Welcome to Chalkwell Ward
Chalkwell is a suburb of the City of Southend on Sea in Essex. The ward of Chalkwell is bounded by Woodfield Road to the west, London Road to the north and Valkyrie Road to the east. The name Chalkwell derived from the pits dug by the farmers to neutralise the acid soil.
Chalkwell has so much to offer residents and visitors with Chalkwell Park, home to two local cricket clubs, and Metal the arts and music centre as well as it's award winning beaches. Chalkwell is in the electoral ward of Southend on Sea.
It is represented by three Conservative Councillors Cllr Steven Habermel, Cllr Nigel Folkard and Cllr James Courtenay.
Recent news as highlighted in the Echo newspaper is the completion of the new timber boardwalk on Chalkwell Beach for wheelchair users, this took 11 months to complete, and is now in use. It is complemented by a range of climate resistant plants.
Chalkwell Councillors were heavily involved in the review of these plans, and are delighted to see it in use now. People can go straight down the middle of the beach and enjoy the garden like feel and the sea air. It has even got an insect hotel, made from the left over wood.
John Tipping
Chairman, Chalkwell Ward
Chalkwell Ward Councillors
Cllr. Stephen Haberman
Cllr Stephen Habermel (Conservative) has represented Chalkwell residents for the past 17 years since first being elected in 2007. Stephen has lived in Chalkwell for over 45 years with my wife and family, and attended local schools as a child.
He has been a proud to represent the residents of Chalkwell and Southend in various Council positions including - as The Mayor in 2023-24.
As a lead on the Development Control Committee, he has argued against poor planning decisions that ignore what is needed, leading to over-development, and parking stress. He also has experience as a Portfolio Holder in Shadow Cabinet and other areas.
Stephen is keen to serve the residents focusing on the things we all care about, clean and safe streets and protecting the character of Chalkwell. Stephen is also the Vice Chair of The Chalkwell Ward Resident Association.
In his profession, Stephen is involved in the publishing sector where he has had a long career with national and international press and media. Stephen and his family enjoy sailing, swimming off of Chalkwell and share a love of animals.
Cllr. Nigel Folkard
I have represented Chalkwell residents for ten years, I am on a range of committees at Southend City Council and thoroughly enjoy the work of being a local councillor in Chalkwell. I have lived in Southend for over forty years with my wife and family.
I am a retired Senior College Lecturer at the South East Essex College in Southend and have been recognised for my work in the community with an MJF Trophy, a Lions organisation award, as well as being an Ambassador on the fund raising team at Southend Hospital. I am keen on swimming and a week day user at Garons Leisure Centre.
The role of a Chalkwell Councillor is an honour and privilege, which I am very proud of. It gives me the opportunity to serve Chalkwell residents, and at the same time been involved in the decision making process of the City of Southend on Sea.
Cllr. Nigel Folkard
Contact: [email protected]
Cllr. James Courtenay
James was elected to represent the residents of Chalkwell Ward in May 2021. He is an experienced councillor having been on the council for 8 years (2011-2019) previously as well as being the Deputy Leader of the Council and formerly the portfolio holder for Children and Learning.
James grew up in Chalkwell, having lived in Finchley Road and Crowstone Road for a total of 25 years. Please contact James if you are a Chalkwell resident and wish to discuss any issues or concerns.
You can also find James on Twitter @JamesCourtenay and Facebook (search "CllrJamesCourtenay" with no spaces).
Cllr. James Courtenay
Contact: [email protected]