OUR resilient towns are leading the bounce back from Covid-19 – with some of the best recovery rates in the country. 

Southend bagged fourth place for the number of high street visitors taking to the town since the lift on lockdown, with Basildon following close behind in fifth place.

The findings, from Centre for Cities, which compare activity levels between February 13 and August 11, also found the seaside resort was second best in the UK for the amount people were spending during visits.

Delighted businesses say the new data doesn’t come as a surprise, as they have seen people – and confidence – returning.

Kirsty Robertson, 38, manager of Molo Lounge in High Street, Southend said: “We’re also very pleased with the customers’ attitude towards safety changes and waiting times as we’ve upped our cleaning regimes.

"It seems to be on the way up but time will tell and we hope to be as busy in the coming months.”

Antony Tomassi, 64, of Southend’s Tomassi Restaurant said his trade has had a huge boost.

He said: “We’ve seen a big boost on every day of the week and as we’re more of a niche market I would think other businesses are doing well too. I think things are looking up for our businesses in the town.” 

Natalie Hogan, manager for restaurant Surf, based in Chalkwell Esplanade, Westcliff, said the traditional seaside experience is drawing the daytrippers back. 

She said the seaside town has so much to offer and is catering for lots of visitors who are helping to boost the town’s economy.

She said: “Further down the seafront there’s amusements and souvenir shops, and up here it’s quieter for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the high street.”

Shopper Tim Gillett, 59 from Shoebury, said it is the closest it has been to normal for a while and it’s good to see people shopping again. 

David Barnes, chair of the Basildon Business Group, said: “We’re now in the difficult transition of moving from staying locked away and people’s confidence is getting there.”

Martin Terry, Southend cabinet member for community safety, said a special group was set up of firms to plan for a safe re-opening for many town centre businesses.
He said: “That hard work has clearly paid off and these people deserve recognition.” 

However Martin Richardson, owner of the Happidrome Arcade in Marine Parade, said August footfall is two thirds down in comparison to this time last year, with arcades struggling to see a spike in numbers after the lift on lockdown.