A new survey has launched on the Your Say Southend website asking residents for their thoughts on introducing a Public Safety Protection Order that covers public BBQs and use of personal watercraft.
The proposal for a PSPO comes from complaints the council has received from residents regarding irresponsible or dangerous use of disposable BBQs, bonfires and personal watercrafts, such as jet skis, along our coastline. The survey will help to fine-tune the recommendations for the PSPO, which will be submitted to full cabinet in due course.
Currently BBQs are not allowed on Shoeburyness East Beach nor Shoebury Common, due to the hot and dry conditions, and anti-social behaviour that has been experienced in these areas. BBQs are also discouraged throughout public spaces in the city, along with bonfires. PWCs are permitted but people who use them are reminded to do so respectfully and responsibly, from the designated launch sites. Under the new PSPO some of these restrictions may change, so it’s important to make sure you have your say on the Your Say Southend online platform.
Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, said: “It’s great that we are on the verge of creating a brand new order that will protect our beaches and the people visiting them. We have a responsibility to preserve the city’s beauty and natural landscape, which of course includes our coastline and fantastic open spaces.”
Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for public protection, said: "Whilst we want people to enjoy their Summer in Southend, we want them to do so responsibly and to be mindful of public property and others attending the same spaces. BBQs are a hazard and can pose a risk to the safety of families and other visitors to our beaches when not used and disposed of correctly. This is what this PSPO will help to enforce, with help from the residents it will affect most. For this reason, I urge everyone who enjoys Southend’s shores to take part in this survey.”
The survey is available now until 26 August 2022, and can be accessed via the Your Say Southend website. All responses will be submitted to cabinet along with the report of findings from the survey.