7:30am Wednesday 17th March 2010
By John Geoghegan
THE revamp of Shoebury East Beach has led to improved safety for residents and daytrippers, according to councillors.
On Friday, bollards which prevent cars getting on the grass were installed. In the next few weeks, picnic benches and barbecue stations will be added.
The council’s Tory administration said the beach is now a safe and much quieter place, having once been a focus for yobs.
Residents long complained about teenagers using the large grass area to congregate, play loud music and do “donuts” and other braking stunts in their cars.
A new car park has been created with solar-powered ticket machines. The council has also planted 30 trees in the area.
But the £350,000 regeneration plans have been controversial with some residents, especially the building of the 175-space car park. Some opponents claimed the car park has not been built as well as it should and is liable to flooding.
Independent Shoebury councillor Mike Assenheim said: “The plans have been a real mish-mash and residents aren’t happy at all.
“Had they built this car park properly with drainage and a substructure, they would’ve had to get planning permission.
“I’ve made a real fuss about it with officers. They’ve done it like this to save money.”
Mr Assenheim did admit antisocial behaviour had reduced.
Tory ward councillor, Roger Hadley, said: “I’m glad to see this 12-acre area of parkland returned to its original purpose, as a safe place to come and play and enjoy without fear of being hit by a car.
“East Beach is once again a family area and car-free environment.”
Previously, two community support officers had to patrol East Beach all day, every weekend.
Laurie Gaymer, 63, of Gunners Road, and secretary of the Shoebury Village Residents’ Association, said: “We are very happy with it. It depends on what happens in the summer when the visitors come. That’s when you have people who park their cars up against the fence. With the bollards, they won’t be able to any more.”
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