SHOEBURY could hold the key to reducing congestion and parking problems along Southend’s main seafront, a campaigner has claimed.

Peter Grubb, of the Friends of Shoebury Common, said both East Beach and Shoebury Common were perfect for a day out , especially after being recognised for their high standards in water quality, safety, and environmental education.

Yet he complained that Southend Council had not made sufficient efforts to direct tourists to Shoebury’s beaches.

Or highlight its cultural attractions such as the former garrison, or its 2,000 parking spaces which he believes could help with ongoing seafront problems.

He said: “Historically, East Beach and Shoebury Common were the first Southend beaches to be awarded the Blue Flag.

“Earlier this year I was delighted to learn that following extra efforts made by the council last year, the Blue flag was obtainable once again.

“Most importantly for visitors and the town, these areas have total car parking capacity in excess of 2,000 cars - an important factor for all the new visitors flocking to Southend on a sunny day.

“Quite amazingly, council signs fail to notify visitors of this fact preferring ‘To advise visitors to park in the town centre and make the short walk down the high street to Jubilee Beach.’”

Last month long delays on the A127 into town, as well as long queues which formed in the town centre itself, led to the police being called when violence broke out in car parks as motorists battled to get parked on a hot, sunny day.

Southend’s new Conservative administration, which took power after the May 5 elections, has already announced it is investigating putting extra tiers on the Fairheads Green and Tylers Avenue car parks in an attempt to meet demand short-term.

However, tourism councillor Ann Holland said the authority would be doing more to promote Shoebury in the future.

She said: “There are lots of bits there besides the beaches too such as the Garrison heritage centre.

“We want to make it much more of an experience because we’re not just one daytripper town.”