Southend seafront flooded by thousands of bikers for unauthorised bike meet

The Ace Cafe, in north London, pulled out of what would have been the 19th Southend Shakedown due to spiralling policing costs.

However, bike enthusiasts took matters into their own hands - launching a Facebook page to promote an unofficial event.

Paul Rombaut, 42, who has lived in Southend his whole life, said: “I have been coming down since I was a lad, I used to sit on the back of my dad’s bike.

“Nothing was going to stop it from taking place and I don’t see why it should. We raise money for charities and bring business in for the traders.

“Shakedown is a tradition in Southend, it would be sad if it died, it is part of the heritage.”

Other bikers who took part calls from Southend Council to stay away made them more determined.

Nick Colloff, 50, who has been attending the event for the past six years, said: “The council prohibiting the event absolutely didn’t stop us from coming – if anything it made us want to come more.

“It probably did stop half the people that normally come, but there were still thousands. It’s always a benefit to the town because we always spend money – we have a beer, have some fish and chips and buy something to take home as a thank you to Southend.

“There’s no trouble - we tend to police ourselves and step in if needed, we don’t want to spoil it.”

The council was concerned that no event application or safety plan was in place.

Last year, Southend traders stepped in to save the official Shakedown - paying thousands of pounds to fund police.

Parking was suspended for cars between Genting Casino to Gilbies Cafe, on Western Esplanade, yesterday in preparation for the bikers after the Facebook page was discovered.

Paul Thompson, from Southend Seafront Traders Association, said: “In the past there has been thousands of bikes on the seafront and everyone benefited from it but this year we have really suffered. They have closed parking, meaning families can’t park there.”