SEAFRONT traders are pleading with Southend Council to take urgent action over a “bomb site eyesore” which could mean a revamped Never Never Land becomes a “playground next to a tip”. 

The enchanted garden, which was once nestled in the shrubbery of Southend’s Cliffs, was likened to a Disneyland for Southend youngsters during the attraction’s heyday in the 1950s and the council is now planning to create a new “modern” version. 

Despite widespread support for the proposals, business owners have called on the neighbouring site of the former Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant to be tackled first.  

'Bombsite' - Fisherman's Wharf 'Bombsite' - Fisherman's Wharf (Image: Newsquest)


The site of the former restaurant has been branded an eyesore for more than six years since plans for a plush new seafront restaurant stalled. 

Happidrome Arcade owner, Martin Richardson, told the Echo he is a staunch supporter of taking firmer action around the site and said a relaunched Never Never Land could easily become a “playground next to a tip”.

He added: “It has to all be brought together as one, we can’t work on one bit and not the other it is like having a playground next to a tip. 

Never Never Land - To be transformed by the council Never Never Land - To be transformed by the council (Image: Newsquest)


“It is an eyesore and a bombsite and the best they can do is put up hoardings, it must be bought back into hand.

“If the owners lack the money to continue then the council needs to take the land back and redevelop it or put something else there and incorporate it.

“It should be developed but for some reason it hasn’t.”

Rossi ice cream owner, James Sinclair, says he would want to see the council do “anything they can” to improve the site to improve the area.

He said: “The council should urge the owners to tidy it up and do something, even if they shield it off with trees to prevent it from being seen.

“I am a big fan of Never Never Land coming back to Southend and we would like to support it, any investment into making Southend a great place to visit I am really for doing.”

A Southend Council spokesman said: “The council continues to work toward resolving the unsatisfactory position and hope to see the issues resolved in due course.”