HUNDREDS of people turned out for Hamlet Court Road street spectacular in Westcliff which is all set to feature in a new BBC show.

Bosses at Havens Department Store were inspired to organise a day of fun after a production company approached the store and asked them to appear in the documentary.

Traders and residents now hope regular street events at Hamlet Court Road, once known as the “Bond Street of Essex”, will bring the community together.

Nigel Havens, who manages Havens Department Store, said: “We have a really strong website and the documentary is looking at the retailer side of our business and how that can survive and we can return our retailer presence on the High Street. It’s about seeing what else we can do.

“The Street Spectacular is about recognising we can’t just focus on getting people into the shop but we have got to get them into the road as well. Years ago Hamlet Court Road was a very popular shopping area and in a way that has declined, but its the same in high streets up and down the country.

“If we want to sort it out we have got to help ourselves and make sure we make a difference. It’s about bringing everyone together.

“It’s a taster and test of what could be done in the future moving forward and I think we could host all sorts of events on Hamlet Court Road.”

Resident Christine Hills, of St Helens Road, was marshalling at the event which saw part of Hamlet Court Road closed to allow traders to set up stalls.

She said: “I think it’s fantastic. It’s amazing what Havens and all the traders have done and the community has come out to make the most of the sunshine.

“It would be brilliant if we could have regular events like this and bring back the high street as we used to know it. Hamlet Court Road used to be the Bond Street of Essex. We want to bring back some positivity.”

The documentary featuring Havens Department Store is due to air on BBC Worldwide and BBC Three in the Autumn.