A NEWLY refurbished car park has been criticised after the disabled spaces were relocated and placed the furthest distance from a beach.

The concerns were raised just days after Southend Council unveiled its newly refurbished East Beach, Shoebury, car park featuring additional parking spaces and electric vehicle charging points.

Disabled residents have criticised the designs, after the disabled parking spots were placed in the furthest spots from the beach.

Southend resident Steven Douglas, who has multiple sclerosis which makes walking difficulty, says he no longer feels he can safely park at the beach, despite it being one of his favourite places to visit.

“My wife and I are big fans of East Beach and previously we would park at the disabled spots right next to the beach which was ideal,” Mr Douglas, 41, said, “But with where they are now, that is an extra 30 – 50 metres, which is a long walk for me.”

He added: “As it stands, I don’t think I will be going to down to East Beach as if we were left with only disabled spots we would really struggle to make it to the beach.”

The council says it is willing to review the car park, which boasts 218 spaces, including 12 disabled and three coach spaces.

Further improvements have also been made to the area, with a dedicated footpath and cycle access from Shoeburyness High Street, alongside additional solar powered lighting columns and increased CCTV coverage.

The improved East Beach car park reopened last weekend.

Steven Wakefield, the council’s parking boss, said: “Accessibility and safety are key priorities in the design of the new East Beach car park and the disabled bays are strategically located close to the dedicated walkway through the car park.

“This walkway links to the footway near the toilet block and the crossing point to the beach, located near the car park entrance.

“We will of course keep the spaces under review during the first four weeks of opening and can make any necessary changes that may be required to ensure the car park meets the needs of all users.

“We are also looking to achieve the Park Mark accreditation which is aimed at reducing both crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities.”