17.30.
No appointments required.
❖The second Saturday of each month at Belle Vue Baptist Church, 10.00-11.00.
❖The third Thursday of each month at Southend Adult Community College, 16.30-17.30.
No appointments required.
The ending sequence of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), to "La Mer", is a masterpiece of cinema.
January 3, 2026 at 12:41 AM
The ending sequence of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), to "La Mer", is a masterpiece of cinema.
It's Friday, but it feels like Monday.
This seems like a win.
This seems like a win.
January 2, 2026 at 1:52 PM
It's Friday, but it feels like Monday.
This seems like a win.
This seems like a win.
🏡PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED THIS WEEK🏡
Each week I post details of any planning applications received by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. This week there were two.
Each week I post details of any planning applications received by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. This week there were two.
January 2, 2026 at 1:30 PM
🏡PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED THIS WEEK🏡
Each week I post details of any planning applications received by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. This week there were two.
Each week I post details of any planning applications received by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. This week there were two.
Did you know that a walk along Southend Pier this winter costs only £1.60?
And to add to the bargain, pick up a Winter Loyalty Card and after you've enjoyed five Pier strolls, the sixth will be FREE!
And to add to the bargain, pick up a Winter Loyalty Card and after you've enjoyed five Pier strolls, the sixth will be FREE!
January 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Did you know that a walk along Southend Pier this winter costs only £1.60?
And to add to the bargain, pick up a Winter Loyalty Card and after you've enjoyed five Pier strolls, the sixth will be FREE!
And to add to the bargain, pick up a Winter Loyalty Card and after you've enjoyed five Pier strolls, the sixth will be FREE!
The first Saturday of the month is Crafty Kids at Southchurch Library! This month your little ones can craft colourful totem poles.
This activity is available 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00 on Sat 3 Jan, whilst stocks last. It is suitable for ages 4 and up, and costs £1 per child.
This activity is available 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00 on Sat 3 Jan, whilst stocks last. It is suitable for ages 4 and up, and costs £1 per child.
January 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM
The first Saturday of the month is Crafty Kids at Southchurch Library! This month your little ones can craft colourful totem poles.
This activity is available 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00 on Sat 3 Jan, whilst stocks last. It is suitable for ages 4 and up, and costs £1 per child.
This activity is available 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-16.00 on Sat 3 Jan, whilst stocks last. It is suitable for ages 4 and up, and costs £1 per child.
SAVS has partnered with Cadent as part of the Centre for Warmth project, to deliver free energy advice and safety awareness.
Information stalls will be coming to @southendlibraries.bsky.social branches in the coming weeks, providing advice and guidance for keeping warm and safe this winter.
Information stalls will be coming to @southendlibraries.bsky.social branches in the coming weeks, providing advice and guidance for keeping warm and safe this winter.
January 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
SAVS has partnered with Cadent as part of the Centre for Warmth project, to deliver free energy advice and safety awareness.
Information stalls will be coming to @southendlibraries.bsky.social branches in the coming weeks, providing advice and guidance for keeping warm and safe this winter.
Information stalls will be coming to @southendlibraries.bsky.social branches in the coming weeks, providing advice and guidance for keeping warm and safe this winter.
So Chelsea owners are briefing that Enzo Maresco had to go because he wanted to write a book, and spoke at an event in Italy?
Good grief, who would actually take this job if that's the level of control your bosses require over your life?
Good grief, who would actually take this job if that's the level of control your bosses require over your life?
January 1, 2026 at 5:28 PM
So Chelsea owners are briefing that Enzo Maresco had to go because he wanted to write a book, and spoke at an event in Italy?
Good grief, who would actually take this job if that's the level of control your bosses require over your life?
Good grief, who would actually take this job if that's the level of control your bosses require over your life?
Between 11.00 and 14.00 every Friday, Sacred Heart Church in Southend will be opening their doors for a community warm café and offering hot (and homemade!) soup, good company, and a warm place to sit - all free of charge.
January 1, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Between 11.00 and 14.00 every Friday, Sacred Heart Church in Southend will be opening their doors for a community warm café and offering hot (and homemade!) soup, good company, and a warm place to sit - all free of charge.
In 2026, the #KursaalWard councillors will be holding two advice surgeries each month.
❖The second Saturday of each month at Belle Vue Baptist Church, 10.00-11.00.
❖The third Thursday of each month at Southend Adult Community College, 16.30-17.30.
No appointments required.
❖The second Saturday of each month at Belle Vue Baptist Church, 10.00-11.00.
❖The third Thursday of each month at Southend Adult Community College, 16.30-17.30.
No appointments required.
January 1, 2026 at 10:30 AM
In 2026, the #KursaalWard councillors will be holding two advice surgeries each month.
❖The second Saturday of each month at Belle Vue Baptist Church, 10.00-11.00.
❖The third Thursday of each month at Southend Adult Community College, 16.30-17.30.
No appointments required.
❖The second Saturday of each month at Belle Vue Baptist Church, 10.00-11.00.
❖The third Thursday of each month at Southend Adult Community College, 16.30-17.30.
No appointments required.
Clear, cold and dry for our first firework display of the night, and the beach and seafront were packed with families enjoying it!
Remember, we have another free seafront firework display at midnight, to welcome in 2026!
Remember, we have another free seafront firework display at midnight, to welcome in 2026!
December 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Clear, cold and dry for our first firework display of the night, and the beach and seafront were packed with families enjoying it!
Remember, we have another free seafront firework display at midnight, to welcome in 2026!
Remember, we have another free seafront firework display at midnight, to welcome in 2026!
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all of my followers for their attention and interaction this last year. My thanks to the residents of #KursaalWard, and Southend; it has been a pleasure to represent you for another year.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year.
December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all of my followers for their attention and interaction this last year. My thanks to the residents of #KursaalWard, and Southend; it has been a pleasure to represent you for another year.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year.
Farewell 2025, and best wishes for 2026!
December 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Farewell 2025, and best wishes for 2026!
⚠YELLOW WEATHER WARNING FOR SNOW & ICE: FRIDAY⚠
The @metoffice.gov.uk has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, from 00.00 to 12.00 on Friday 2 January, which includes Southend. Be careful if you're going to be out and about in it.
The @metoffice.gov.uk has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, from 00.00 to 12.00 on Friday 2 January, which includes Southend. Be careful if you're going to be out and about in it.
December 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM
⚠YELLOW WEATHER WARNING FOR SNOW & ICE: FRIDAY⚠
The @metoffice.gov.uk has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, from 00.00 to 12.00 on Friday 2 January, which includes Southend. Be careful if you're going to be out and about in it.
The @metoffice.gov.uk has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, from 00.00 to 12.00 on Friday 2 January, which includes Southend. Be careful if you're going to be out and about in it.
Following last year's success, we're bringing back FREE New Year's Eve seafront firework displays.
🎆18.00 - A "family" showing for those with younger children who can't stay up until midnight.
🎆00.00 - the main event, seeing out 2025 and welcoming in 2026.
🎆18.00 - A "family" showing for those with younger children who can't stay up until midnight.
🎆00.00 - the main event, seeing out 2025 and welcoming in 2026.
December 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Following last year's success, we're bringing back FREE New Year's Eve seafront firework displays.
🎆18.00 - A "family" showing for those with younger children who can't stay up until midnight.
🎆00.00 - the main event, seeing out 2025 and welcoming in 2026.
🎆18.00 - A "family" showing for those with younger children who can't stay up until midnight.
🎆00.00 - the main event, seeing out 2025 and welcoming in 2026.
Beating Wolves. It's not for everyone.
December 30, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Beating Wolves. It's not for everyone.
Southend RNLI is bringing back its annual New Year's Day Dip to open 2026. Are you brave enough to take part?
The event takes place (shockingly) on New Year's Day at Jubilee Beach, starting from 10.00. Tickets are £25 on the day or £6 in advance.
The event takes place (shockingly) on New Year's Day at Jubilee Beach, starting from 10.00. Tickets are £25 on the day or £6 in advance.
December 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Southend RNLI is bringing back its annual New Year's Day Dip to open 2026. Are you brave enough to take part?
The event takes place (shockingly) on New Year's Day at Jubilee Beach, starting from 10.00. Tickets are £25 on the day or £6 in advance.
The event takes place (shockingly) on New Year's Day at Jubilee Beach, starting from 10.00. Tickets are £25 on the day or £6 in advance.
📊FULL FACT GOVERNMENT MANIFESTO TRACKER UPDATE📊
A little while ago I shared @fullfact.org's government tracker, which I thought was a useful way of monitoring progress in delivering the 2024 Labour manifesto.
As such, I think it's probably helpful to occasionally post an update on the tracker.
A little while ago I shared @fullfact.org's government tracker, which I thought was a useful way of monitoring progress in delivering the 2024 Labour manifesto.
As such, I think it's probably helpful to occasionally post an update on the tracker.
December 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM
📊FULL FACT GOVERNMENT MANIFESTO TRACKER UPDATE📊
A little while ago I shared @fullfact.org's government tracker, which I thought was a useful way of monitoring progress in delivering the 2024 Labour manifesto.
As such, I think it's probably helpful to occasionally post an update on the tracker.
A little while ago I shared @fullfact.org's government tracker, which I thought was a useful way of monitoring progress in delivering the 2024 Labour manifesto.
As such, I think it's probably helpful to occasionally post an update on the tracker.
♻️REVISED CHRISTMAS WASTE COLLECTION DAYS IN SOUTHEND♻️
A reminder that there are be some changes to recycling and waste collections in Southend over the festive period, due to bank holidays.
A reminder that there are be some changes to recycling and waste collections in Southend over the festive period, due to bank holidays.
December 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM
♻️REVISED CHRISTMAS WASTE COLLECTION DAYS IN SOUTHEND♻️
A reminder that there are be some changes to recycling and waste collections in Southend over the festive period, due to bank holidays.
A reminder that there are be some changes to recycling and waste collections in Southend over the festive period, due to bank holidays.
On New Year's Day, Priory Brass will present an hour long concert of music for brass at the Bandstand in Priory Park to celebrate the start of 2026.
From 14.00, welcome in the New Year with uplifting melodies. Bring a chair, wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air.
This event is free to attend.
From 14.00, welcome in the New Year with uplifting melodies. Bring a chair, wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air.
This event is free to attend.
December 29, 2025 at 12:00 PM
On New Year's Day, Priory Brass will present an hour long concert of music for brass at the Bandstand in Priory Park to celebrate the start of 2026.
From 14.00, welcome in the New Year with uplifting melodies. Bring a chair, wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air.
This event is free to attend.
From 14.00, welcome in the New Year with uplifting melodies. Bring a chair, wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air.
This event is free to attend.
🏡PLANNING DECISIONS LAST WEEK🏡
Each week I post details of any planning decisions made by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. Last week there were five. Some decisions are made by officers on delegated powers, and others by the Planning Committee.
Each week I post details of any planning decisions made by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. Last week there were five. Some decisions are made by officers on delegated powers, and others by the Planning Committee.
December 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
🏡PLANNING DECISIONS LAST WEEK🏡
Each week I post details of any planning decisions made by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. Last week there were five. Some decisions are made by officers on delegated powers, and others by the Planning Committee.
Each week I post details of any planning decisions made by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. Last week there were five. Some decisions are made by officers on delegated powers, and others by the Planning Committee.
🚧HIGHWAY WORKS IN KURSAAL WARD THIS WEEK🚧
The following highway works are scheduled for this week either in #KursaalWard, or close enough to Kursaal ward to potentially affect residents.
The following highway works are scheduled for this week either in #KursaalWard, or close enough to Kursaal ward to potentially affect residents.
December 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
🚧HIGHWAY WORKS IN KURSAAL WARD THIS WEEK🚧
The following highway works are scheduled for this week either in #KursaalWard, or close enough to Kursaal ward to potentially affect residents.
The following highway works are scheduled for this week either in #KursaalWard, or close enough to Kursaal ward to potentially affect residents.
December 27, 2025 at 1:59 PM
This year Southend Council is offering free real Christmas tree recycling again, but with a slightly different approach.
In addition to real Christmas trees being taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), there are also three options for recycling Christmas trees this year.
In addition to real Christmas trees being taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), there are also three options for recycling Christmas trees this year.
December 27, 2025 at 12:20 PM
This year Southend Council is offering free real Christmas tree recycling again, but with a slightly different approach.
In addition to real Christmas trees being taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), there are also three options for recycling Christmas trees this year.
In addition to real Christmas trees being taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), there are also three options for recycling Christmas trees this year.
This coming Sunday is the last of our festive free parking Sundays this year in Southend.
Every Sunday in December, parking will be free in selected Council-managed car parks across the city, to help residents to support local shops, cafes, and businesses while getting into the festive spirit.
Every Sunday in December, parking will be free in selected Council-managed car parks across the city, to help residents to support local shops, cafes, and businesses while getting into the festive spirit.
December 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This coming Sunday is the last of our festive free parking Sundays this year in Southend.
Every Sunday in December, parking will be free in selected Council-managed car parks across the city, to help residents to support local shops, cafes, and businesses while getting into the festive spirit.
Every Sunday in December, parking will be free in selected Council-managed car parks across the city, to help residents to support local shops, cafes, and businesses while getting into the festive spirit.