Residents asked for opinion on Southend tram stop project (From Echo)

Exhibition at Thorpe Bay Bowls Club to gather opinion on Southend tram stop project

8:20am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News By Emma Thomas

NEIGHBOURS, community groups and charities were invited to give their opinion about a scheme to bring a disused tram stop back into use.

Members of the Tram Stop Project want to renovate the derelict shelter on Thorpe Esplanade, by the junction of Thorpe Hall Avenue, and turn it into a place for groups to meet.

Southend Council gave the campaigners the go ahead to take it over after they couldn't find a company willing to take it on.

It has been empty for more than 30 years and retired policeman, Bob Craven, 64, came up with the idea.

He and the committee organised an exhibition and presentation at Thorpe Bay Bowls Club to explain the plans and get feedback.

He said: "What we are saying is this is a community project, we want you as part of it. We have signed this agreement with the council, we have got to assess the shelter, the structure and the work that needs to be done."

The group wants to convert the tram stop into a viewing area and install a disabled toilet.

People were invited to look at plans and ideas and then write down their comments or suggestions on cards.

Mark Broomfield, from Shoebury High School, said Year 9 pupils at the school were hoping to get involved by creating a video, website and carry out fundraising in support of the project.

He said: "It is all about being part of the community and giving to the community. We are going to work on a video and link it to a giving website. It will be by the kids, for the kids."

Sonja Mackenzie also attended the event on behalf of the Southend Estuary Scout District.

She said if the plans went ahead it could benefit several hundred Scouts in the area.

She added: "I think it is a wonderful idea. Obviously a lot of activities are based on the seafront, kayaking, canoeing, sailing. It is somewhere you could make a hot drink and provide a snack, if there is somewhere we could have for changing facilities it would be brilliant."
 

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