Chalkwell Park Footpaths - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Chalkwell Park Footpaths – GREEN Party Coun Stuart Allen and campaigner Kay Mitchell are calling for urgent repairs to the damaged footpaths in Chalkwell Park, citing risks to children, wheelchair users, and other visitors.

Chalkwell Park Footpaths - GREEN Party Coun Stuart Allen and campaigner Kay Mitchell are calling for urgent repairs to the damaged footpaths in Chalkwell Park, citing risks to children, wheelchair users, and other visitors.

GREEN Party Coun Stuart Allen and campaigner Kay Mitchell are calling for urgent repairs to the damaged footpaths in Chalkwell Park, citing risks to children, wheelchair users, and other visitors.

Years of underfunding and increased vehicle traffic through the park are highlighted as key factors contributing to the poor condition of the paths.

Coun Allen and Ms Mitchell say they are working with residents and council officials to make the park safe and accessible for everyone.

They are urging the Southend Council to take immediate action following residents’ complaints about the poor condition of footpaths in the park.

Ms Mitchell, who was Deputy Group Leader for Labour and has now joined the Green

Party said: “The footpath coming from Leigh Road is particularly concerning, but all of Chalkwell

Park’s paths need repairs.

“They’re so bad that, in some cases, a child could fall into the potholes filled with standing water.

“There are also serious risks for less mobile individuals. For example, navigating these holes and cracks in a wheelchair would be incredibly dangerous.”

Coun Allen shared her concerns: “I’m deeply worried about the state of our park footpaths and have already raised this issue with council staff.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

“Across Southend, years of chronic underfunding by the Government have left our public spaces in disrepair. The ongoing effects of austerity are still evident in our local services.”

A Leigh resident also highlighted an additional concern about vehicles damaging the paths: “I’ve noticed more cars driving through the park—heading to the café, cricket club, or basketball courts.

“Parks should be spaces where children can play freely and people can relax without worrying about traffic.

“Instead, park users are forced to gather children and leash dogs every time a car passes. It’s time to reclaim these spaces for pedestrians and families, not vehicles.”

Coun Allen and Ms Mitchell say they are committed to working alongside residents and council officials to ensure Chalkwell Park becomes a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Picture: Coun Allen and Ms Mitchell in Chalkwell Park.

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