SOUTHEND seafront will be lit up again next summer, after the council finally received £7 million of Government cash.

Six futuristic 100ft lighting columns will be installed between the pier and the Sealife Adventure centre.

The scheme is the first phase of the City Beach project, a major part of the seafront regeneration proposals.

Work is set to begin before Christmas, as a large part of the money has to be spent by March, and the remainder in the following year.

The new masts will be able to create moving shapes, pictures and words in different colours, and can even produce messages.

They were given planning permission by Southend Council’s development control committee, and the Government cash has now been agreed.

Philip Miller, chief executive of Adventure Island amusement park, on the seafront, said; “It’s fantastic news the council has managed to get the money from the Government at the present time, as it will give a big lift to the whole of the seafront.

“It’s a major step forward for the area and I look forward to everything being completed as soon as possible, in preparation for summer season next year.”

The scheme has been scaled back from the original plans, which would have raised the promenade, providing attractions such as volleyball courts and children’s play areas on the beach.

John Lamb, councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “This is really exciting news for Southend and means we can get on with regenerating seafront.

“We have the backing of the traders and aim to get on as soon as possible, so we can get the new lights up and running by next season.

“They lights are really exciting and they will set Southend apart from other seaside resorts across the country.”

Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association pulled the plug on the traditional seafront lights two years ago, because of the rising maintenance costs.

Roger Fisher, former chairman of the association, said: “This is good news.

“It will be great to see precisely what the proposals are, and what the implications are with the available funding.”

Mr Lamb added: “We’re really looking forward to getting back our illuminations, which have been missed. We’re giving them an exciting new twist.”