INCREASING the number of small traders will be the key to creating a cafe culture in Southend, say traders and city leaders.

The call comes as Leigh’s Broadway and Old Leigh continue to boom, in large part thanks to the wide variety of vibrant and fresh independent bars, cafes and restaurants.

Martin Day, 48, owner of The Pipe of Port off Southend High Street, called on Southend to combine the pulling power of being a city with the unique offering of places like Leigh.

He said: “We need to see more smaller businesses and independent ones – like in Leigh.

“We remember all the big losses and names that have gone from the high street.

“I also want to see more big events like the popular LuminoCity in the city centre.”

In March the Echo reported how an ambitious £4million renovation of Southend city centre had transformed how residents view the High Street.

Read more >> Why busy and vibrant Leigh has become go-to place for visitors

However, whilst the Gateway scheme had re-aligned roads to restrict vehicles and encourage visitors to move freely, Mr Day questioned if that had gone too far.

He said: “I think opening up the High Street to traffic would help.

“It would help the night economy too and create a buzz about the place. If you look at vibrant places like Brighton they have traffic in the high street.”

The debate comes as council bosses are working towards creating a cafe culture at the top of the High Street at the junction with London Road.

Steven Wakefield, councillor responsible for inward investment, saw inspiration in both Leigh and Rayleigh with their smaller shop units too. But he said that restaurants would soon benefit from the outdoor space being created for dining and tables at the top of the High Street and in London Road.

He added: “It needs to be done so businesses can afford the rates and rents for the site. I think having more independent small shops and businesses will go hand in hand and help each other.”