Troubles in Southend

Violence on the Southend seafront is deterring people from visiting our beautiful little corner of the world and, though it's completely understandable people don't want to risk putting themselves or people they love in a position where they could be hurt, it's also really upsetting and is having a negative impact on so many people here including small businesses. 

I know we aren't alone in our current troubles with an increase in violence, as it seems to be a current theme nationwide, with people using tragic events as an excuse to push racist and violent agendas that aren't even related to those events in any way. Local businesses being looted whilst thugs wielded and fought with machete knives right outside where families and people with children come to visit just blows my mind, it really does. 

On what planet are we standing to protect children from harm by placing children directly in harms way?!

We simply are not. That is not the reality of it. People just found an excuse to act on their pre-existing and preconceived notions and ideologies. 

Off the back of recent events and the uncertainty of getting out and about not knowing what's going to happen, do you have plans in place to protect yourself and those with you? 

I've always been a stickler for a contingency plan when out, especially since having Alfie, as I feel it offers a little extra layer of protection to know there's some level of understanding between us as to what we each do in the event something happens. 

It might seem a little OTT but I don't think so considering the current climate and levels of violence around us. 

Whenever I take Alfie somewhere new, or even if I'm just going alone, I always form an escape plan on arrival. It isn't ever super Indepth, I just become aware of my surroundings and make a note of the nearest exit in my head, how easily it will be to get to the exit, and the nearest thing to us that will protect us from harm. E.g. tables, a door etc. I also have a code word with Alfie where if he feels unsafe he says it to me, or if we need to leave in a hurry but not in a way to worry him, I say it to him. They're little things but make all the difference to feel just a tiny bit in control of circumstances completely out of our control. 

Do you have plans for such eventualities? 

I think it's always been ingrained in me to, really. I've always carried extra water in the car and a little snack, in the event I break down. I always make sure I leave the house with my phone and with charge, so I can make phone calls in an emergency if needed. I never leave without a little bit of cash, just incase. I always feel better being prepared for what might never happen, than to be completely unprepared for what does. 

I know these events might put you off leaving the house at the moment and, for some, the last thing on your mind will be sitting in an eatery enjoying a slice of cake and cup of coffee. What I will say is that we will do our utmost to protect our customers. We will not hesitate to lock doors, shut shutters, call the police and make sure everyone in our establishment has access to water etc. I like to think it wouldn't ever come to this but in this day and age we just do not know what's around the literal corner - we don't profess to be professional security guards and none of us behind the counter have military or police training, but we do have families of our own and know how important it is to feel the people around you would be calm, collected and try to do what needs to be done. That being said, please, please do not be scared to come and see us. Don't let the violence win.