SOUTHEND’S community has been a “huge driving force” in the high street bouncing back to be one of the strongest in the UK.

Southend has seen a rapid rise in the number of people heading back to the town as restrictions are eased.

New data from Centre for Cities’ high streets recovery tracker shows that Southend is ranked top of the list out of 63 towns and cities for their recovery footfall.

Daniel Pacey, assistant manager of the Southend branch of Evapo, said: “Being completely honest I didn’t expect Southend to be one of the best, so it’s been a nice surprise. I would definitely say the seaside is a massive part of bringing people into Southend, especially with the pier being what it is.

“We also have a pretty nice sized Primark. The Southend one is more like a flagship store. Things like that are a big driving force behind it.

“Another thing is we’ve had different events. At the moment we have the Hares about Town trail and before that we had a detective mission. That all brings people down for a fun day out.”

Christine Hindle, 63, has been tirelessly working to make Southend High Street great again.

She said: “I’m delighted and I can see there has been a difference.

“The other day I went to the high street and there was someone playing live music and it was brilliant. It made me smile and it almost brought a tear to my eye.

“There’s still a lot to be done but we are getting there.

“Because of Covid, people haven’t been able to go abroad on holiday so they’ve been coming to Southend because the seafront is so beautiful.”

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Deputy leader of Southend council, Ron Woodley, has welcomed the news, insisting he was hoping for this bounce back.

Ron said: “It’s brilliant news. I was hoping for this and I think the Southend Pass will definitely help with that.

“People want to come to Southend as a destination of choice and fingers crossed it will continue. We need to still get more people and more independent shops into the high street.

“More footfall encourages more shops and restaurants and it all has a domino affect. We need to make sure Southend keeps surviving and thriving.”

Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for tourism, added: “I think it’s fantastic that we’re bouncing back more than anyone anticipated. It’s brilliant.

“We really have got the full package. I love Southend and I wish everyone will continue to support us and the business and we will bounce back.”