While I and fellow traders welcome the parking charges being suspended in Southend for certain days over the festive period to encourage shoppers, I wonder why the same approach has not been given to the night time businesses on the seafront who still have to combat the 24- hours-a-day charges in the Seaway car park.

Southend Council is discriminating against trade in this area, which is having a devastating effect on businesses and employment.

Anyone visiting the seafront, whether it is to eat in the restaurants, use the amusement arcades, enjoy the lights and fountain City Beach has to offer, or have a night out in the bars, clubs or hotels, has to pay for the privilege. Yet parking in the High Street is free after 6pm.

As far as Chinnerys is concerned, any member of staff or musicians, artists and their families, friends or fans, also incur charges which can be up to £10 a night per vehicle.

Can we please get some councillors who support the arts and the wonderful talent Southend has to offer, rather than those at present who pretend to support it on one hand and discourage it on the other?

Simon Patterson
Chinnerys
Marine Parade
Southend