I am very puzzled as to why Southend Council decided to refurbish the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, right at the peak of the season, with very little notice.

I wonder if the council could explain to us peasants who own the Cliffs Pavilion? Is it leased out and is it us ratepayers who are paying for the refurbishment? At present the details seem extremely vague.

The Pavilion is one of the last remaining assets used mostly by Southenders and particularly older residents.

Unfortunately our cabinet acts like it is a big business corporation with grandiose schemes that come to nothing, while cutting facilities for residents and trippers to the bone.

First the toilets on the seafront, now the intention to close the library cafe and many more.

It has lost sight of the fact it does not earn any money at all. It is all extracted from rate payers. It wouldn't spend it so easily if it was its own money.

Look at all the road works at the height of the season.

Councillors no longer work for free for the community. It is just another highly paid jobsworth.

I noticed the estimate for the cliffs subsidence is now quoted at "only" £30million, a mere £20million drop from original estimates.

No comment, it would be libellous.

Len Lierens
Southchurch Road
Southend