RESIDENTS got together for a summit to ensure this year’s planned East Beach Festival goes without a hitch.

Last year residents were beset with a number of problems caused by the hugely popular festival celebrating all things Jamaican.

Parking proved a particular issue - but the East Beach Residents’ Association organised a community meeting attended by festival organisers and councillors to try to prevent a recurrence of the issues.

The association reported “good progress” particularly with parking.

The association said: “In essence, a soft barrier will be erected at the George Street entrance, which will allow residents, buses, carers and medics through.

“Once the beach car park is 80 per cent full, cars will start to be re-directed to alternative parking. Suggestions were put forward about where that could be, for example Shoebury Common.”

The issue of noise level was debated, in particular its impact on the Tingdene mobile home park adjacent to the beach greensward. Efforts will be made to decrease any noise in that direction.

Extra security is planned to decrease the chance of any antisocial behaviour.

A spokesman for the association said: “Our councillors worked with council officers to support the festival organiser in having a meeting with residents to discuss the concerns that arose from last year’s event. It was a positive meeting with the main issues of parking and antisocial behaviour being discussed and suggestions put forward for resolving the problems experienced last year.

“Noise levels were also discussed, in particular the impact upon nearby residents and mitigating measures were suggested.”

They added: “We very much hope the measures suggested are implemented for any future festivals so that it is an enjoyable event for everyone.”

All three Shoebury ward councillors attended the meeting along with West Shoebury ward councillor and council leader Tony Cox.

He said: “I’m pleased with the outcome in the sense that some of the modifications that the organisers said they would do were happy for them to made a condition of the licence.”

The licence will now be considered by the council’s safety advisory group.