TRADERS have praised a politician for claiming too many single mothers, drug addicts and benefit claimants live near Southend’s town centre.

High Street shopkeepers hailed Tory Anna Waite, a former leader of Southend Council, for speaking her mind. Mrs Waite yesterday said big chain shops were put off moving to the High Street because the people living nearby did not have enough money to spend.

Her comments were welcomed by the manager of a major clothes store, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. He said: “Mrs Waite is right and I am very grateful to her for saying it.

“The simple fact is Southend’s demographic is not attractive to big chains because they don’t think they will make any money here. That’s been the case for years, but until now everyone has been scared of saying so.”

Another shopkeeper added: “She’s spot on and praise should go to her for saying the unsayable.

“What shops need to be successful are shoppers who want to spend money.”

Mrs Waite, chairman of the Rochford and Southend East Conservative Association, called on the council’s Tory leadership to target roads around the town centre as locations for new family homes and upmarket apartments.

She said: “All around the town centre are rundown properties, bedsits and hostels. Single mums in bedsits, drug and alcohol addicts, the homeless and those on multiple benefits do not have cash to spend in shops.”