PLANS to transform Southend seafront could be delayed because of a lack of Government cash.

The council and regeneration company Renaissance Southend planned to create a new city beach in the area between the pier and the site of the gasworks jetty.

This would have included raising the promenade to the height of the sea wall and making space for a variety of activities, such as beach volleyball. But these have now been scrapped because of a lack of cash.

However, plans for new lights, which have changing colours and patterns, will go ahead.

Head of tourism, Anita Thornberry, will warn the council’s cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday this has to be revised in view of cash problems.

She said at the moment, £7million had been contributed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, available over the next two years.

She said: “It has become increasingly clear the current global economic climate has meant central government funding sources will be very stretched after 2011, meaning the delivery of the second phase immediately after the completion of the first is unlikely.”

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said: “We have to accept the reality it could be a long time before more Government money is available for what we want to do, so it’s better to carry out a scheme which can stand on its own than leave things half done.

“It is looking tatty around there and I think this is needed. There will be no loss of car parking on the seafront through the proposals.”

Former chairman of the Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association, Roger Fisher said he thought the council’s proposals were realistic.

“What is important to us is to know the timescale of the work, because it is going to be difficult for any seafront traders when they are making changes to the roads.

“If people can’t get to us, then we might as well pack up and go home until the work is finished.”