CALLS have been made for the Esplanade to be made secure before someone is hurt.

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council said developers must secure the building to prevent further fires and possibly injury.

Mr Lamb said: “When you think how the Esplanade used to be its a shame. It used to be a really lovely venue. It’s down to the owners to protect that property. It is terrible that people keep setting fire to it. Now there has been another one it’s unbelievable .”

Mr Lamb added: “I am goint to have words with our people to what we can do to ensure it is properly locked up and not a danger but if people are intent on getting in there, and if there is no security, it is a big problem.

“It is so dangerous. These individuals must realise the danger they are putting themselves in. If they were in there and no one knew there could be a loss of life.”

Mr Lamb urged members of the public to be vigilant and alert emergency services to anything suspicious.

He said: “If people see something going on as they go by they should dial 999 and report it to police and firefighters.

“I dread to think what would happen to a homeless person who got in there and fell asleep. These epple wouldnt know and could set the building alight. Hopefully that doesn’t happen but it is a danger.”

Ward councillor Julian Ware-Lane also called for the building to be made secure immediately.

He said: “The old Alexandra Yacht Club became a magnet for vandals and that’s what has happened with the Esplanade.

“Teenagers are getting in and causing damage. This time of year when you get a lot of dry grass sparking fires, fire crews might need to be somewhere else, possibly saving lives.”

Mr Ware-Lane added: “If the developers have hired a security firm then they really need to be asking why they haven’t done their job.”