Vandals cause £50,000 damage to Pier Hill (From Echo)

Vandals cause £50,000 damage to Pier Hill

3:35pm Tuesday 1st August 2006

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Rock-throwing vandals have caused up to £50,000 damage to the award-winning entrance to Southend Pier.

They smashed 22 glass panels along the walkway to the pier lift and the entrance to the pier itself.

Former Southend Council leader Anna Waite, whose family owns the nearby Tomassi's restaurant, said: "We worked very hard to improve Southend just for drunken louts to do this.

"What is wrong with British society?

"I've been to places like Italy and there doesn't seem to be this wanton vandalism.

"I hope the police catch them. Fingers crossed they were caught on CCTV.

"Then again, they'll probably end up being aged 14 or 15 and nothing will be done."

Tony Burnell, owner of Fancy Hats, on Pier Hill, said: "The glass was about an inch thick, but had been shattered like a car windscreen.

"It is soul destroying to see the efforts, hopes and desires of everyone who thought Southend was getting on its feet damaged by idiots like this."

Jackie Eyres, 38, from Rayleigh, said: "It's absolutely awful. It looks terrible. Why do they enjoy doing this? So much money has been spent on the pier and now this happens."

Dave Robson, 42, from Westcliff, said: "It's a disgrace. What must visitors to Southend think?"

A Southend Council spokeswoman said: "The council is extremely disappointed this mindless act of vandalism has taken place. Steps have been taken to secure the broken glass and it is expected that replacement glass will be fitted as soon as possible. The council is working hard with the police to find those responsible."

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Karl Help or PC Ian Harlow, at Southend police, on 01702 431212.

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