BASILDON Council has earmarked £1million for a regeneration project in Wickford.

The project is set to breathe new life into Nevendon Road, where work has been delayed since the recession took hold last year.

Under the plan, Park Lodge Community Hall, a parade of shops and a block of 26 flats would be demolished and replaced with new shops and homes.

The council wants to inject the cash to make sure some council homes are created within the new development.

Council leader Tony Ball said: “I am extremely pleased to be able to support and back our residents’ calls for this scheme to go-ahead.

“I am looking forward to seeing the quality of housing and the shopping parade improve, which will raise the quality of life and benefit our residents, shoppers and local businesses.”

The £1million investment comes from Section 106 payments. These are sums of cash, for community use, which firms pay to the council when other development deals are struck across the district.

Phil Turner, councillor responsible for resources, said: “Due to the economic downturn, further investment is required for the scheme to goahead.

“This money from private developers is there to be used for this type of project, and schemes such as this are vital for the future prosperity and regeneration of Wickford.”

However, Wickford Action Group and some other residents opposed the proposals, saying they don’t want the community centre replaced.

Alan Ball, group chairman and a member of the community centre’s committee, said: “The money is not being spent in the right area.

“We can’t keep building more homes and yet losing infrastructure like the hall.

“The hall is used and it has been kept in a good state of repair.”

Full details about the development are currently confidential because the council is negotiating with various building companies.

The spending plan will be recommended to a council meeting on Thursday.

If approved, work at the site could start later this year.