TORY councillors have revised plans for a controversial car park in Shoebury just days before a public meeting arranged to oppose the scheme.

The proposals for about 60 parking spaces at East Beach have been put forward by Shoebury Tory councillors and the party's by-election candidate Graham Hill.

Anne Chalk, who lives in Shoebury High Street and is the Labour candidate in next month's Shoeburyness by-election, said more than 300 people had signed a petition opposing parking being put over the grassy area.

She said: "We don't think it will solve the parking problem. People won't pay for it when they can park for free in the High Street. The problem started because commuters don't want to pay to be in the station car park."

Mrs Chalk, 70, said feelings were running high because residents fear the grassy area would be destroyed if the car park goes ahead. She sai: "I have been approached by lots of young people who asked to take out their own petition.

"They were very upset about the idea of losing their grass space. They think it's beautiful. The youth don't get much say in anything."

Shoebury councillor Roger Hadley said he had sent 550 questionnaires out to residents, of which 139 were returned - with 70 per cent in favour of these plans to curb congestion.

He said the car park would cost £1, to encourage commuters to use it rather than block the High Street to avoid paying the £3.50 to park at the station.

Changes put forward to the original plan are for the spaces not to be concreted over but use a grid so grass could poke through the square holes.

He said: "If you look at it from a distance it will look like green open space, but you need something there to protect it because otherwise, in the winter cars would churn it up."

A scheme for a vehicle access next to the level crossing in the High Street has also been dropped, with the only access being from George Street as at present.

He said the proposals, which will go before the transport and parking committee in the autumn, will also include a new footpath between the High Street and East Beach to provide easier access.

The meeting will be held at St Peter's Church hall in Hinguar Street, Shoebury, from 7pm until 9pm tomorrow.

The Tories will also be holding a special surgery to discuss the issue at Friars Community Centre between 10am and noon on Saturday, September 8, when residents can discuss the issues with them.