Motorists in Southend faced driving chaos yesterday as a burst water main caused the Western Esplanade to close to traffic.

Diversions forced cars travelling on the eastbound side of the Esplanade to drive into central Southend, causing gridlock around the High Street.

The chaos was continuing today. Isabelle Theodoros, co-proprieter of Theo's cafe on the Esplanade, said: "It could have been worse."

Published Friday October 18, 2002

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