BARBECUES are running greenery, damaging public benches, and posing a danger to children and dogs, according to concerned Shoebury residents.

Calls are growing for Southend Council to address issues at East Beach – the only beach where barbecues are legally allowed to be held in all of Essex.

The wooden public benches and tables have been badly burnt and damaged by barbecues.

The charred remnants are an “ugly eyesore” and should be fixed ahead of the area hosting the East Beach Festival on August 14, according to Shoebury resident Melanie Brown.

“With no-one policing the barbecues, they are a real danger,” she said.

“East Beach is an area with many young children and dogs, the risk of a child or dog being burnt is very real and has already happened.”

East Beach is the only beach in the county where barbecues are allowed with specific concrete areas set out for visitors to use.

Last month, a child was almost injured after reportedly stepping on a burning barbecue on the beach.

“People ignore this and there are BBQs on benches, the beach and grass areas,” Ms Brown alleged.

“The tables have all been destroyed by BBQs leaving the once beautiful beach looking awful.

“East Beach is well and truly being destroyed.”

Angry residents have formed the East Beach Residents’ Association and are calling for barbecues to be outlawed in the area.

Peter Lovett, vice-chairman of Shoeburyness Residents’ Association, said: “We have had the benches catch alight after people walk off and leave their barbecues alight on them.

“I’ve personally had to use a bucket to put out a fire.

“And now it looks like the council are planning to build some new benches as part of investment in the area, but what’s the point, when they will 'be burnt to charcoal.”

Last year, Southend Council revealed a £2miliion investment package for the popular crowd-pulling beach, including new kiosks, toilet improvements and new benches.

A council spokesman said: “…”