SEAFRONT traders say Southend’s revamped City Beach is still causing them problems more than two years after work started.

Cracked pavements, faulty light columns, shut toilets and a lack of parking are keeping customers away, businesses claim.

The loss of 33 parking spaces when Marine Parade was redeveloped in 2010 means drivers coming from Westcliff cannot stop outside seafront pubs, cafes and fish and chip shops.

Simon Patterson, co-owner of Chinnerys music pub and chairman of Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association, said: “There have been serious losses.

“Definitely in the winter it has had a completely negative effect.”

Parking is available in the council’s Seaway and Fairheads Green car parks behind the seafront and next to Sea Life Adventure, but Mr Patterson said they are too far away to give Marine Parade businesses passing trade.

He also pointed out Fairheads Green charges until 9pm and Seaway charges until midnight, whereas town centre car parks are free after 6pm.

Derek Jarvis, cabinet member with responsibility for the seafront, said he would look into the faulty pavement as soon as soon as traders provided a list of outstanding work.

But he took a hard line over the lack of parking.

The councillor said: “It’s an ongoing, continuous bleat from traders that this is affecting their business, but there is parking round in Seaway and next to Sea Life Adventure.

“The parking is as planned. They have not demonstrated any rationale showing a loss of business in the winter.

“The scheme is finished.”