Council and partners to review trial seafront road closure

July 27, 2021

The council and its partners are to review feedback from the trial road closure on part of Southend seafront this weekend. There will also be further engagement with stakeholders before deciding whether to do the same this weekend.

Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, asset management and inward investment, said: “This trial road closure along Marine Parade was implemented quickly for highway safety reasons and to help address recent anti-social and disruptive behaviour experienced on the seafront. Whilst we seek longer-term solutions, we felt it was important to do something in the short-term too. The council received input from a variety of stakeholders prior to implementing the closure, and listened to comments and concerns from local traders. This led to a flexible approach with a later start time for the closure than originally anticipated, and the reopening of the road at 1am rather than 8am.

“Our intel with Essex Police showed that there was a planned car cruise on Sunday, which did not take place in the Borough due to the closure being in place. We have also been made aware of a further event for the coming weekend which is advertised as not being on Southend seafront, which shows the closure has had an impact on those planning unauthorised car cruise events.

“We will spend the next few days reviewing both the positive and negative responses and feedback from local traders and residents, and also engage with stakeholders further, before making a decision on whether or not there is a need to implement the closure again next weekend. Where there is intel on planned unauthorised events, we will continue to take the necessary action and look at all possible options - with the best interests of the town at the forefront of our decision making process.”