People power could decide how Southend's world famous pier will be developed.

Southend Council's cabinet voted in favour of a redevelopment that would not include any large rides or complexes at the pierhead.

However, the council says it could change its mind if a new public consultation shows strong support for alternative plans.

Starting next month, the consultation aims to hear from as many interested parties as possible.

Chief executive Rob Tinlin said: "We are seeking to find out what the people of Southend want.

"We have to say: We don't want to tell you what we are going to have on the pier - the council wants you to tell us'.

"It could be the ideas of Epic World Leisure or it could be any of the other plans which have been put forward."

Mr Tinlin said a large public consultation would need to be demonstrated in order to access Government or European funding for any new development.

Fran McGinty, who ran McGinty's Bar at the pierhead until the fire in October 2005, said: "The council has been indecisive ever since that time and well before that. There have been so many talks and not a lot seems ever to have been achieved."

Tony Garner, of Epic World Leisure, who has submitted plans to develop the develop the pier with new attractions including a rollercoaster, said: "We would be delighted to sit down and talk to the council, and look at how things could be changed."