RENEWED calls are being made to refurbish Southend’s Kursaal - and safeguard its long-term future.

Serious concerns have been raised over the condition of the iconic seafront site.

Squatters have plagued it recently, and the bowling alley has closed.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor for Kursaal ward, said: “I know people are talking. It seems bowling alleys do not work there.

“The squatters have gone and there’s more of a security presence on site now.

“I do share traders’ concerns about the proposed £50million Seaway development proposal nearby, but I do not think it’s the only issue.”

Tony Cox, Tory leader of Southend Council said: “We are keeping a watch over the situation at the site to see what happens.

“As freeholder of the site we will do anything we can to help. We are looking at the two hour parking scheme there and considering bringing back the one-hour parking band to help businesses.

“It will mean visitors can park for an hour and this will bring more people there.”

Residents have been posting on social media about their confusion.

Kerry Bocker, 33, said: “I think it is crazy and so sad, seems a shame and unbelievable that nobody wants it.

“Should be one of the best fun parks in our area - it always used to be.

“Something must be done.”

Paul Thompson, 45, owner of Pebbles One, Southend said the planned £50m Seaway development nearby will kill the Kursaal.

He said: “I am convinced when it’s all built people will prefer to go there than the Kursaal.

“With that on the horizon the future of the site does not look good. In my opinion it doesn’t matter what goes in the Kursaal, it will not work with Seaway. We need to get people coming back to Southend again.

“The two hour parking is also another issue and is driving visitors away.

“I know Tony Cox is working on this and well done him, but I think there are some that want to keep it.”

A council spokesman said: “All interested parties have had an opportunity to give their views on the Seaway planning application and these comments will be reviewed." 

Iconic building's four months of torment 

THIS is the third time this year the Kursaal has shut suddenly.

In February, the iconic building shut suddenly as former owners MFA Bowl went into administration.

It was announced London-based consultancy firm Duff and Phelps was then drafted in to deal with the business.

The entertainment park, which boasts a bowling alley, a laser tag arena, an arcade area and a soft play zone, has become a popular spot for children’s birthday parties.

Parents claimed they lost out on cash for bookings.

Days later, Disco Bowl Ltd took over the site.

It then shut again temporarily after parents found a mouse in the soft play area.

Mums posted on social media about the incident.

Disco Bowl then closed it again in early May and it was announced, on May 3, squatters had taken over the iconic building.

The squatters moved in despite 24-hour security being in place.

Days later, the squatters were removed from the building after a former member of staff was allegedly assaulted.

The future remains uncertain.