The Echo asked its readers what they most wished they had in Essex and have curated 17 of the best responses.
Some of the most popular responses included the return of the Southend Airshow, a restoration of the Kursaal building, pothole repairs, and for the A12 to be cleaned up.
The Southend Airshow was cancelled in 2013 due to council budget cutbacks and had been a welcome sight across the city’s skyline from 1986 to 2012.
It was the subject of a campaign by residents in January this year who sought a return of the popular event, while earlier this week, new MP for Southend East and Rochford, Bayo Alaba, pledged to breathe life back into the historic Kursaal building during his Maiden Speech in Parliament.
Here are 17 of the things our readers most want to come to Essex:
Kate Hughes put a rejuvenated Kursaal building at the top of her list of desires for the county.
She said: “I want a rejuvenated Kursaal, a lido with maybe pickle ball tennis courts, volleyball courts, streets jet washed regularly, mowed grass cut verges and swept up cuttings cared for planted verges which are weeded properly.”
Rob Lillis responded more bluntly and summed up the thoughts of many residents by saying he would like to see a “road without potholes in it.”
Gary Jones said he would most want a “decent link to Kent” while Kevin Tillet prayed for “better drivers.”
Amelia Rose echoed these sentiments and added she would like to see more street lights on after dark and more police patrolling.
Margaret Parsons said she would like to see a police station in Wickford, while Mick Bremmer called for “an airshow at Southend again!”
Gemma Carling said she would love to see “a decent club bar for older people.”
Sharon Burgess recommended a “water park,” while Tiffany Smith said she wanted to see a “Pizza Hut and a Home Bargains with a café in it like other towns have.”
Jackie Bannon said she would like to see “clean and pretty houses and gardens like they used to have in the 60s and 70s.”
Joe Chambers said he would really like to see better music venues across the county.
He said: “Decent music venues like the island at Ilford, something historic known for good parties, every good venue has been demolished to make way for flats for the rich.”
Danny Ainger said: “A pound shop that doesn’t up prices.”
Matthew Scott said: “Tilbury ferry to Gravesend again.”
Mia Baker said: “A piece of land available for Hockley Ferret Rescue to use otherwise the rescue will have to close.”
Honourable mentions go to:
Susan Shrimpton who jokingly called for a “canal system like Venice instead of tarmac roads.”
Jodie Abbott said she would like a “time machine back to the 90s.”
Karen Bailey got much more philosophical with her answer and said she would like to see more “soul” in Essex.
Tim Teague ironically said: “Fewer moany old people, more positivity and good vibes.”
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