SEAFRONT traders have expressed their frustration over broken attractions during the peak of the summer season.

Earlier this month Southend's Pier Hill lift broke down followed shortly by the new council-labelled "state-of-the-art" electric pier train once again being taken out of action.

The new train was heralded as a major attraction to bring residents and visitors to the seafront.

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Seafront businesses owners have blasted the council over the bodged launch and broken lift, saying the issues have kept some people from visiting the pier and reduced footfall for businesses.

Paul Thompson, owner of Pebbles One café, said: "It's been shambolic, to have the lift broken and then the train out of order yet again.

"I'm sure are many people who wanted to come and see the new trains and enjoy the seafront just haven't been able to.

He added: "At the moment it feels like the council couldn't run a tap."

The electric train, named after murdered Southend West MP Sir David Amess, was launched at the end of March.

However, by late April a fault with the door saw it pulled from the line for more than a month.

And the train had to be removed from service again when it broke down on August 9

Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure owner Philip Miller MBE said: "The fact they are not running trains must be an embarrassment to the council along with the cliff lift being out of service with no explanation as to why or when it might run again.

"This is no way to run a town that purports to the ambition of becoming the number one tourist destination in the UK. It no doubt disadvantages the grey pound which in effect are the piers core audience."

Councillor Carole Mulroney, responsible for environment, culture and tourism, said: “I share the public’s frustrations, but these trains are a unique method of transport, new technology for Southend and must be done right. We are working hard with the manufacturers to get the new pier trains running as soon as possible and in the meantime, our diesel train is still in service for visitors.

"The Pier Hill lifts should be repaired in the coming weeks, one is waiting for a replacement part and engineers will be on site this week to repair the doors of the other lift which was unfortunately recently vandalised."