DAY-TRIPPERS were hit with parking tickets while trying to enjoy the sun on Canvey at the weekend.

The seawall near to Thorney Bay has become the only place to park by the seafront, but families were left paying the price for not being able to use the currently closed Labworth car park.

Residents reported that while walking near to Thorney Bay in Western Esplanade, at least seven cars parked on the side of the road had been slapped with tickets.

Colin Letchford, chairman of the Friends of Concorde Beach, fears the threat of tickets will hurt seafront trade.

He said: “One of the problems at the moment is that the Labworth car park, which is a big overflow car park has been hit by flooding.

“There are parts of the car park where you have six inches of water, but that is known as a problem area for flooding.

“The council has not opened it up because the cars would get stuck in the field.

“The seafront is rammed because there are people coming down to enjoy themselves, parking is a big problem.

“It is going to be a growing issue as the seafront going to become more and more popular again over the summer.”

Tom Skipp, Castle Point councillor for Appleton, visited the overflow car park on Sunday and found the entrance was still too flooded to open.

Mr Skipp added that he is requesting the council be more lenient on drivers who currently have no chance, but to park at the seawall. He said: “I am aware that the number of tickets issued were on the verges at the seawall, I do not think they realise the problems people are having there.

“It is unfortunate that this is happening, I will speak to the officers after the bank holiday to see if something can be done to make parking more flexible.

“Of course, we want people to come to Canvey as it is a nice place to visit, especially in summer, it is just unfortunate the car park cannot be opened.” Mr Skipp hopes the car park will dry out quickly and be reopened for drivers to use this week.