THERE were problems as a new shared space for vehicles and pedestrians came into force.

The new Victoria Gateway shared space in Southend has encountered teething problems today after opening at 10am.

The open shared space, part of the £7 million Victoria Gateway project, was finishede arly last month and buses started using the space this morning.

Two PCSOs spent more than two hours directing traffic as traffic signals were not working properly and council staff were in the new area in high visibility vests to warn pedestrians that buses and taxis were able to drive where they were walking.

See tomorrow's Echo for the full story.