REPAIR work has started on a seafront amusement arcade which was hit by flooding caused by heavy rain.

The Happidrome arcade, in Marine Parade, Southend, closed for two days to allowa£2,000 temporary carpet to be laid as part of the company’s clean-up operation following the floods two weeks ago.

Martin Richardson, owner of the arcade, said: “My number one priority is customer safety, particularly because of the nature of the water, containing sewage.

“I wanted to be 100 per cent sure there was no risk of cross contamination to customers. We must’ve used more Dettol than the NHS uses in a year!”

The new carpet is only part of the repairs to the arcade, which has also seen wooden boards on the walls stripped out and replaced with temporary ones.

Martin said: “The work has far from stopped, but at least we’re open. I want to make sure I have the cleanest, tidiest entertainment centre possible.”

He estimates the flood has caused between £150,000 to £175,000 of damage and the cost is still rising.

Martin added: “We lost a lot of machines from the front half of the arcade.”

The arcade will be closing for a week from November 14, for a full refurbishment.

The revamp will include new carpets worth £25,000, replacement wall coverings, ceiling repairs, new lighting and new machines installed.