OPEN LETTER TO:

1. The Salvation Army Major Howard Russell, Emma McKinlay Divisional Leader
2. Pete Bates, Director of Financial Services, Southend-on-Sea City Council Leaders and Councillors

The Salvation Army Church can still have a positive impact on depravation and high crime rates on Eastern Esplanade Southend-on-Sea.

East of Southend have 5 areas in the 10% most deprived areas of the UK.

1. Two in Kursaal Ward
2.  One in Milton Ward
3. One in Southchurch Ward
4. One Victoria Ward

Eastern Esplanade in Southend-on-Sea, seafront have some of the highest rates of anti social behaviour (ASB) and crime in the area, most common crimes include violence and sexual offences. 2024 saw 834 crimes reported, making it one of the 9% of streets considered extremely dangerous in the UK.

These wards have been identified as priority areas for regeneration and improvement by the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council over a decade ago. The Salvation Army Church sit in the heart of these area clarified as one of the highest ASB and Crime Rate in Southend-on-Sea.

Dear Salvation Army and Southend Council

We strongly believe that an ethical approach to poverty, education, and employment must be central to any new ownership or development plan. 

A Call for a “Win-Win” Collaboration

Commitment to Collaboration

Our Requests for Open Dialogue: We invite the Salvation Army and Southend Council to participate in a public meeting so community members can attend these meetings or join online to ensure their voices are heard.

Community Share Offer

We propose a community purchase of the building, local residents and supporters, school children can invest through community shares to purchase affordable shares, so everyone can participate and have a say in the building’s future regardless of income.

Profit with Purpose

We urge the Salvation Army call off the sale to a private investor ensuring the church’s ethos of community service remains at the heart of the church and continues to flourish, education, training, employment and after-school clubs.

Fair Financing

We request that Southend Council

Fulfil Obligations to empower residents and local groups to determine how this building is used and developed. This give communities more control, ensuring decisions reflect local needs and aspirations.

Prioritise Social Value, Not Just Financial Value, we urge the Council to focus on long term community benefits such as reducing poverty, improving educational outcomes and expanding employment opportunities rather than simply maximising financial returns.

Enable Community Investment support community driven share offers and innovative financing solutions, helping residents invest in their own neighbourhood to enables true civic participation and localised economic growth.

Ethical Concerns Poverty, Education and Employment

East of Southend faces significant social and economic challenges

1. Poverty & Food Bank many local families relying on food banks, we need ethical, community solutions that extend beyond charitable handouts.
2. Low Educational Attainment Providing safe spaces for skill-building, training and alternative education especially those who could enter the youth justice system is essential for long-term improvement in educational outcomes.
3. Unemployment The building should become a hub for job readiness programmes, entrepreneurship and networking activities.

A Shared Vision for Community

Preserving the Salvation Army building is not just about maintaining architecture; it is about ensuring that the heart of our community remains strong. By working together, we can transform this space into a multi-use hub that addresses food insecurity, hosts educational initiatives and creates pathways to employment.

Ethical Investment

Ensure that any proceeds from the sale and any council funding remain dedicated to local community enrichment.

How to Get Involved

1. Support our community: Write letters or emails to your Councillors urging them to adopt community led Social Value financing models.
2. Contact your local Ward Councillors or MP Mr Bayo Alaba (Southend East): bayo.alaba.mp@parliament.uk   
3. Find out more about: community shares works and benefits to our community 
4. Contribute to our Campain and keep updated share your views 
5. Attend public forums and council sessions where you can raise the importance of social value, ensuring that local voices are heard and acted upon.
6. Email the Salvation Army directly at: Major Howard Russell​, Emma Mckinlay Divisional Leader​, media@salvationarmy.org.uk 
7. Joe Chesterton |Executive of Director of Financial Services | Southend-on-Sea City Council.
8. We can collectively buy the building and develop programmes that serve everyone.
9. Stay informed by following updates and hold decision makers accountable by writing letters, sending emails download our letter template
10. download and distribute your petition flyer in your area

Sign petitions or pledge your support through local campaigns and online platforms.

We, the undersigned members and supporters of our local community, write to express our deep concern for the future of the Salvation Army building. We value the heritage, social service and sense of belonging that this historic building has provided over many years.