PLANS to put up safety railings along Brightlingsea promenade have been dropped.

Tendring Council scrapped the move after conducting a survey and holding talks with its insurers.

Hundreds of residents and traders in Brightlingsea had strongly objected to the proposal.

They said the barriers would be an unsightly waste of money.

Nick Turner, councillor responsible for technical services, said: “This just goes to show the council does listen to its residents and because people came forward against the idea of the railings we were quite happy to revisit this issue.

“We had to satisfy ourselves and our insurers it would not put safety at risk.”

The council monitored the Western Promenade over the summer and a survey was carried out by a risk consultant.

As a result it decided not to go ahead with the work but to “keep the area under review”.

The consultant said there did not appear to be a greater risk at the location than experienced by most local authorities with control over coastal areas.

Mr Turner said: “It is very important we strike a balance between being overcautious and ensuring suitable precautions are taken.

“The risk of falling at the edge of the promenade can be recognised as obvious by people using the area”

A small section of railing was installed earlier this year near the town’s swimming pool.

The council will meet with Brightlingsea town councillors and other interested parties to decide whether it should stay.

Brightlingsea town councillor Jayne Chapman, who campaigned against the railings, said: “I am pleased they have listened to public opinion.”