HUGE numbers of Southend residents have stopped visiting shops and other outlets, but families say tougher rules are vital to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Southend has seen one of the sharpest ​drops in visits to shops in the UK during the coronavirus lockdown, data from Google says.

The search engine’s figures show visits to shops and recreation establishments fell by ​89 per cent in Southend in the six weeks to the end of March compared to two months earlier.

Residents had praise for those following the Government rules but also warned it could be time for the the UK to following countries with stricter bans.

Kirsty Fields, 30, founder of homeless charity Off the Streets said: “I think people are now realising how severe this illness is. Most families or groups living together are sending one person to get shopping and essentials.

“It’s a very difficult issue as it is good news we are following the Government rules but also it’s heart-breaking for businesses.

“I really hope people shop at small and independent firms when this is all lifted. We are helping vulnerable people with deliveries but have scaled back the number of us on the streets.

“The shops seems quieter and have markers for where is best to stand.”

Dad Colin Nickless, of Southend, said: “We’ve not been outside our house for about six days now. We’ve been self isolating and are on almost total lockdown as my seven-year-old daughter has cystic fibrosis. It’s very pleasing to see people are abiding by the rules and staying home, but there needs to be stronger rules.

“We are still seeing people out and about and on the beaches. I think the exercise rules are confusing and are being abused.”

The 44-year-old added: “We should follow places like Spain and Italy where the rules are stricter, this is needed before we see any improvement.”

Google’s figures also show a 28per cent rise in activity in places of residence in Southend compared to a 57per cent reduction in places of work, as more people work from home.

​Visits to the town’s public transport hubs were also down by 79per cent – above the UK average of 75per cent. Southend also saw 39per cent less footfall at shops and ​pharmacies, and 63per cent less in parks and green spaces.