SOUTHEND Council does listen to the public, its leader has claimed.

Nigel Holdcroft said the council takes petitions and responses to public consultations into account, but other factors are considered before making decisions.

Speaking at a full, the Tory said: “We do give weight to the petitions we receive, which often indicate strength of feeling on an issue, but it is our responsibility to review every issue in the round, an opportunity which the signatories on some petitions do not always have.”

He was speaking after plans for a seawall in Shoebury, the closure of two care homes and proposals to hand over libraries to volunteers despite huge public opposition were agreed.