A PETITION to “Save Southend seafront” from another weekend of road closures has been launched by furious business bosses.

The closure of Western Esplanade to stop car cruisers using the Golden Mile as a drag strip left businesses “empty” and sending staff home.

Bosses have claimed that senior police officers told traders and councillors at a joint meeting on Monday that the seafront “doesn’t need to close”, due to the introduction of 50 police officers on the seafront this summer.

The petition urges Southend Council not to re-introduce the seafront closure this weekend.

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The Echo revealed plans for another illegal car meet on Saturday evening, just a week after another event was cancelled because of the road closure.

Essex Police is planning for the event in the town, John Remblance, who owns several seafront businesses, who launched the petition, said: “I had to send 30 people home on Saturday and didn’t bring people in for their late shift. We lost seven hours of trade each night.

“It’s disastrous for business.

“We closed the seafront when there were no injuries or arrests, just a few minor driving offences.

This comes as Ian Hughes, Chief Inspector and Southend District Commander at Essex Police, revealed how officers are planning for a car meet on Saturday evening, with the potential for more than 600 car enthusiasts to arrive “somewhere in Southend.”

This is despite organisers insisting it will take place in Chelmsford.

Mr Hughes added: “Road closures are just one of the measures that can be introduced, we have ANPR cameras that can be deployed and tactics from road policing units.

“There has been a mixed view on it, but it was decided last week to give it a go.

“We want to ensure a safe environment in Southend for everyone to enjoy.”

He refused to be drawn on his views on the closure of the seafront.

Council bosses said a seafront closure was “almost guaranteed” if the planned meet goes ahead this weekend.

Paul Thompson, owner of the Pebbles One cafe, added: “Police told us they don’t think the closure was necessary.

“They’ve got 50 new officers for the seafront, that’s unprecedented.”

Essex Police was contacted for comment.