The following letter from a Shoebury resident was published in the Echo this week:

Last weekend saw an inordinate amount of traffic heading towards Shoebury East Beach.  

George Street was gridlocked, traffic was built up along Shoebury High Street, cars were driving the wrong way up George Street, buses struggled to get to the beach, numerous cars were parked on double-yellow lines. 

Not only was this a major inconvenience for residents if they needed to drive anywhere, it also left fumes from idling traffic polluting the atmosphere and without doubt would have hindered emergency vehicles and carer access if needed.

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Two factors seem to me to have caused the situation. 

The continued capacity for visitors to have barbecues, which in part may well be responsible for the apparently ever-increasing number of visitors to the beach, and the construction of the car park in the summer. 

Despite the ongoing requests of residents to ban barbecues on East Beach, the council has still not taken the action required.  

Wooden benches and tables are scorched, grass is ruined, dangerous hot coals are discarded, children’s feet are burnt, yet still there is no action from Southend Council.  

LOUISE WILCOX

High Street, Shoeburyness