MEMBERS of the Priory Park Preservation Society have celebrated their successful campaign to stop Priory Crescent being widened.

The society held its annual meeting where chairman Peter Walker paid tribute to the hard work of campaigners.

He said: “The residents of Camp Bling were heroes.

“Their efforts saved the taxpayers of this country more than £25million the council would have wasted on this road.

“More importantly, they saved Priory Park for future generations of Southend residents to enjoy.”

In spite of the society’s victory, it was decided not to wind up the organisation.

The meeting also discussed the future of the Saxon king’s remains. Members decided their preferred option was to remove the council depot from Priory Park and to obtain funding for a purpose-built museum.

The society wants the museum near the park and not at the cliffs on Southend seafront, where Southend Council wants it to be built.