A LEADING Labour councillor has told of his "serious reservations" as Southend seafront car parks re-opened after the lockdown was eased. 

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Cllr Matt Dent, who represents Kursaal ward, spoke out as Southend Council put in place a series of measures to keep people safe, including a traffic contraflow on the seafront - creating wider walkways. 

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However, Mr Dent is concerned about the re-opening of seafront car parks but stressed the council had little choice since the Government eased the lockdown.

He said: "I have serious reservations about re-opening the seafront car parks, but unfortunately, the Government decision to ease lockdown and allow people to travel has rather removed control of the situation from the council."
He pointed to last weekend when Southend seafront was "packed".

Mr Dent added: "We saw last weekend, before restrictions were eased, that then seafront was packed.

"This was with the car parks closed, and with the council's Don't Visit Southend campaign in full swing.

"The fact is that we can't stop people from coming to Southend now, as much as we may advise otherwise.

"So in that light, opening the car parks and widening the promenade, introducing the contraflow, are all about mitigation.

"Given the choice, if we can't stop large numbers from coming to Southend then we can at least make sure they're parking in the seafront car parks and away from residential streets, and give the most opportunity we can for them to socially distance.

"So yes, I have reservations, but we're not in the situation any of us would like to be.

"My advice to residents remains that if you're worried about becoming infected, then stay home and stay safe."