James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, has raised the temporary closure of Shoebury East Beach with the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Defence.
James has submitted a number of written questions to the Secretary of State asking what the expected timescale is for East Beach to be surveyed for unexploded ordnance and to carry out any remedial works. James also asked if any assessment has been carried out to assess the financial impact to Southend as a result of this temporary closure.
James said
“I have submitted written questions to the Secretary of State to determine how long these works are expected to take. I will do all I can to ensure the survey and any remedial works are carried out as a matter of urgency.
I have also spoken with both Cllr Tony Cox and the Chief Executive of Southend Council regarding this issue and I want to reassure local residents that we are all working to ensure East Beach is reopened as soon as possible, but only once the area has been surveyed and is safe.”
Below are the questions James Duddridge MP has submitted to the Secretary of State. Full link is below
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmordbk2/140512o01.htm#12_may
James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of (a) the economic effect on and (b) changes in tourism revenue in Southend as a result of the closure of East Beach in Shoeburyness for his Department to survey for unexploded ordnance.
(198006)
James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timescale is for his Department to (a) survey East Beach in Shoeburyness for unexploded ordnance and (b) carry out remedial works.
(198007)
James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how long his Department expects East Beach in Shoeburyness to be closed.
(198008)
James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that East Beach in Shoeburyness is surveyed for any unexploded ordnance and remedial works carried out as a matter of urgency.