A Southend trader is demanding thousands of pounds compensation because she claims poor waterproofing on the Pier Hill development exposed her cafe below to "horrendous" flooding whenever it rains.

Kelly Butcher, 45, of Barling Road, Barling, has been unable to open Kelly's Diner, in Pier Arches, since September this year because of damage caused by the water.

Problems started in July this year, when stone slabs were laid over the bulk of the multi-million pound Pier Hill development.

She believes construction workers failed to install adequate water proofing underneath, so rainwater has been free to pour between the tiles, through the soil and into her ceiling ever since.

For the full story, see today's Echo.