The subway between Basildon train station and the town centre could be removed among major new proposals announced for the town.

Essex County Council has announced a four-week public consultation on a range of proposals to improve the highway and public realm within the town centre

Basildon town centre is already undergoing a programme of transformation including the relocation and provision of a new market, new paving and improved public realm.

The changes will include a new sustainable transport hub to make the area more attractive and accessible as well as removing the subway outside the station.

The subway will be replaced with improved surface crossings and connections between the train station and the town centre, creating an attractive gateway to the town centre.

Cherrydown East will be converted to two-way traffic flow to aid the creation of the sustainable transport hub.

This public consultation will provide an opportunity to showcase these improvements.

Essex County Council was successful in acquiring Local Growth Funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) for highway related improvements, which will complement the works already being undertaken.

The Leader of Basildon Borough Council, Councillor Andrew Baggot, said “In 2012 Basildon Borough Council adopted a Masterplan for the Town Centre, which set out the Council’s vision for the area. The highway improvement proposals are a key part of delivering this vision.”

Councillor Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure said: “These proposals are the result of great partnership working between Essex County Council, Basildon Borough Council, the Basildon Town Centre Management Company, and which ultimately improves the experience for users of the Bus and Rail Station as well as providing more accessible and good quality sustainable transport infrastructure.”

The consultation ends on Friday 29th March 2019 and will include an online questionnaire and leaflet at www.essex.gov.uk/basildontc. Hard copies will be available at Basildon Council Offices and Kingswood Play Group Centre.