THE chief executive of Havens Hospices has refuted claims a lack of planning was the reason for the cancellation of the charity’s Memory Marathon.

The marathon, due to take place along Southend seafront on March 12, was cancelled abruptly last week after Southend Council refused a road closure after receiving complaints from seafront traders along the route who said they hadn’t been consulted.

Havens Hospices chief executive Andy Smith said an application for the event was, in fact, lodged with Southend Council a year ago.

Mr Smith added: “The idea to bring a marathon back to Southend started over three years ago. We discussed our early ideas with some local councillors, local businesses, local running clubs and many others. Our initial events licence application was made over a year ago.”

He said the event was discussed with the Safety Advisory Group, which include representatives of the council, emergency services, and businesses in February 2016 and an amended application was submitted in November.

Mr Smith said: “We followed the usual process that we use for other events like the Southend Half Marathon – which also includes road closures. However, there is never a plan that can’t be improved.

“We understand our communications didn’t reach all the people impacted by the marathon, and we are committed to improve on this.

“We are incredibly disappointed that we have had to postpone the Run to Remember Marathon and we feel awful that our runners will not get to complete the race they’ve been training for."

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy said she had been unaware of the event but would work with Havens to identify an alternative route for next year.

She said: “I didn’t hear about it until last week.

“I understand they were told to consult with stakeholders but it seems there was a breakdown in communication.”