ISLANDERS have pulled together to clear about 60 wheelbarrows of seaweed from Canvey’s most popular beach.

Friends of Concord Beach members spent three days clearing the weed from the beach, off Eastern Esplanade.

Colin Letchford, the group’s chairman, said the seaweed had been getting in the way of families wanting to put down towels and sunbathe, or play on the beach.

He said: “We must have moved between 50 and 60 wheelbarrowloads to the far end of the beach, where we left it to get washed away by the sea.

“It’s the latest in a lot of improvements we’ve made. The beach is looking really good now and attracting lots more people.”

Dot Palmer, another member of the group who helped shift the seaweed, added: “It was really hard work, but I’m so happy with what we have done. It looks fantastic.”

The friends group was set up last year to help keep the stretch of sand and coastal path clear of litter and debris.

This followed a successful campaign to stop Castle Point Council demolishing the coastal paddling pool near the beach.

Members have also painted the seawall and put up new signs welcoming visitors to the beach and asking owners to clear up their dogs’ mess.

Mr Letchford and the other members are now pushing for more seats and an outdoor shower to be provided.

He said: “We have recently started a visitors’ book, which we are getting people to sign when they come to the beach.

“We’ve had people from all over commenting on how good the atmosphere here is now.”

Castle Point Council will officially hand responsibility for managing the beach to Canvey Town Council on Friday.

Lea Swann, who runs the Concord Cafe, by the beach, added: “In all our 24 years of trading here I have never seen the beach look so clean.

“So many of our customers are commenting on how much better it looks.”