A LACK of visitor parking and quality restaurants and accommodation have been identified as issues along the Maldon district coastline.

Maldon District Council, in partnership with Rochford District Council has formed two coastal groups – one for the River Blackwater and one for the River Crouch.

An event took place last month in Maldon with 28 representatives to gather feedback.

At the meeting a number of “weaknesses and threats” to the area were identified.

A report which will go before the council’s planning and licencing committee on Thursday outlines concerns which were raised.

These include a lack of visitor parking, quality food outlets and accommodation, the management of coastal footpaths and eroding sea defences, poor links between farming and tourism and the potential impact on wildlife from increased tourism.

The meeting also looked at what the coastal community team could do to intervene.

Suggestions included the development of off-road cycling routes, improved signage and access to coastal footpaths and the provision of public ferries.

The report will be discussed at a meeting at the council offices in Princes Road, Maldon, from 7.30pm.