A CAMPAIGN has been launched against a town centre development plan over fears parking has been forgotten.

The Stockvale group, which runs seafront attractions including Adventure Island, Sea Life Adventure and Sands restaurant, is leading the bid to get the Southend Central Area Action Plan scrapped.

The campaign, which even has its own website, is supported by seafront traders - who fear tourism will struggle to survive if more parking spaces are not created in the town.

Marc Miller, managing director of Stockvale, said: “Southend is a very successful seaside town. The main issue is a lack of parking, which causes congestion. We have tried to discuss the issues with the council because it is a threat to businesses and residents.

“Although we don’t think they are doing it on purpose, the councillors seem to have a blind spot for the necessity of tourism and parking in the town.

“More parking is very achievable by adding extra floors to our current car parks, improving signage and reviewing all street parking, as there are many double yellow lines that just do not need to be there.

“Making these changes will not only help businesses, it is much needed for the residents of the town as more parking just simply means less congestion.

“If people know they will get stuck in traffic and not find parking, they will stop coming to our town, so we can’t afford to lose one more space.”

Mick Thwaites, former divisional commander of Southend police, has called on the council to reconsider plans to build on town centre car parks.

He said: “If tourists can’t get into Southend and park, they won’t come. The council think they will get everyone on bicycles and trains, but it is more cost effective for a family to come by car.

“We are not against development but we want it to provide something for tourism.”

Teacher Chris Fynes, 29, of Victoria Road, Southend, said: “It is frustrating when you have to drive around and can’t find a space. We do need more car parking, especially if we want to attract more tourists into the area.”

Mark Flewitt, councillor for housing, planning and public protection services, described the action plan as a “positive, forward-looking vision for the future development of the town centre and seafront.”

He said: “It covers topics such as retail, housing, employment, leisure, culture and tourism and is intended to guide how the town will develop up to 2021.

“We would encourage people to read the whole document and see the aspirations the council has across a range of issues that are important to the future development of Southend and to all those who live, work and visit here.

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