Here are two letters published in the Echo this week:

Through an Echo article, we read that talks are in progress for toilets and a restaurant in “the beach club”, the old Southend Marine Activities Centre building, that has been empty since 2016.

We are also told that plans are in hand for a restaurant and toilets.

Surely it must more beneficial to the people, and more importantly to the children, of our city of Southend to have a thriving water sport centre, teaching water safety and learning different water skills than yet another restaurant.

Come on Southend Council give us what Southend really needs. We’re a waterside community and we need a water sport centre that is available and affordable to all schools and the general public, not just private yacht clubs that cater for those with money.

Let’s all sign the petition advertised by the Echo on Wednesday August 24 for a water sport centre to return to Southend.

Eve and Don Hill via email

...REGARDING the development of Southend Marine Activities Centre. A restaurant...just what Southend needs. Come on! We must do better.

P PRYDE

Westcliff