Action to repair Southend's devastated cliffs has been put on the backburner as councillors grapple with a £10.5million social services crisis.
On the backburner - repair work on the devastated cliffs has been put on hold Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Up to £8million needed urgently to shore up the cliffs is simply not available because inadequate Government support has left Southend Council propping up essential social services.
Tory council leader Howard Briggs said: "We are desperately looking for the money to repair the cliffs, but we have to accept that even if we do get funding from the Government we are going to have to match it.
"At the moment, there are no funds to spare, as our Government grants are simply inadequate.
"Much of our budget is being taken up in the social services bill, which is coming in at £10.5million over and above our Government subsidy."
It is estimated a further £30 million will be needed to prevent further slippages along the entirety of the seafront.
Published Thursday January 8, 2004
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