PLANS for £5-per-day parking permits in Westcliff have sparked anger among businesses.

A new permit scheme, in the area surrounding the Cliffs Pavillion, is now planned to launch in two weeks time.

However the decision, by Southend Council, has proven controversial.

Though the permits will help nearby residents, business owners have slammed the new charges.

They claim they will actively discourage tourists from visiting the area.

General manager at the Westcliff Hotel, Kim Midson, said: “We have been open for 126 years and never had a real problem with parking before.

“Ultimately, this permit scheme seems incredibly short-sighted - it might benefit residents, but what about the businesses who have had a presence in this area for decades?”

Concerns have also been raised about retaining staff, who may seek work elsewhere in order to avoid paying £5 a day to park.

Paul Stannard, who owns the Tower Hotel Apartments, said: “The council claim to care about tourism, and constantly remind us that it is central to the town. However, they don’t seem to have given much thought to the people working in the tourism industry and are trying to keep it alive.”

A spokesperson from Southend Council said: “Following extensive consultation with the local community, the council is extending the residents’ parking zone in the area around Cliffs Pavilion.

“This was at the request of local residents who frequently faced difficulties parking in the area due to visitors to the theatre and other nearby attractions taking up the available spaces.

“Under the scheme, businesses within the parking zone can purchase permits for vehicles associated with the property and customers are catered for with a limited number of vouchers made available.

“Any income derived from the sale of parking permits will be used to cover the cost of implementing the scheme and ongoing enforcement and maintenance. Any surplus will be used for highways improvements.”