THE empty space at the top of Southend High Street looks set to undergo a revamp to attract more families to the town centre.

Despite its teething problems, the ice rink which was set up there during the winter proved popular.

Now it is gone, officials want to find something else to fill the open space it has left behind.

Southend Council and Renaissance Southend, the regeneration agency, are coming up with ideas for the pavement and street east of Sainsbury's, in London Road, which they will present this month.

Mike Lambert, chief executive of Renaissance Southend, said: "Since the ice rink was removed, it cries out for something there. It looks so bare.

"We want to encourage something there and extend it into London Road.

"We need to look at how we can make the area more attractive."

Traders widely welcomed plans to redevelop the area.

Bill Harkness, managing director of Delamere Esta-tes, which runs Victoria Plaza, said: "Something definitely needs to be done. We've got to make sure it becomes a vibrant, active area for people to dwell.

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