A STRETCH of road which welcomes people into the heart of Southend could be about to get a £2million revamp.

Southend councillors are set to consider plans for London Road from the Sainsbury’s mini roundabout to Victoria Circus.

The project would see an improved public area including better lighting, a more efficient drainage system, seating, block paving and new landscaping along London Road between Queensway and College Way.

It will also include the removal of two mini roundabouts and improved access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Smaller-scale improvements will also be made between London Road and The Forum along College Way, Queens Road and Elmer Avenue.

Tony Cox, councillor responsible for transport, waste and cleansing, said: “These changes will provide a larger area for pedestrians and cyclists, a much improved street environment for shoppers and diners, and continued access for essential delivery vehicles, taxis and cars. It will also see a major improvement to our drainage network, with increased capacity for extreme weather events.”

This is the second stage of the Council’s £7m Southend Central Area Transport scheme, which, when completed, will have seen work carried out across central Southend along Victoria Avenue, the London Road area between Queensway and Victoria Circus and Victoria Circus itself.

If approved by cabinet, work will start shortly and will focus firstly on improving the drainage network, with increased water storage created to allow surface water to be held and discharged into the drainage system at a very slow rate during extreme rainfall and storms.

Mr Cox added: “It is a testament to council officers that we have secured this central Government investment in our town centre, enabling us to improve the appearance of this key gateway and also encourage further private sector investment.”

In a report to cabinet, Paul Mathieson, Southend Council’s group manager of major projects and strategic transport policy, said: “The scheme affects the lives of all those who live, work and visit the town. The implications are positive as the intention is to improve accessibility and safety and improve the public realm.”

The project will be fully funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Growth Fund through the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

The partnership will consider the plans later this month.