The seafronts of Canvey and Southend were under water yesterday, following a deluge which brought chaos to both promenades and flood warnings for the island.

The spring tide was so high at Southend, the town's landmark pier looked in danger of disappearing beneath the Thames at times.

On Canvey, strong gusts sent spray surging over the seawall, soaking walkers.

Even though the footpath along Thorney Bay was under water, some gates which stop people using the area during high tides remained open.

One Canvey resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "All along the seawall there are gates which stop people going down there but they were left open.

"There was a very strong wind and any children playing about there could have fallen into more than 7ft of water and been swept away by strong currents."

In Southend, Western Esplanade was closed for about an hour after the tide lapped on to the westbound carriageway at about 2.30pm.

Terry Tibble, proprietor of Fisherman's Wharf restaurant, said: "In 20 years, I have never seen it as high on the pier. It was literally to the top of the pier walkways."

He added: "What is so bizarre is the fact it is not rough - it is just a swell."

Sue Gaskin, assistant manager at the Three Shells, said: "We were a bit of an island at one point, but it hasn't done much damage to business because it has been so quiet anyway. It livened the day up."

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said barriers at Fobbing and Benfleet had been shut for the past three days and a flood alert remained in place.

County and Castle Point borough councillor Ray Howard, a member of the regional flood defence committee, said: "There are barriers at Benfleet, Fobbing and East Haven and I was aware they had been shut on Sunday.

"The gates which stop people going on the seafront should have been shut and if they were left open, I don't know why. It wasn't predicted to be a very high tide - but I will be making inquiries."