A historic seafront shelter which was torn apart in a suspected arson attack could be restored to its former glory, according to a bowls club.

One of the only remaining Oldtime shelters, located opposite the Castle pub, in Eastern Avenue, Southend, was destroyed last week after going up in flames.

They are regarded by many as part of the borough’s heritage, with councillor Stephen Aylen leading calls for the burnt-out structure to be saved.

Southend Council has previously said it will be taken away and replaced.

Mr Aylen, who represents Belfairs ward, said Leigh Bowls Club - which is in desperate need of somewhere for members to sit and store bags - is the perfect home for the shelter.

The club, based in Rectory Grove, Leigh, has reportedly been promised one of the shelters three times by Southend Council.

Mr Aylen said: “There were three seafront shelters removed. There was a big protest about them two to three years ago.

“The first one they were going to lift and put in Belfairs Park. It was agreed that it would go there, but when they took it down it was smashed by the contractors.

“When they removed the second one they did the same again, and with the third one.

“We desperately need some sort of shelter on the upper bowls green.”

He believes the original structure of the torched shelter can be retained and used again, despite the severe fire damage.

Mr Aylen added: “To me, this shelter can be repaired - even if just for the patterns.

“If they are going to take it away, then bring it to Belfairs instead and we will restore it.

“Although the frames are charred, they’ve been there well over 100 years and are solid, well preserved wood, so they should be stable.

“We have skilled old boys round here who would do something like that - if it’s going to be taken down lets not throw it away, lets save it.”

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Thursday, is believed to have been deliberate.

The wooden shelter was a popular spot for residents and visitors, and was one of the last remaining of its kind along the seafront.

Peter Howe, 72, captain at Leigh Bowls Club, said he hopes the council will agree to hand over the shelter.

He said: “We have got two greens and the east green has no shelter at all. We need one for when it rains to put the gear under. We have to play on when it rains sometimes, and we desperately need something to get people out of the wind.

“We don’t expect something new. If the framework is good then we can put the wood together and repair it. We have builders and painters here with skills.”

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for tourism said: “The shelter was completely gutted and has been pulled down to ground level in order to make it safe. While we appreciate the sentiment behind this request, we do not have the staff resources or funding to restore and relocate this damaged structure.”