THE new chairman of Southend Seafront traders Association will be putting questions about parking and development to Southend Council.

Joan Tiney has taken over the role after Paul Thompson decided to step down from the position after five years.

Having been in charge of The Borough Hotel, in Marine Parade, Southend, for close to 35 years, Joan insists she has a number of issues she wants to discuss with the council.

Joan, 67, said: “I am hoping that, with the support of the members, we can address the ongoing question of the Seaway Car Park and other issues concerning the council’s attitude to parking in the town.

“I also hope to raise the issue of the council giving planning permission to all and sundry and then, when developers don’t fancy doing the project, we are left with an eyesore on the seafront.

“The Kursal and the site of the Ship pub are fine examples of that happening.”

“We - the Tiney family - have been in The Borough Hotel since December 1983 and while I am somewhat nervous about my new role, I am looking forward to the challenge.

“I know I have Paul’s support and he will point me in the right direction.”

Having held the position of chairman for five years, Paul believes it was the right time for him to step aside.

And he has backed Joan to do a fine job.

He said: “I didn’t realise it was as long as five years, to be honest.

“I have got three young children and wanted to step back to spend more time with them and look after my businesses.

“Joan is taking over and I’m really happy that she has stepped into the role.

“Joan and her husband have been running The Borough Hotel since 1983, so she has a lot of experience in working on the seafront.

“I am still going to be helping in the background and there will be a handover period where I will assist Joan as she acclimatises to the role.

“A change has been in the pipeline for six months and the Southend Seafront Traders Association is in safe hands with Joan.”