The deluge which hit south Essex meant another slow few days for traders in Southend.

The relentless August downpour was no good for many seafront traders.

However, those on the Marine Parade and Southend Pier were trying to stay positive, despite the recent poor weather.

Paul Thompson, head of the Seafront Traders’ Association said: “It was not the best time we have had. But people continue to come to Southend no matter the weather. Trade has not been the best, but it is supposed to get better.”

Darren Lattimer, the owner of Southend Pier Crazy Golf, was also in a confident mood.

He said: “The rain that hit us was bad and I hear about some places flooding near the seafront.
“But on the pier things have been okay, the increased foot fall that the new end-of-pier beach huts have brought to the pier have helped the area. So that’s something to be positive about.”

It is the second time in as many weeks rain has slowed seafront trade, but traders expect things to return to normal at the weekend.