XX CLOSED SS1 2EN The New Ship (previously Images), Southend

[I-full]

Plans for redevelopment look to be on hold. There is a To Let sign above the door now. Can't see anyone taking this on during to current economic climate though, especially as the whole place looks quite dilapidated. Had some good times there but it would be too much to hope for a resurrection.

[I-full]

As of last week, no change to the above. Today it is just a pile of rubble. This leaves the Foresters, and the neighbouring chippy, marooned in a wasteland (or developer's w%t dream).

No doubt an offer-that-can't-be-refused will be made and the Foresters will end up the same way, to be replaced by some bland, corporate something. Nevertheless other local establishments are fighting a rearguard action viz Cornucopia and the yet-unsampled Royal Hotel, so all is not lost. And the makeover of the Golden Mile esplanade is attractive, more so than other recent "improvements" in the town.

Here's hoping.