Here's when condemned Chalkwell Station ramp will be demolished after closure
A 115-year-old ramp connecting Chalkwell Station and the beach will not be demolished until September after it was closed over safety concerns.
The ramp was closed off to the public in March, sparking outcry from residents, and it was revealed it would be pulled down and replaced with plans drawn up as soon as possible.
However, at a public meeting involving residents, Southend Council and Network Rail on Tuesday it was revealed demolition is not scheduled until September and temporary solutions are being worked on.
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'There was an excellent turnout from the public, who have had concerns over access since its closure in March,' said Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, David Burton-Sampson, who was at Tuesday's meeting.
'Residents heard how the current ramp will be demolished over two weekends in September and temporary access should be completed by October. It is understandable the closure of the ramp has caused so much concern and I am glad to see progress is being made.'
In the wake of its closure, businesses at the base of the Chalkwell ramp expressed fears they may lose out on spring and summer visitors due to a lack of easy access from the station.
Packed - Dozens of residents descended on the Civic Centre to attend Tuesday's meeting (Image: David Burton-Sampson) Resident Zhanelya Subebayeva attended the packed-out meeting at Southend Civic Centre and said: 'It is good to have a glimpse of hope something may happen by September.
'I am looking forward to the plans being published and hopefully there will be another meeting soon.'
Involved - David Burton-Sampson was one of those in attendance at Tuesday's meeting (Image: David Burton-Sampson) While the ramp remains out of action, residents access Chalkwell Beach via longer routes through The Ridgeway, Victory Path, Chalkwell Avenue and Chalkwell Esplanade.
'The meeting was informative and positive,' said Conservative councillor for Chalkwell, James Courtenay.
'The pressure needs to be kept up to get both a temporary solution and the new permanent ramp and stairs in place as soon as possible.
'Residents can rest assured the Chalkwell councillors will ensure this never falls far from the top of the Council's agenda.'
Unsafe - The ramp was built using an early form of reinforced concrete (Image: Southend Council) Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, said: 'We outlined our timeline for the demolition of the condemned ramp and intention to restore temporary access by October and to continue to work on a permanent solution.
'We remain committed to moving forward as quickly and safely as possible.'
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