ANOTHER illegal car meet has been planned for this weekend, with bosses once again considering closing Southend seafront.

A car meet, which is being advertised as not for Southend, has prompted fears the road closures will be needed again.

Southend Council will now review feedback from the weekends trial, with engagement with stakeholders before consulting with traders.

The Echo revealed earlier today how the closures shut down an illegal car meet on Saturday evening in the town.

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Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council, said: “This trial road closure along Marine Parade was implemented quickly for highway safety reasons and to help address recent anti-social and disruptive behaviour experienced on the seafront.

"Whilst we seek longer-term solutions, we felt it was important to do something in the short-term too.

"The council received input from a variety of stakeholders prior to implementing the closure, and listened to comments and concerns from local traders.

"This led to a flexible approach with a later start time for the closure than originally anticipated, and the reopening of the road at 1am rather than 8am.

“Our intel with Essex Police showed that there was a planned car cruise on Saturday, which did not take place in the Borough due to the closure being in place.

"We have also been made aware of a further event for the coming weekend which is advertised as not being on Southend seafront, which shows the closure has had an impact on those planning unauthorised car cruise events.

“We will spend the next few days reviewing both the positive and negative responses and feedback from local traders and residents, and also engage with stakeholders further, before making a decision on whether or not there is a need to implement the closure again next weekend.

"Where there is intel on planned unauthorised events, we will continue to take the necessary action and look at all possible options - with the best interests of the town at the forefront of our decision making process.”