THEATREGOERS have warned they will “think twice” about visiting the city’s Cliffs Pavillion for evening performances to avoid paying “a fortune” in parking charges.

Traditionally, theatre fans have parked on the seafront to make the most of free evening parking before walking to the Westcliff theatre as well as enjoying dinner before a show in nearby restaurants.

However, residents have now warned the proposed introduction of 6pm to 9pm charges on the seafront could “deter” them from visiting the Cliffs.

It comes as traders ramp up their campaign against seafront parking charges, which have been proposed by opposition councillors.

Echo: Concerned - Eric and Irene Place regularly visit the theatre and are not in favour of paying to park. Concerned - Eric and Irene Place regularly visit the theatre and are not in favour of paying to park. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

 

Following concerns raised around the impact on the theatre, Southend Labour leader Daniel Cowan has stated exemptions could be made if the theatre was found to suffer as a result.

Leigh residents Eric and Irene Place, 73, regularly visit the theatre in the evenings.

Mr Place, 75, said: “We pay a hell of a lot of money for theatre tickets. We don’t want to have to pay a fortune to park after 6pm, too.

“It’s as if councillors are saying ‘we don’t want visitors’. That’s stupid. Southend is all about tourism.

“During winter, restaurants surrounding the theatre do most of their business in the evenings, when people come out to the theatre.”

Echo: Risk - Joanna Dearman says extra parking charges would make her 'think twice' about visiting the theatre.Risk - Joanna Dearman says extra parking charges would make her 'think twice' about visiting the theatre. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)Joanna Dearman, 57, added: “It would undoubtedly affect my decision to go to the theatre. I like supporting the theatre, but if I had to pay to park on the seafront every time I went, I would think twice about going.

“If the Cliffs can’t get the numbers in to pay for the renovation that’s about to begin, we could eventually lose it.”

Mr Cowan has vowed to make “exceptions” to the charge extensions where needed.

He said: “We need to look at this in the broader context. There are always going to be some exceptions to the rule. If we found the Cliffs was being adversely affected by any of the parking changes, we would reconsider. That applies everywhere.

“In the winter, we’re looking at seasonal parking charges which will make them cheaper. I’m sure that will continue to benefit those travelling to the Cliffs.

“We will do absolutely everything we can to make parking more affordable and readily available.We’re only doing right by the city, by investing in infrastructure, fixing the roads.”