TRAIN strikes could derail Southend’s City Jam street art festival before it begins, it is feared.

The festival – which will see Southend filled with bright and eye-catching street art – is set to kick off on Friday but c2c has announced no trains will be running on the day.

The strike action means there will be no trains on Friday, as well as a reduced service on Saturday.

The festival is set to last three days with thousands of people expected to descend on Southend, but fears have now been raised that it could have a negative impact on the event.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for the Kursaal ward, said: “Honestly, it is a real shame.

“City Jam is something I am really looking forward to as last year was a real success and it is expected to be even bigger and better this time.

“This is why the government and rail should agree fair pay and conditions so we can get away from having these strikes and disruptions.

“It will have a real impact on the festival but could have been avoided if a deal had been reached with the workers and what they are asking for isn’t unreasonable in my opinion.”

On Saturday, there will be just a third of the number of usual trains running on the c2c line.

This equates to two trains per hour from Fenchurch Street to Shoebury via Laindon and two per hour from Fenchurch Street to Shoebury via Ockendon.

Kevin Buck, Conservative councillor responsible for highways, transport, and parking, added: “I think it is unfortunate that the rail unions have decided to penalise the public with these types of actions especially when we are trying to encourage everyone to use public transport.

“All this will do is push more people to use cars.

“This will have an adverse effect on the festival as a result.”

The event as a whole will see more than 200 artists – both national and local – provide colour to walls and cubes around Southend.

Some of these with be temporary art installations but many are set to become permanent.