THE Deeping underpass in Southend will be closed permanently as part of plans to spruce up the Victoria Circus end of town.

The underpass links the roundabout outside Southend Victoria station to Southchurch Road, and means motorists will now have to take detours around the congested town centre.

As part of a plan to brighten up the eastern end of the town centre, the roundabout, outside the station, will be scrapped and replaced with traffic lights.

The underpass will be closed to motorists at the Queensway entrance and the area landscaped and brightened up with a piece of public art.

Delivery vehicles going to the Victoria shopping centre will be able to access the loading area underneath the centre from Southchurch Road.

Motorist have raised concerns about the inconvenience caused.

Michael Devenish, 53, from High Road, Hockley, has to make regular deliveries every day to cafes in the centre from Leigh.

He said: “I have concerns about this, because I think it will have an impact on a lot of delivery drivers who have to go to the shopping centre regularly.

“I will now have to go a long way round, and there is obviously going to be more traffic congestion, particularly at rush hour.”

Labour candidate for Rochford and Southend East at the next election, Kevin Bonavia, said: “I am concerned it will cause a lot of inconvenience to residents around the area and cause more traffic congestion.

“I think it still needs looking at more closely.”

But Anna Waite, councillor responsible for transport in Southend, said the scheme would brighten up the town centre. She said: “This is an important step forward in making this whole area more friendly to both pedestrians and cyclists.

“By creating something which looks like a gateway to the town, it will be more welcoming to visitors coming by train to Southend Victoria station.

“Only a few people use the Deeping now, and there were no major traffic problems while it was closed during the refurbishment of the Victoria shopping centre.”

Council environment director Andrew Lewis said when the existing road layout was designed in the Sixties, pedestrians and cyclists were not taken into consideration.

He said: “By closing the Deeping, we will be able to provide a level area which allows for pedestrians and cyclists to access the town centre by a more direct route, while providing very pleasant open shared space.

“The area will also include public transport at slow speeds, seating areas, green space and public art.”

The Deeping was closed to all traffic for 18 months three years ago, while work on the refurbishment of the Victoria shopping centre was carried out.