Calls have been made for two new health centres and 52 extra care home spaces in Southend.

Labour councillors are urging for a host of changes to the 2019/20 budget which has been proposed by the Conservative administration to improve life in the borough.

The amendments outline how £11million could be borrowed to finance a new 52 bed care home, with the money later being recouped through sales.

Another proposal is for £7.5million to be used to fund two health centres, one in Shoeburyness and another at a site to the west of the borough.

As with the care home, Labour suggests money for this could initially be borrowed and later recovered through lease arrangements.

Other additions include building a multi-storey car park on Tylers Avenue, increasing the size of the community safety team and reintroducing free swimming on Wednesday mornings for older residents. An extra 100 new street lights for the borough are also proposed.

The Labour Group have outlined these measures in consultation with the council’s chief financial officer who has stated they would not result in “an unbalanced or unsound budget”.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, Labour Group leader, said: “Our argument all along has been that this budget is devoid of ambition, and doesn’t address the very serious needs facing the town.

"Whilst a Labour budget would be far more radical and far more ambitious, I am pleased that these amendments, if passed, would make a real difference for residents in the borough.

“Measures like improving the street lighting and providing weekend and evening enforcement support in the town centre would begin to help address residents’ concerns about public safety, whilst a new multi-storey car park would alleviate some of the parking issues in the town.

"Projects such as new health centres and care home units, as well as free swimming for pensioners, would be a real investment in Southend’s people.

“We have worked with colleagues in the Lib Dem and Independent groups to come up with these ideas, and we hope that the whole council will support them.”

The Conservatives have said their budget is based on what the people of Southend want to see.

When it was made public last month, Deputy leader James Courtenay said investments had been based around the council’s long-term Southend 2050 plan.

“This year, it’s very much linking in with what the 2050 work we have done. Why are we investing in the pier? Because that’s what residents want,” he said.

Discussions are due to be held at the Full Council meeting on Thursday night.

During this meeting the council are expected to conclude discussions over the Seaway leisure contract, the Queensway redevelopment, as well as formally confirm a council tax rise that will see Band D properties paying out an extra £60 each year.