SOUTHEND town centre has been granted a lifeline with £6.3million worth of new funding set to revitalise the high street.

Zero interest loans will be available to open shops with cash available for to update shop fronts.

Echo:

Positive - Ron Woodley

Specialised facial recognition cameras will help identify shoplifters and cut crime.

New paving, green spaces, signs, seats and trees will also be installed giving the town not just a facelift but a whole new look.

And as part of the scheme to increase the range of opportunities and attractions in the town new pop up venues will be coming to town including comedy venues.

The latest phase of funding is part of more than £10million for the town.

The funding includes £4m of “street scene improvements” which are set to begin along London Road, from College Way right through to Victoria Circus.

Councillor Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, said: “We made many applications to various funding streams, explaining the possibility for improvement and I’m so pleased we were able to secure such a large amount of money to invest in the town centre as a whole, with the aim that it can help the town centre evolve in these challenging times.

“A consultation was carried out at the end of last year to find out what local people and businesses wanted to see.

“We have listened and heard what people have said about introducing more greenery, seating and better lighting into the town centre area, so now it’s time to invest the money and make it happen.”

Repaving work has already started in Weston Road and Clarence Street.

York Road, Tylers Avenue, Whitegate Road and Warrior Square - where they meet the town centre - are set to be repaved between January and April 2020.

This work will also include new benches, better drainage and better loading areas for businesses, along with more taxi and disabled parking.

Work at Whitegate Road and Warrior Square includes the installation of “rain gardens” which slow down surface water run-off, reduce water pollution, make green spaces for communities and create habitats for wildlife. At both locations, a storage crate placed underneath the rain gardens will catch and slow the flow of water to sewers. The gardens are being funded in partnership with British, Flemish and Dutch local authorities.

Councillor Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, added: “Like many areas across the country, Southend High Street is facing unprecedented challenges.

“While these improvements will not be a cure-all, they are a very substantial boost to the town centre’s prosperity and hopefully a catalyst for further growth and investment.”