VISITORS to Southend seafront are being urged to "be respectful" over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Operation Heatwave has been in place since the end of March to ensure the borough is ready for the summer season, and help visitors plan their visit, dispose of litter responsibly, find available parking spaces and stay safe.

The council has a new frontline security base in Old Leigh to enhance police visibility in the area, with the community safety team supported by two ambulances from today until Monday.

There will also be larger bins in place across the borough with more litter picking and bin emptying taking place in the borough's green spaces.

Other additional resources this weekend include: 

  • Extra resources for the peak season include toilet attendants at key locations, additional cleaning staff for open spaces, beachcombers and evening cleaning.
  • Extra medical support 
  • Additional temporary toilets have been installed in Old Leigh, City Beach, Shorefields and Darlows Green
  • Additional toilet cleaning is taking place at weekends and school holidays at Belfairs Park, Priory Park and Southchurch Park
  • Additional hand sanitizer stations
  • Six extra seasonal foreshore staff are in place to accommodate expected higher demand and providing first aid, information, advice and guidance. They will be located at Jubilee Beach (first aid base), Shoebury Common Slipway, Two Tree Island and Old Leigh. The Jubilee Beach office will be open for extended hours

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Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment, culture, tourism and planning said: “We want people to come to Southend to enjoy themselves, enjoy the warmer weather, bank holiday weekend and all the great facilities, venues and open spaces we have here.

“However, we would also ask that those visiting the town are respectful of the area and the residents who live here.

"Please dispose of litter properly or take it home with you. Please park with consideration for others. Please drink safely and responsibly, and if you are leaving late at night, please be mindful of noise in residential areas.

“Teams responsible for waste, highways, parking, community safety, CCTV along with the police and businesses are continuing to work hard and work together to prevent and respond to the opportunities and challenges long weekends and extra visitors to the seafront can bring.

"But we need visitors to play their part too."

For more information visit southend.gov.uk.