Hello,
I did my PPL at Stapleford and moved down Southend way near the end of my training. I would recommend Southend as it is much easier for you to get to. I got fed up going up and down the A127, also if you are a bit unsure of the weather sometimes it can be a wasted trip. There are a few clubs down at Southend so go to all of them, I find my one very friendly. Also alot more people are at Stapleford making it more difficult sometimes to get a plane. It's up to you but I found being close to the airfield a big bonus.