A lot has been happening across south Essex this week, here's a few news items that might have passed you by.

1. PLANS to turn a florist into an Indian takeaway are set to be refused.

Tamanna Begum applied for planning permission to convert Derek’s Florist, in Manners Corner, Manners Way, Southend.

However, Southend Council’s Planning Committee, which meets next Wednesday, is recommended to reject the plans, on the grounds of increased opening hours.

The site is near homes, and six local people have objected.

2. A CHARITY shop is appealing for summer clothing.

The Dogs Trust wants for donations of sandals, straw hats, shorts, dresses and other summer clothes to sell at its shop in Rayleigh High Street.

The shop supports 20 Dogs Trust rehoming centres, including one near the Nevendon Interchange, in Wickford.

To donate, visit the shop between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday, or 10am to 4pm on Sunday, call 01268 773 617 or email charity shops@dogstrust.org.uk

3. FANS of knitting, crochet and sewing are invited to have a natter while enjoying their craft.

Essex Loving Hands Group is hosting free get-togethers at Beauchamps High School, in Beauchamps Drive, Wickford.

The next session is on Tuesday, June 16, from 7pm.

4. FILM buffs are invited to enjoy a movie under the stars.

Cromwell Manor, in Pitsea, will screen Eighties classic the Goonies during its first outdoor movie event.

All money raised from the screening, being organised by company Films Under Stars, will go to Essex Air Ambulance.

Tickets for the event, taking place from 7pm on Saturday, June 13, cost £7 in advance and £10 on the gate.

For more information, visit filmsunderstars.com or call 01268 559772.

5. PEOPLE can browse more than 60 stalls of vintage wares this week.

St Thomas More High School, in Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff, will play host to the craft and vintage fair on Saturday.

There will be more than 60 stalls, a vintage tea room, and painting demonstrations and sessions.

Hot and cold refreshments will also be served.

It takes place from 10am to 2pm. Entry is free.

6. ROAD closures have been announced for Canvey’s Armed Forces Day.

The annual parade will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 10.30am.

Foksville Road, Furtherwick Road and Long Road will all be closed for the troops to march to Paddocks War Memorial.

7. MOBILE phone users in Hockley will get fast internet access as Vodafone rolls out its 4G network.

The provider has started to install infrastructure to allow customers access to the network, which allows faster download speeds, this week.

Vodafone has extended its 4G coverage to 546 larger cities, towns and districts as well as thousands of smaller communities across the UK.

Vodafone plans to provide coverage using 2G, 3G or 4G services to 98 per cent of the UK population.

8. REGISTRATION is still open for the Southend Half Marathon, raising cash for Havens Hospices.

The Shoebury event is to take place Sunday, June 14, and the route will take runners along the coast.

It is the 20th anniversary of the run, which raised £125,000 for the charity in 2014.

For more information, visit havenshospices.org.uk

9. WELLWISHERS raised more than £3,000 for Canvey charity the Indee Rose Trust.

The trust was formed as a tribute to Indee Rose Dopson, who died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was just three.

Fundraisers took part in a 12- hour exercise challenge, raising £3,235 for the trust, which helps children who have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal tumour, and their families.

10. A BUSINESS networking group based in Southend has helped safeguard and create jobs.

A partnership between Essex Chambers of Commerce and the Networking-on-Sea group, known as the Business, launched in November.

It held about 50 business skills development workshops before its conclusion in March.

It also safeguarded 41 jobs and created 18.

More than 350 businesses across south Essex took part in more than 3,500 hours of training at Essex University’s Southend campus.

Denise Rossiter, Essex Chambers of Commerce chief executive, said: “As a result of the sheer number of enterprises who applied to take part, we hope to have significantly influenced the future development and sustainability of at least 300 growing businesses.

“That fact can have nothing but a positive effect on future trade and prosperity.

“Our Essex Chambers of Commerce slogan is ‘Better for Business’ and I’m very proud that we have been as good as our word in delivering imaginative, highquality training that will influence the future of so many local businesses.”