Canvey seafront reports tourism boom as families look for alternative to Southend

It comes as the Echo reported earlier this month that islanders have welcomed investment to open Fantasy Island, an indoor and outdoor centre, which was closed for two years as part of a refurbishment.

Monico Leisure, which owns the complex, is also looking to open an American diner in Eastern Esplanade.

As space on Southend’s seafront becomes few and far between and traffic gets congested, islanders believe visitors are now opting for Canvey’s beaches as an alternative.

Barry Campagna, who chairs Thorney Bay Watch, a beach volunteer group, says he is delighted the island’s seafront is thriving.

He said: “It’s really good to see, and we’ve heard of quite a few people being stuck on the A127, and they are opting to come to Canvey instead.

“A lot of it comes from the fact it’s a lot tidier, and some of the traders too have reacted to people coming.

“The Thorney Bay Cafe has an ice cream trailer now which it puts nearer to the beach, and with the weather we’ve had, it’s going down well. Everything on the island is good value and affordable for everyone.”

Councillors have worked tirelessly since last year to add commemorative benches, clear rubbish from the sand and seawall path, cut back weeds and scrub off graffiti.

Eyesha Daniel, 24, from Stanford-le-Hope, says she opted to come to Canvey due to the “welcoming” beaches.

She said: “I came to Canvey as I think the beaches look a lot nicer than they did, and it’s just a lot less packed than Southend.

“So I prefer to take my son here instead as it’s very welcoming.”

Barry Parkin, one of the owners from Parkins Palladium, said: “Business has picked up some of the time, but not all of the time.

“On days like today, when the weather is good, business is good and a lot of visitors come at the weekends.”