TRADERS have called for Southend High Street to be re-opened to traffic to “save it from dying”.

They also want two hours free parking, and less double yellow lines in the centre.

The proposal for High Street was one of a number made by traders at a special meeting on the seafront including representatives from Southend Council.

Architects Steven Kearney and Richard King gave a presentation calling for urgent short term action from Southend Council to ensure High Street does not become a road of empty shops.

They had prepared the plans and presented them at Southend’s Sands restaurant, owned by Philip Miller MBE, executive chairman of the Stockvale Group of Companies, which run Adventure Island and Sea Life Adventure.

Among the key points was the emphasis on bringing back to life the road all the way through the High Street to help make it more connected and viable.

Mr Miller believes the removal of the double yellow lines in the town centre, would allow more people to park on or near the High Street, in turn encouraging people to use the businesses.

He said: “It is a simple, quick fix that can be implemented very quickly.

“The council simply must act now, and fast.

“If we can implement the re-opening of the road, this time next year there will be reports of ventures buzzing in the centre, not dying.”

The High Street has been the focal point of numerous issues over the past few years, with high levels of homelessness, aggressive begging and anti-social behaviour. Many attendees of the presentation agreed with the traders’ calls.

During the same event, Southend Council was warned to “take action now” to save the High Street.

The group has also called for short stay parking tariffs to be scrapped in all council-owned car park, with two free hours of parking on all town centre roads - including the High Street, Clifftown Parade, Gordon Road and Chancellor Road - becoming the norm.

But Southend Council deputy leader James Courtenay warned against assuming any changes could be implemented overnight.

He added scrapping pedestrianisation could also potentially be dangerous.

He said: “The council has carried out several projects on the High Street, and I’m generally happy with the results, we are seeing improvements.

"To reintroduce the road would take a lot of work, it’s not something that can happen overnight.

"I am thankful to be invited to this presentation, and I want to work and talk with businesses and traders, but we are also responsible for making sure no one gets killed when walking down the street.”