SOUTHEND’S youngest political party wants a satellite city centre police station to boost safety and plans to turn the Victoria Shopping Centre into a “vibrant hub for entrepreneurs”.

The Confelicity Party, which has released its manifesto, is fielding candidates in 17 wards in May’s elections and has revealed its key pledges ahead of voters going to the polls on May 2.

Confelicity supports retaining weekly bin collections, finding a solution to re-opening the Kursaal and kick-starting the stalled Marine Plaza seafront home developments all feature prominently.

Some controversial pledges include bringing back beach barbecues and allowing dog walking on the beach at certain times and there is support for 20mph zones in some areas.

However, one of the party’s main concerns is the economy, particularly Southend High Street and the council-owned Victoria Shopping Centre.

James Miller, leader of the Confelicity Party, said: “Two key opportunities exist in Southend High Street - Victoria Shopping Centre and the outdoor markets. What disappoints me most about the council’s acquisition of the Victoria Shopping Centre is the way it has turned into a rescue mission. It should have been a thriving hub of entrepreneurship where Southend residents could experiment with their unique business ideas without the normal financial risks associated with starting a business - and it still can.”

Confelicity’s manifesto says it will re-open the redundant Southend Marine Activity Centre on Eastern Esplanade and launch a consultation for residents to put forward ideas for the end of the pier. There would also be a push to bring back seafront illuminations.

The party says it will also devise “effective solutions” to re-open the Kursaal and kick start the stalled Marine Plaza scheme.

The manifesto supports having “more bobbies on the beat, a high street police station and more CCTV.

Mr Miller said: “The basics of getting the high street right includes safety. A satellite police station would do wonders to reassure people they are safe.”

The party also says green belt must be protected. The thorny subject of evening seafront parking charges are also tackled in the manifesto, saying the charges “punish residents who want to enjoy leisure time”.