£350,000 plans to banish East Beach boy racers (From Echo)

£350,000 plans to banish East Beach boy racers

12:00pm Monday 27th July 2009 in

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THE police have backed a plan to improve Shoebury East Beach.

Southend Council has pledged to spend £350,000 on adding a 175-space car park and barbecue area to the picturesque spot.

The plans were drawn up after residents complained about antisocial behaviour and boy racers driving over the existing grassed area.

The East Beach Area Action Committee has since complained the council has resubmitted plans for a larger car park, but the local police chief says any improvement is welcome.

Inspector Jeff Appleby, from Shoebury police, said: “It is pleasing to see money being spent on East Beach and I would welcome any improvements to the layout which will help to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.

“It is very important we make this special area safer and more usable, while enhancing its natural environment.”

But Anne Chalk, from the action group, said they didn’t want the car park and accused the council of altering original plans which went on show to the public in May.

She said the council was planning to use thinner material, increasing the area taken up by the car park to 1.55 acres.

Anne Chalk added: “We don’t want this car park at East Beach. The proposal shown to members of the public in May is not the same as the one they have now come up with.”

Southend Council was unable to provide the Echo with measurements for the car park proposal in May, but councillor for planning, Anna Waite, denied the plans had been altered.

She said: “It is absolutely incorrect. We always said the sketch is indicative and we have now firmed up on that.

“We have always said we will use a grass grid, which is a plastic version of grasscrete and allows the grass to grow though. The plan has not changed in a fundamental way. It is virtually the same scheme.

“The plans have been checked very carefully and it does not need planning permission. We are addressing problems there and the vast majority of residents are in support of the proposal.

“We are waiting to appoint contractors.”

She added: “We hope these improvements will benefit everyone who visits Shoebury East Beach.”