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Southend hopes Charedi influx will turn the tide

September 16, 2016 08:29
15092016 iStock 93153561 LARGE

ByJosh Jackman, Josh Jackman

3 min read

Representatives of Charedim planning to settle on the Essex coast - a move which could revitalise the Southend and Westcliff community - addressed more than 250 people at a meeting at the local Orthodox shul on Sunday.

Soaring house prices in Stamford Hill have prompted Charedi families to consider the seaside resort as an alternative. Eight have already committed to moving to Southend.

Around 600 families belong to Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation and the area is also served by a Reform synagogue and a Jewish Care community centre.

Derek Silverstone, the SWHC president, believes new blood is crucial to the community's survival, as in common with other southern regional congregations, its young people have tended to migrate to London.