HIGH Winds battered south Essex yesterday, causing chaos on the seafront and leading to a lorry shedding its load of timber across a road.

The Southend-bound side of Warners Bridge had to be shut yesterday afternoon as tonnes of timber straddled the road.

Southend Council also had to close the pier and the Pier Hill lift to keep visitors safe as both were buffeted by the weather.

Strong to gale force west to northwesterly winds battered many areas yesterday. Gusts close to 60 mph hit the coast, bringing with them heavy showers to make it even more difficult.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “I’m sorry we have had to close the pier and the pier lift.

“But in the circumstances we had to think of of people’s safety.

“It’s shame because lots of people use the lift and the pier but we hope, weather permitting, conditions will improve to allow us to open them again soon.”

A tree also succumbed to the wind in Hermitage Road, Westcliff, yesterday afternoon, prompting the council to bring in contractors to unblock the road.

A council spokesman said: “Due to the high winds, the pier is unfortunately closed until further notice.

“Our contractors earlier dealt with a tree that was damaged due to the high winds and blocked Hermitage Road.

“Fortunately, there was no damage, and the road quickly re-opened.”

Following the lorry spill the spokesman added: “We sent our waste contractors Veolia to the scene.

“We would expect police to be in attendance.

“We sent them as soon as we became aware of the incident and remained on standby to help clear up after the wood was removed.”

The strong winds and heavy rain battered Essex for much of the morning, with the roads feeling the impact. The Dartford crossing was partially closed due to the heavy winds, with lanes two and four closed and long delays on the clockwise carriageway. .

And on the A127, a lorry blocked off part the eastbound carriageway after becoming detached from its trailer.

The poor weather is expected to last until the weekend but there will be a return to better conditions next week.