As a mobility scooter user I have used Southend’s newly revamped Victoria Gateway, a number of times and each time the experience was more precarious than the last.

Although slightly different colours, most of the bricks are too similar, especially when in the sun, to be differentiated between.

Then there is the fact that without the “new”

temporary signs, it’s almost impossible for anyone to know which part takes traffic and which part is for pedestrians only.

While crossing from the High Street towards Southend Victoria Station, I was unable to see where the kerb ends and the dropped kerb starts and almost went headlong down a kerb.

Safely is a bit of a joke, as a bus appeared from nowhere coming towards me and there was a group of people standing chatting in the middle of the so-called “road”.

The new scheme is a disaster waiting to happen, I hope Southend Council has deep pockets to pay out for compensations claims it is going to be getting, when the accidents do occur.

Sue Malin
King Henry Drive
Rochford

...The new layout at Victoria Gateway is a fatality waiting to happen as when pedestrians, buses and cabs share the same space there is going to be a tragedy.

These plans fly in the face of commonsense.

There has been little regard for people with disabilities, especially those hard of hearing, visually impaired, people with learning difficulties, or visitors who are not aware of this layout.

I am very afraid what will happen when the clocks go back and the natural light diminishes. If street lights are turned out in order to save money, as has been suggested, this will exacerbate the problem.

This plan is mad, bad and soon to be sad. Something must be done.

Lydia Sookias
Tintern Avenue
Westcliff