A SENIOR councillor was branded “unprofessional” as a row erupted over plans to revoke an archaic bylaw to make way for rickshaws on Southend Pier.

Ann Holland, who is in charge of tourism in the town, was accused of “not doing her homework” as she asked opposition councillors to agree to remove the law - which currently bans wheeled vehicles from the pier.

The move comes ahead of plans to introduce rickshaw rides as a permanent attraction.

Questions were raised about the research behind a report, which was agreed by the council’s cabinet earlier this month.

Independent councillor Martin Terry insisted there was not enough space on the pier to allow rickshaws and pedestrians.

Addressing Mrs Holland, the Thorpe ward councillor added: “Officers have confirmed that the bikes are 48ins wide.

“I’ve been down to the pier with my tape measure and, if someone is sitting at the shelter, there will only be 400mm of clearance. I do not believe they will fit safely. It’s a worldwide attraction and can be very crowded.

“Frankly you have not thought this through. It’s very unprofessional. I’m surprised that you as the portfolio holder have not done your homework on this.”

Leader of the Independent party, Ron Woodley, added that the RNLI had told him they were “deeply concerned” - before demanding the matter was referred back to cabinet.

He said: “This report is fiction and full of misleading information.”

Cabinet members stood by the document.

Mrs Holland said: “If revoked, it will go out to consultation and come back here anyway so I’m not sure why everyone is making such a fuss about this.”

Council leader John Lamb added: “This could be a revenue spinner. We don’t know but if you’re picking holes in it now, it shows how short-sighted you are.”

The report was eventually agreed by 27 to 16.