COUNCILLORS have promised to continue holding regular surgeries - regardless of how many residents show up.

Last month, Julian Ware-Lane, a Southend Labour councillor, cancelled his monthly drop-in session at Trinity Methodist Church, in Westcliff, because nobody had attended in seven months.

But fellow politicians said their surgeries were a vital link to the community.

Ted Lewin, a Liberal Democrat councillor for St Laurence ward, holds a session on the last Saturday of every month at the west area housing office in Mendip Crescent.

He said: “Most people do tend to communicate via email or the phone, but I will continue to hold the surgeries because they are used.

“They offer people a chance to come and talk to me face to face.”

Mr Lewin was backed by his Lib Dem colleagues in Prittlewell and Westborough, who host a monthly surgery at various locations.

The next meeting will be at St Peter’s church, in Eastbourne Grove, Westcliff, from 10am on Saturday. James Courtenay, a Tory councillor for Blenheim Park, also hosts a meeting at the housing office in Mendip Crescent on the first Saturday of every month.

He said: “I won’t pretend there are always a lot of people there, but there is a steady number who come to see me with problems.”