A PRIME seafront viewing platform has been repaired more than two years after it was badly damaged by a storm.

The Westcliff bastion was severely damaged when Storm Brendan battered Southend with 80mph gales and 10ft waves back in January 2020.

The platform, popular with walkers seeking views of the sea and shore, features old granite railings – some of which split or completely fell away during the storm.

But two years later, Southend Council has completed repair works and reinforced the structure to protect it from future storms.

Echo: Under repair - The railings were fenced off for more than two yearsUnder repair - The railings were fenced off for more than two years

Independent councillor Martin Terry said: “It has taken some time as it was severely damaged in the storm, with some of the major slabs becoming unsafe, with some parts even collapsing.

“I am very happy it is now being reopened as it is an area people like to view the sea and coast from and is also very popular with anglers for fishing.”

He added: “It was a bit of an ugly mess, what with it being fenced off for a long time.

"It has now been reinstated which is very welcoming.”

Mr Terry added the work had take so long to complete, as it had required specialist workmen versed in granite repairs and could also only be undertaken once the council had processed an insurance claim on the damage.

Echo: Lashing winds - Storm Brendan strikes Southend. Picture: John HarlandLashing winds - Storm Brendan strikes Southend. Picture: John Harland

On January 13, 2020, Storm Brendan caused carnage along Southend’s coastline.

Huge waves crashed over the sea wall and flooded a large stretch of the promenade along Eastern Esplanade, spilling into the road and flooding businesses.

As part of the council repair works, steel rods have been inserted into the stone to protect it from extreme weather conditions.

Southend Council's environment and tourism boss Carole Mulroney said: "Following storm damage to our bastion, it was important that we repaired this part of the seafront, both to ensure the integrity of our sea defences in this part of the shoreline, and also because of the importance of the bastion itself to the character and history of the seafront.

A council spokesman added: “Great effort went into ensuring the structure was repaired using the original stone where possible and replicas made where this was not possible, to ensure the look of the structure was kept.”