SHOEBURY East Beach may get a £350,000 revamp, with new picnic and parking facilities, as a way of discouraging noisy boy-racers.

Southend councillors are considering a new barbecue area and a pay-on-exit parking system as a way of deterring yobs who have plagued the beach in recent times.

Local people have demanded action to stop youths drinking, playing loud music and driving at speed at the popular seaside spot.

Shoebury independent councillor Mike Assenheim gave the plan a guarded welcome.

He said: “It would mean a great deal to the residents, but I have not seen the fine details of what is planned.

“East Beach needs a picnic area and somewhere for people to have barbecues.

“At the moment they have them anywhere and it leaves burn marks on the grass. I think a pay-on-exit car park would deter boy racers.”

Senior councillors will decide next month whether to let the scheme go ahead.

Councillor responsible for planning and transport Anna Waite said: “Last summer we had problems reported to us by residents about people having barbecues in the wrong place and listening to music at the wrong time.

“We hope to spend some money to sort out these problems, with a proper barbecue area.

“At the moment, you can park anywhere on East Beach and we want to revamp this.

“A pay-on-exit car park has not been ruled out, but might be impractical, as it is so far away from the control centre. If the council’s cabinet likes what we have suggested, we will draw up plans and consult with residents. At the moment these are just suggestions.

“If we have enough money left, we might get new toilets as well.”

David Shindler, chairman of Shoebury East Beach Area Action Committee, was sceptical the proposals would solve the problems.

He said: “Any steps to improve the area are welcome, but given the council’s propensity to always get it wrong, we reserve judgement until we see the actual proposals.

“How are they going to stop the joyriders and how are they going to ensure people don’t play loud, boom-boom music and have barbecues in the right area?

“The devil will be in the detail. Knowing the council, the £350,000 will just pay for some consultants.”