A “MASSIVE” amount of investment will be put into the town’s pier, according to the new mayor of Southend.

During his acceptance speech at the council hall Mayor Derek Jarvis announced his plans for the future of the town and his charities for the year.

He said: “Over the next five years, our iconic pier will benefit from a massive investment to sustain it for the future.

“Within a couple of years a redesigned pier entrance and new pavilion housing a relocated Pier Museum.

“All in all something to celebrate and look forward to.”

The Shoebury councillor also added he hopes to continue investing in his ward and the rest of the borough to help “raise its profile”.

Addressing the rest of his councillors, Mr Jarvis said: “We all have a duty to foster a feeling of wellbeing and pride in our town.

“It is all too easy to let some of the bad news around drown out everything, that is great and good about the place we live in.”

Mr Jarvis has lived in Southend throughout most his life since the outbreak of the Second World War.

His speech included memories of the pier, pleasure steamers and the Kursaal.

Now Mr Jarvis is looking to the town’s future, speaking about the planned new Thames Experience museum that is set to be built at the cliffs in Western Esplanade.

He said: “It will herald a new era for those wanting to come to Southend to enjoy all the well known attractions, but to also experience a unique celebration of the history of the river and the communities on both shorelines between here and London.”

For this year, the mayor’s charity will be the Southend Blind Welfare Organisation, which celebrates its 60 years since its launch.

The independent charity offers practical help to visually impaired people.

Mr Jarvis also paid his thanks to the council and his supporters and appeared positive on what the future holds across the county.

He said: “I am looking forward to a very active year ahead and to meeting the mayors of other authorities across Essex which I hope will consolidate the mutual aspirations of all of us for the excellence of Essex and the leading role of Southend in that endeavour.”