WORK is about to start on an £800,000 package of improvements to Shoebury Park, including a new children’s play area and pavilion.

Toilets and trees will be added to the park, off Elm Road, using cash from a housebuilder.

The tennis courts will also get a £50,000 overhaul in the revamp.

Graham Longley, Southend councillor responsible for enterprise, tourism and economic development, said: “This year the park achieved Green Flag status, so this newworkwill add to the high standards it’s already reaching.

“The funding has given us the opportunity to make even more significant improvements there, and ensure it continues to offer excellent amenities.”

Developer Bovis Homes has funded the major scheme under an agreement with the council as part of its permission to build a housing estate next to the park.

When this permission was granted, the company made a legally-binding promise to the council to pay for the park upgrades.

The full improvements, reached after a consultation with residents, will include:

  • A relocated new children’s play area, costing about £160,000
  • Full refurbishment of the tennis courts, costing about £50,000. The Lawn Tennis Association has looked at the courts and is working with the council on a specification to upgrade them and improve the drainage
  • A pavilion and toilets. Designs for these will be submitted with a planning application to the council’s development control committee
  • New trees will be planted across the park to increase the variety and diversity of trees and improve the visual amenity
  • Trees which are in a very poor condition will be removed, and a small number will also be removed to improve sightlines and increase natural surveillance across the park – as requested by residents.

All the trees being removed have been inspected by council workers to assess their condition and all the tree work is essential to the park improvements.