A SOUTHEND seafront trader has spoken of his fear that car parking will be lost along Eastern Esplanade because of the planned new "urban beach".

Graham Rawlinson runs the Fantasia amusement arcade on Eastern Esplanade and is worried about the loss of car parking just off the road because of the plans, which include volleyball, surfing and other sports facilities.

Urban regeneration company Renaissance Southend is behind the ambitious scheme, but bosses say no final decisions have been made about the site or the car park.

Mr Rawlinson said: "The parking available on the seafront is vital for the businesses along here.

"If Renaissance Southend and the council decide they want to use the area of the car park for another purpose, then the result would be totally disastrous for all the businesses on this part of Eastern Esplanade.

"I am calling on Renaissance Southend not to ruin what business we have created in this deprived area."

Mr Rawlinson said he was also concerned because the aim was to complete the scheme by 2011, so local businesses in the area would have little or no consultation.

David Pilkington, director of development at Renaissance Southend, said: "Nothing at all has yet been decided.

"Consultants have been appointed to draw up design briefs, but before any of these are adopted, there will be extensive consultation with local businesses.

"The final decision will be made by Southend Council."