A HUGE Coronation street party on Canvey seafront has been cancelled due to “police concerns about closing the road” after organisers invested £12,000 into the event.

Suzanne and Derek Gray, who run businesses on Canvey seafront, had hoped to shut Eastern Esplanade to host a major street party to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6.

The couple had already spent thousands of pounds on decorations, a big screen and memorabilia for the event.

Essex Police says officers spoke to the council and raised concerns about the ability for emergency services to access the seafront.

However, they claim they have been told by Essex Police that it is not safe to close the road due to concerns over emergency service access and drivers getting on and off the island.

Dave Blackwell, Canvey Independent leader of Castle Point Council, says he’s also spoken to police about the matter and was keen for the event to go ahead, although now believes it is unlikely.

Mrs Gray, who runs the Monico pub, Fantasy Island funfair and Jimmy Macs, with her husband Derek, said: “Perhaps I was too presumptuous but we’ve put so much work and effort into this.

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“It doesn’t all happen over night. I think it’s very sad and we did it about 15 years ago and it went fine.

“I’ve been here 25 years and love putting on things for the community, I really enjoy it and get a lot of pleasure out of it.

“I like to see people happy and enjoying themselves. I think it’s a real shame and everyone was looking forward to it.”

She had also planned for stalls and live music performances on the day Mr Blackwell said: “I tried to get the police to change their mind about this but they have the final say about this sort of thing.

“It’s not the first time we’ve shut main roads as we have done so for Remembrance Day too in the past.

“I am quite surprised about the decision and it was going to be a massive event, sadly not it’s too late to hold or organise another event on Canvey.

“I am very disappointed about it and I am sure there could have been a compromise about this issue.

“There must be other big events and road closures in other parts of the UK. The Grays do such good work and so much for Canvey.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Essex Police liaised with Castle Point District Council, who are the lead agency for road closure decisions. Concerns were made about the ability for emergency services to access the area."