Social distancing in Southend streets could become a permanent feature as lockdown eases and could mean less room for parking.

The council is looking at ways to create safe spaces for pedestrians in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

A report to Southend Council’s cabinet says capacity on public transport is expected to be “significantly reduced” in the aftermath of the pandemic with people being advised to avoid it and either drive, walk or cycle.

The Government announced a £2billion fund in February ahead of the lockdown to allow councils to implement social distancing measures.

Council officers believe there will inevitably be a “significant increase in demand for parking” which will be made worse by the need for wider pavements and cycle paths.

Ron Woodley, council deputy leader, said: “I want to plan for every single footway to be resurfaced within five years and as we are replacing and renewing them we should look at widening footpaths where we have grass verges.

“It would be especially helpful with people in mobility scooters”

The council aims to apply for £1.5million funding. A bid for the first £309k has been submitted.

Stewart Ward, of Salisbury Road, Leigh, believes social distancing measures such as the contraflow system from Southend Pier to Chalkwell, have been a waste of money.

Mr Ward, 56, said: “The idea was to create more space, due to Covid-19 but it’s simply not used.

“The seafront footpath is used as is the existing bike lane, but the newly created totally unnecessary space isn’t.

“On Sunday morning the entire stretch was used only by a dad teaching his young son to ride a bike, as nobody else was on it and the other times that I have driven along, there has always been fewer than five people using the entire stretch.”

Commenting on plans for more social distancing measures, he added: “There are better things to spend money on. The council needs to open up a few thousand more parking spaces not less. They need all the revenue they can get from car parking spaces.”