New figures have revealed the hardest-hit areas of Southend throughout the devastating coronavirus crisis. 

Statistics published by the Office for National Statistics take into account the precise areas of districts and boroughs which have been hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak, taking into account the number of deaths from March to May. 

In Southend the worst-hit area of the borough has been Chalkwell where 21 people tragically died having tested positive for coronavirus.

But West Leigh, West Shoebury, and Kursaal experienced just four deaths each.

All Covid-19-related deaths in Southend:

Eastwood Park - 10

Eastwood - 8

Belfairs - 15

Prittlewell - 13

Blenheim Park - 8

St Lukes - 6

Westborough - 5

Southchurch - 16

Victoria - 14

Leigh - 7

Shoebury - 10

Southend Central - 18

Thorpe Bay - 11

Ian Gilbert, leader of Southend Council, touted the high density of care homes in Chalkwell as a reason for the higher number. 

He said: “We do have a high population of care and residential homes in Chalkwell, and across Southend. I believe this to be the main reason, rather than social deprivation or a gap between the rich and the poor.

“Chalkwell is not all wealthy by any stretch.

“Our care home density is higher than most places. 

“Our age demographic is also higher than most places in the UK.”

The figures also reveal, across Castle Point, Benfleet North, Thundersley Glen, and Canvey Island Newlands were the hardest hit, with nine Covid-19 deaths in each area.

However New Thundersley and Benfleet Appleton saw only one death each.

All Covid-19-related deaths in Castle Point:

Hadleigh North - 5

Hadleigh South - 5

South Benfleet - 8

Canvey Island Winter Gardens - 7

Canvey Island Newlands - 9

Canvey Island North West - 4

Canvey Island South West - 6

Canvey Island Leigh Beck - 8

Norman Smith, the leader of Castle Point Council, believed the borough’s age population is a reason for higher areas of deaths, adding: “If you look at our demographic, it offers an explanation. The virus sadly hits older people harder.

“We also have quite a few care homes in certain areas.

“We are lucky in that Castle Point is a reasonably affluent area. 

“There are pockets classified as in social deprivation, but charities and the council have been working hard to help them during the pandemic.

“I’m really pleased with what the public, charities, and volunteer groups have been doing.

“I can’t speak any higher of what they’ve achieved.”