BUSINESSMAN Philip Miller sent a “mass email” to his customers criticising “pernicious” evening parking fees on Southend seafront which he called a “fine for working people”.

Mr Miller, owner of Adventure Island and SeaLife Adventure, spoke after Labour, Independents and Lib Dems torpedoed the Tories’ budget and brought in seafront parking charges between 6pm and 9pm.

In a scathing email to customers who had signed up for Adventure Island updates, Mr Miller urged them to “think about the upcoming local elections” after the Conservative party’s budget was hijacked by the opposition last week.

The now “opposition budget” will reduce parking charges by 11.14 per cent in car parks across the city, however.

Mr Miller fears the new charges will be “a hit” on “local loyal customers” but has come under fire from Labour leader, Daniel Cowan for sending “political propaganda” to Adventure Island customers.

The email sent by Mr Miller stated: “You want to have a good time at the seaside in Southend. And why not? If you live in Southend, you have a very exciting seaside to enjoy and love.

“Yet it seems that the Liberal Democrat Party, Labour Party, and Independent Party don’t share your love for the seaside.

“This pernicious fine for working people serves little to relieve the budget deficit because revenue from car parking charges only can be used on transport, car parks, and their upkeep.

“It is just a hit on you, for enjoying yourself and a hit on the Southend tourist trade just for being there.

“So, dear loyal customer, can we suggest when you visit us next with you Annual Pass, you park in the cheaper town centre car parks and walk to the seaside. If you suffer with painful bunions, this isn’t ideal, but think to yourself, the local council elections are coming up.”

Mr Miller added the charge is to “punish seaside traders” and to hit “local working folks hard”

Mr Cowan said: “Philip has sent round an email to however many people he has stating his frustration about parking fees on the seafront.

“But he has been reminding the people he has emailed there are elections coming up and making certain hints.

“Philip is well in his right to have a political opinion.

“But residents are forwarding emails saying they feel uncomfortable about data being used in this way. When buying tickets to Adventure Island, they don’t then expect political propaganda.”