Essex Police officers have minimised disruption following concerns about potential pony and trap racing events in Southend and Leigh.

Dispersal orders were put in place yesterday (Saturday 20 July) following information about potential events along the seafront.

Previous incidents had seen traps ridden along footpaths and on the wrong side of the road.

“We took action to make sure the public would be safe and that you could go about your day,

“In the end what we saw was a number of people, vehicles, and horses but no racing took place,

“We received a number of calls relating to this yesterday, but not serious incidents took place,

“I want to thank the public for their understanding,” Superintendent Richard Melton, said.