What is westcliff-on-sea like to live in? Are there any new developments?

Answer 1

1. Although Westcliff-on-Sea has a recognisable centre in Hamlet Court Road, it doesn't quite make it as a place in its own right. Basically it is Southend West, and for the following reasons:
a) it's too close to central Southend (to its east);
b) it's snubbed by snooty Chalkwell (to its west);
c) it isn't important enough to have its own town council (as Leigh-on-Sea does); and
d) originally it was not even a seperate postcode area (you'll notice that Westcliff was subsequently given the unusual SS0 designation).

2. Interestingly, there's a significant Zimbabwean community there - I used to call it Zimbabwestcliff - and there are Zimbabwean-owned businesses around.