SHOPPERS are being driven online after being “forced out” of Southend’s town centre by abusive beggars, it has been claimed.

On Tuesday, the Echo reported that the number of empty shops is increasing in Southend High Street, with eight large premises currently vacant.

David Birch, director of policy at Essex Chamber of Commerce, laid the blame with businesses cautious of taking over large retail premises.

But, commenting on the Echo’s Facebook page, some residents insist the main issue is concern over a perceived lack of safety in the town centre, as well as cheap shops with no real appeal.

Mavis Garner said: “How many times do you need to spell it out? We do not feel safe to shop there.

“It is the abusive element of the beggars, for what else can you call them? If you park the car they are there at the pay station hands held out and abuse coming from their mouths. You certainly do not want your children to hear this and be accosted at every turn. I am driven to online shopping.

“So until something is done no matter how many shops you entice to the High Street I won’t be going at the moment, it’s dark, dirty and unsafe.”

Parking also proved a problem for residents.

Martin Hockey said: “The council should offer free parking and lower rates for a start. What nonsense about units being too large, their are plenty of brands that could fill them if they could be lured to the town.

“Another department store would be good, Gap, Zara, White Stuff, Hotel Chocolate, Robert Dias, Claus Olsen, so many brands that you have to go further afield for.

“If they came to the town so would the people. While it’s full of cheap phone cover shops and cheap clothes stores then it won’t attract people.”

It is not all bad news for the town centre, with the Southend Business Improvement District, known as Bid, having just been backed by 350 businesses for another five-year term.

A successful first term saw Bid oversee a number of improvements, including making the High Street more attractive with planters, hanging baskets, new bins and artwork on boarded up shops like BHS.

Online shopping has played a huge role in damaging High Streets across the country, with the sight of shop shutters becoming ever present for shoppers.

Daniel Baines added: “Shops have to charge more due to rates. People are looking to save money as our taxes and cost of living has gone up. If I can save money and buy online I will.”