A network of forgotten tunnels thought to be beneath Southend's Cliffs Pavilion could be causing the landslip problems nearby, it was claimed today.

Mike Assenheim, chairman of Shoeburyness Residents' Association and the Coalition of Borough Residents, said he believed they were never filled in and could have contributed to the landslip below Western Esplanade last year.

Mr Assenheim said: "Having lived in Westcliff some 50 years ago, my playground was the cliffs and what was then the old shell of the original Cliffs Pavilion. we used to play in a network of underground tunnels. One was always filling up with water and we called it the Water Tunnel."

However, a Southend Council spokesman said: "The council has no knowledge of any tunnels under the building.

"All the correct building regulations were adhered to in the building of the pavilion."

Published Thursday, January 30, 2003

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