Thousands of pounds have been lost in trade and revenue because a 600-space car parking area on Canvey seafront has been shut for months, it has been claimed.
The gates to the huge grass area - often used as an extension of the Labworth car park - were locked until yesterday afternoon, despite thousands of sun-seekers looking for a spot to leave their car.
Controversial - councillor Dave Blackwell at the car park which was finally opened yesterday after being shut for months Picture: TERENCE BUNCH
Labour Canvey central councillor, Dave Blackwell, today branded the closure "ridiculous".
He said: "This has been the hottest week of the year, following on from one of the hottest weekends and the seafront has been packed.
"It's just madness not to have one of the area's main car parking facilities open.
"The Labworth car park can hold 600 cars, and people using the car park have to pay - by leaving it closed we must have lost thousands of pounds in revenue. It finally opened yesterday and within minutes it was packed."
Nigel Thomas, director of technical services, said: "The gates to the grass area which is now being used, were closed some time ago as we were concerned about unauthorised people, such as travellers, gaining access.
"The main part of the car park, however, has been open and the grass section is only used when we need additional space. I doubt we have lost any finance as the main car park doesn't appear to be used to its full capacity."
Published Thursday, August 7, 2003
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