There is a huge police presence in Southend for the Southend Shakedown event - but some have criticised it as being too much.
Essex Police has warned that it is preparing to deal with the bikers, who it claims are driving along the seafront in an anti-social manner.
We’re aware of a group of up to 30 bikers seen driving in an anti-social manner in the #Southend seafront area towards Shoebury & are working to deal with incidents.
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) April 2, 2018
Bikers have come in large numbers to Southend on Easter Bank Holiday for many years as part of an event known as The Southend Shakedown, organised by the Ace Café – a popular biker’ meeting venue in London.
However, last year, Ace Café announced that they would no longer be running the event. Despite this, around 1,000 bikers still convened on the seafront.
Southend Council has previously said it has put plans in place to "safely manage" the influx of bikers.
Scott Dolling, Director of Culture,Tourism and Property, said: “We understand that many bikers will still want to visit Southend over the Bank Holiday, so we have taken a pragmatic approach with our partners and put measures in place to ensure all visitors to the seafront, whether arriving by bike, car or train, have a safe and enjoyable stay in the Borough.
“If the weather is good, we can expect roads to be very busy so advise visitors to plan their trips in advance, take public transport where possible and consider parking in town centre car parks and then walk the ten minutes to the seafront. This is often quicker than sitting in traffic as cars queue for already-full seafront car parks.
“We and the police will have a high-visibility presence and look forward to helping visitors make the most of their day.”
There is a high-viz presence of Council enforcement officers and officers from @EssexPoliceUK in #Southend ahead of what is expected to be a busy #BankHolidayMonday. pic.twitter.com/uCjf3YVwCK
— Southend-on-Sea BC (@SouthendBC) April 2, 2018
Chief Superintendent Rachel Nolan, of Essex Police, said: “The roads into Southend and the seafront will be very busy, so all visitors should be prepared for potential delays.
“We understand the majority of those taking part in this event are likely to be genuine biking enthusiasts.
“But as with any large gathering of people and vehicles, there may be disruption and a small number of motorcyclists and drivers who act irresponsibly.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time, so we will have a visible police presence to ensure that all road users are acting responsibly.”
Marc Miller, Managing Director of The Stockvale Group, who own Adventure Island, Sea Life Adventure and several other seafront attractions, said: “It’s been a long winter and the Seafront and High Street are looking forward to a busy spell to get some bills paid!
“We welcome all visitors to Southend. However one group must not take priority over another.
“As we have seen in previous years, the majority of the bikers are decent people. Unfortunately, mixed in with them is an unwanted element which affects the enjoyment of visitors and residents alike.
“This year with the extra security measures the local authority and police have put in place, it should prove beneficial to all involved.”
A motorcyclist has been arrested in Queensway, Southend on suspicion of drug-driving, possession of drugs & breaching bail conditions.
The 24-year-old man from Southend is currently in custody for questioning.
However, some residents and business owners have said the council has gone too far.
#Southend #Council has ruined the #Shakedown Massive #police presence, temporary speed limits and steel railings erected. #KillingTheTown
— Jason Cole (@JasonDamianCole) April 2, 2018
Martin Richardson, owner of Happidrome Arcade on the seafront, said it was like a "prison" with barriers from end to end along the seafront.
He added that the seafront was "dead" due to this.
What an unwelcome sight ! Most disappointed, came along with my camera, hoping to get some good photos, get chatting to new people, have some fun on a wet #bankholiday & it’s practically empty ! #shakedown pic.twitter.com/e69ouYETEI
— Mike Batson (@mikebatson5d) April 2, 2018
@SouthendBC trying there hardest to deter tourism in our town #Southend pic.twitter.com/a100sa1MwO
— Southend High St (@SouthendHighSt) April 2, 2018
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