As predicted, Conservative councillor Tony Cox’s spy cars are harming small businesses all over Southend.

A council officer was quoted as saying these cars are to “prevent the loss of revenue to the council”. So the truth is out, it’s all about revenue.

The way Mr Cox is instructing his staff to attack local businesses is disgraceful.

He is doing the same thing elsewhere, slapping pay-and-display schemes on Eastern Esplanade and at Southend East station, threatening small seafront hotels, businesses in Southchurch Road and residents alike.

If these businesses decide to relocate, the council will soon have no revenue at all.

Perhaps it will have to bring back the poll tax to stem further loss of revenue.

I am a lifelong Tory, but this Tory lot in Southend couldn’t run a whelk stall, let alone our town.

Jeff Carr
High Street
Shoebury