More than 3,000 ft of beach along Southend seafront could be at risk from a super casino development, it was revealed.

An area along Western Esplanade stretching about 1,000 ft out to sea and measuring 72 acres has been mapped out in a letter of understanding signed by council leader Howard Briggs.

The document was designed to show developers Westcliff Casino and MGM Mirage that Southend Council was serious about any future development and to encourage the company to spend cash on planning and feasibility studies.

It is not legally binding but shows where Southend Council would be willing to allow a super casino to be built.

Mr Briggs assured people there was no chance of a 72 acre casino being built.

He said: "This is just the general area in which it may be built. It has nothing to do with the area it will actually be built on.

"There have been no plans put in and there have been no designs. All we have so far is a concept drawing."

John Harland of Westcliff Casino, said there had been no further planning developments since the release of the concept drawing last year.