James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, welcomed The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government, to Southend to discuss the launch of the Coastal Communities Fund.
During his visit Eric also met with some local councillors, apprentices, employers and business owners to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
James said
“I am delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to Southend. We have a lot to be proud of in Southend, it is always a privilege to welcome other members of the Government to see the good work that is carried out locally.”