It is possible people are unaware of Southend Council’s intention to construct a cycle track along the cinder path from Chalkwell to Leigh.

Plans for this project are not yet complete, but although it will benefit a small number of cyclists, it could have dire consequences for many others who enjoy the seafront.

It is possible approximately 9ft of beach will be lost at both Joscelyne’s and Leigh beaches.

The dinghy racks of both Leigh Sailing Club and the Essex Yacht Club will have to be demolished and then rebuilt and, in the case of the former club, valuable laying-up space possibly lost.

At the Leigh end, a sensible compromise would be to request cyclists to dismount at the east end of Leigh beach and walk their mounts to the west end.

This would save disruption to both beach and sailing club and be much safer.

One also wonders what will happen when cyclists quit the track and enter the already congested Old Leigh High Street.

The intention seems to be to build the track during the summer of 2010, in order to be ready, for some reason that escapes me, for the 2012 Olympics.

I would urge all those who enjoy this area to protest against this scheme.

GE Dent
Herschell Road
Leigh