CONCERNED residents who are worried about flood defences to be built in Shoebury say they are being left in the dark by Southend COuncil.

Peter Grubb, a founding  member of Friends of Shoebury Common, said he and other members have been refused information and meetings with the council since August 2017 on the latest flood plan.

The campaign group successfully fought a 7ft wall proposal by Southend Council in 2014.

Southend Council approved a £400million sea defence plan from Two Tree Island to Shoebury last week – but no details were included.

Mr Grubb, who owns Uncle Toms Cabin cafe on Shoebury Common, said: “We’ve been shut out since August and I’m extremely angry about that. There’s an election coming up in May so I wonder whether the plan details are being saved until people have voted. It’s concerning that beach hut owners, residents, business and Friends of Shoebury Common are not being kept updated on any of this.”

Southend councillors agreed the latest flood defence plans after being told that rising tides will threaten homes and business over the next 100 years.

A report to councillors on March 12 described the current sea defences as ‘ageing’, but that locals could suffer from obstructed sea views when the new plans begins.

Mr Grubb added: “People need to know what’s going on. We were promised a series of meetings and they haven’t happened.”

Southend Council said specific details will be released later this year. Conservative councillor Tony Cox, lead member for transport, waste and regulatory services, apologised to Mr Grubb and others for the lack of information.

He said that the local elections on May 3 meant there had been an unavoidable wait for plan details and a public consultation.

“I’ve apologised to Mr Grubb and other stakeholders for the delay, by email,” he said. “A final scheme will only be determined after we have formally consulted the local community again and fully considered their views.

“This consultation cannot take place until after this year’s local elections, due to election guidance which advises against holding public consultations in the run-up to elections.”

Mr Cox said raising the sea wall would likely occur at some points along Southend but he ruled out Shoebury Common.

“I can categorically say there will not be a 7ft wall at Shoebury,” he said.

“There may be other areas where we have to raise the seawall. But two years ago I made a commitment not to do that at Shoebury Common, and we will be sticking to that.”