CANVEY beach has been branded unsafe as fears about the coastline eroding grow.

Sand levels on the island have dropped by as much as two metres, according to members of the Canvey Bay Watch volunteer group.

The underside of the island’s sea wall, broken slabs and rocks are now clearly visible as a result of the erosion.

Volunteers claim the damage has become more noticeable during recent bad weather, and they are calling for the beach to be replenished with sand or shingle before the start of the summer season.

Castle Point Council and the Environment Agency are in discussions about who is responsible for sand levels on the island’s beach.

John Webb, a member of the Bay Watch group, said coastal erosion and decreasing sand levels are a problem across much of the south coast.

He said: “It’s dramatic to be honest, and we need to be on top of this before it gets any worse.

“It’s frustrating as the responsibility of the beach is a grey area, and it needs to be stacked up. A representative from the Environment Agency came along and looked at it on Friday and said there’s no danger to the structure of the wall, he also said there could be a number of reasons for the problem.

“Strong winds have played a major part as they have completely demolished the breakwater between the bay and the Labworth Cafe, and some of the sand is now sprawled with rocks.

“The main thing is if the sand was replenished as it is in Southend for example, and in other areas, this would help to keep all these slabs and stones in place.”

Barry Campagna, chairman of the group, which was set up to spruce up Canvey’s seafront, believes the levels have dropped gradually over several years.

He said: “It hasn’t just happened recently, it’s been right the way along the coast.

“I think it’s vitally important we get this ready for the summer season, as the beach and seafront in general is becoming more and more popular on the island.

“A lot of hard work has been done, and we can’t let it go to waste because of a dangerous beach.”