Southend Council could ban the use of disposable barbecues, bonfires and jet skis along its coastline as it has launched a new consultation.

A new survey has launched on the Your Say Southend website asking residents for their thoughts on introducing a Public Safety Protection Order (PSPO) which covers public barbequing and use of personal watercrafts (PWCs).

The proposal comes from complaints the council has received from residents regarding irresponsible or dangerous use of disposable barbecues, bonfires and PWCs, such as jet skis, along Southend's coastline.

The survey will help to fine-tune the recommendations for the PSPO.

Barbecues are not allowed on Shoebury East Beach and Shoebury Common due to the hot and dry conditions and anti-social behaviour which has been experienced in these areas.

Read more >>> Barbecues banned on East Beach after anti-social behaviour and damage

They are also discouraged throughout public spaces in the city, along with bonfires.

PWCs are permitted but people who use them are reminded to do so respectfully and responsibly, from the designated launch sites.

Under the new PSPO some of these restrictions may change, so residents are being asked to have their say on the Your Say Southend online platform.

 The proposed restricted areas include:

  • Southend Seafront, beach and foreshore
  • Western Esplanade
  • Marine Parade
  • Eastern Esplanade
  • Southend Seafront
  • Thorpe Esplanade
  • Thorpe Bay
  • Shoebury Common Road
  • East Beach
  • Southend Pier (foreshore to pier head),
  • The Southend foreshore and from the foreshore into the Leigh Channel
  • Ness Road, Shoebury
  • Bell Wharf, Leigh
  • Leigh Creek

Read more >>> Boy, 3, left with major burns on his feet after stepping on sand scorched by barbecue

The proposed barbecue restricted area additionally includes the green areas at East Beach, Shoebury Common and Thorpe Bay Gardens.

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment, culture and tourism, said: "It’s great that we are on the verge of creating a brand new order that will protect our beaches and the people visiting them.

"We have a responsibility to preserve the city’s beauty and natural landscape, which of course includes our coastline and fantastic open spaces."

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for public protection, said: "Whilst we want people to enjoy their summer in Southend, we want them to do so responsibly and to be mindful of public property and others attending the same spaces.

"Barbecues are a hazard and can pose a risk to the safety of families and other visitors to our beaches when not used and disposed of correctly.

"This is what this PSPO will help to enforce, with help from the residents it will affect most. For this reason, I urge everyone who enjoys Southend’s shores to take part in this survey."

The survey is available now until August 26. All responses will be submitted to cabinet along with the report of findings from the survey.