What exactly is Southend Council playing at?

It has stated it wants to rejuvenate Southend High Street to make it more attractive to shoppers, and put the town on the map.

Well, all they have succeeded in doing is making it even less appealing, what with the uneven pavements and the cobbles that are a pain literally to walk on.

Now we are losing shops daily. The butchers in Victoria Plaza, which has been there for years, has vanished. George is pulling out and Tchibo has closed its doors.

Every time I venture down Southend High street I am met by more empty stores. All we appear to have in abundance now are banks, building societies and cheap tat shops.

What a glorious image this gives to visitors! No wonder so many people go to Basildon, at least they have a decent selection of shops.

I have spoken to several of the stores' staff and been told the same story - the rents are too high.

Well, if the council carries on like this, the only thing it will have left to boast about in the High Street will be the amount of charity shops, empty stores and the university.

Once Southend United moves to its new stadium, we'll no longer have our market. I can hear the death knell tolling for Southend already.

Yve Collins
Lymington Avenue
Leigh