VISITORS enjoyed Southend seafront today following the ease of lockdown restrictions but did not appear to be making use of the extra space.

The promenade has been temporarily widened in order to keep people safe and socially distant while using the seafront.

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Community safety officers patrolled the area

Certain areas appeared to be quieter than others, with the busier areas being those close to food kiosks and the section just after Adventure Island.

Benches along the seafront cliffs were all being enjoyed as well as the greenery.
The widened promenade from the pier to Chalkwell has been made possible by a contraflow system installed by Southend Council.

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The extra space next to the cycling lane wasn't being used much

The contraflow system allows cars to travel in both directions, but reduce lane width while keeping all parking bays along the Western Esplanade out of use, giving the public a great deal of extra space.

Photos show several people choosing to walk along the usual promenade leaving much of the extra space vacant.

All the kiosks for ice-cream and hot food were open since the Government made the announcement to allow them to trade in a socially distant manner and measures appeared to be in place with a two-metre queuing system.

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Two-metre distancing queue at Three Shells

Councillor Ian Gilbert, said: "I think it's working okay, but a very early indication of numbers of people who have visited is not as great as we feared.

"It is the first time we've done this and the first time we've been in this situation - there will be some learning and feedback in terms of what we can do differently in future weekends.

"It's very difficult to strike a balance - we don't particularly want large numbers of people to visit, but we are considering numbers might, and how we make that as safe as possible. 

"The businesses I've seen [on the seafront] have been well marked out, and at a brief glance it looks like it's working.

"We will know more after getting the reports back from community safety officers."

Councillor Matt Dent observed a very quiet seafront around midday, but it appeared to get busier as the afternoon went on and the clouds started to clear.

He posted on Facebook: "Midday today, and a check on how things are going down on the seafront. So far, not too bad.

"It's still early in the day, but the somewhat overcast weather seems to be helping. Fingers crossed that people continue to be sensible, and the majority of daytrippers decide to listen to advice, and Don't Visit Southend."

Echo: The seafront not looking so busy around midday. Pic: Councillor Matt DentThe seafront not looking so busy around midday. Pic: Councillor Matt Dent

It may be a little early to say if the system is working or not, but the weather appears to impact the public's decision on whether to venture out.

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Councillor Ron Woodley, who is self-isolating, suggested people avoid central Southend and use the quieter areas of the seafront in Thorpe Bay and Shoebury.

He said: "At my age and with my wife being diabetic, we are self-isolating and can't go anywhere.

"The Prime Minister and Matt Hancock the health minister says British common sense but I think sometimes major politicians are too reliant on common sense. 

"We have already seen nationally there's been an increase in infections of Covid-19 - all I want to do is protect Southend people.

"I have said to Thorpe residents and the town don’t go to Southend seafront unless you go to quieter areas such as Thorpe Bay Eastern Esplanade and Shoebury Common.

"I despair at the Government sometimes that they should put some caveat to what they said.

"All the facilities in Southen will still be there in a few months. I say it's better to be patient than dead.

"You won't see me in the offices until im absolutely sure it's safe to do so. With my wife being diabetic there is no way I am bringing some home to her."