SEAFRONT traders have thrown their support behind car enthusiasts and urged them to continue visiting Southend - as long as troublemakers stay away. 

Southend seafront has been used for car meets for decades, with vintage and classic cars regularly meeting in the city during the summer. 

However, they have divided opinion and on Saturday two cars were seized after they were spotted wheel-spinning and driving dangerously close to members of the public. 

Seized - Police seized two vehicles at an unofficial car meet in Southend on September 7Seized - Police seized two vehicles at an unofficial car meet in Southend on September 7 (Image: Essex Police)

 

Traders on the seafront have told the Echo they love the sight of the cars on a Saturday night and welcome the extra trade but urged police to continue coming down hard on troublemakers. 

Martin Richardson, owner of the Happidrome on Marine Parade, said: “Not every car that comes down here is a nuisance. We should adopt them, embrace them. Not the idiots. When the good drivers come to Southend, they should be embraced.

“It has got to be something organised, it brings people into the city, we will benefit from it. The council do not look at the big picture.”

 

Business owner - Martin Richardson  (Image: Michael Robinson)

A public space protection order is in place across Southend which does not ban car meets, but does give police and Southend Council officers powers to dish out fines for revving engines and other antisocial behaviours.

Ollie Herd, manager of Papillon, said: “Normal car people are fine, it’s the pop and bangers that are the nuisance. There is a big difference between the American cars that come down, and those that come down popping and banging.

“Those attending the meets have been fine so far, but we do get idiots. It needs policing, anything that brings people to the seafront is good for it. Small numbers of those who come cause trouble.”

'Boosts income' - James Nicholls (Image: Michael Robinson)

 

James Nicholls, 45, owner of Ye Olde Chippy, is also in favour of the events and welcomes the pick-up in trade that it can bring. 

He said: “For us, they are good for business. It does boost income.

“It’s the minority causing issues, it’s the same with all trouble. It’s the minority that spoils it for everyone else.

“I would like to see more organisation. We know they are coming, maybe instead of hindering them, we can work with them.”