Beaches in Southend could be at risk from mystery oil slicks which have been plaguing the East Anglian coastline.

It is thought that the oil could be from the Tricolor, the freighter which sank in the English Channel in December last year.

Now it has been warned that storms or adverse winds could wash up the problem on Southend's shores.

Marjory Hall, pier and foreshore officer for Southend Council, said there were teams on standby in case the worst happens.

She said: "We have a pollution plan to put in to place should any oil spill make its way into the estuary.

"This is ready to deal with any eventuality and we will be keeping a close eye on the shoreline."

Mrs Hall said Southend was in a fortunate position.

She said: "Other beaches which face straight on to the coast have suffered problems which they are now dealing with.

"We are lucky in that we are in the lee of the estuary and are protected from the main currents which are pulling in the oil."

Dozens of seabirds have been affected by the slicks along the coast between Essex and Suffolk and councils are working to clear up the mess.

Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo