URGENT work is set to be carried out on the cliffs in Leigh over concerns of a future landslide.

Following routine surveys of the cliffs on Belton Way, Southend Council have identified unstable areas on the slopes, meaning more work needs to be done to improve them.

Given the results of the survey, ground investigations are now required to determine the depth of any potential slip plane within the slope, which could prove “fatal”, according to council bosses.

As part of the work to stabilise the cliffs, two groups of trees will have to go to allow for more machinery for the excavations. The trees to go include Elm scrub and other species differing in age.

However, in their place will be 50 native trees, that will be planted south of the site.

These will help sustain the tree canopy cover in the area as well as providing food and shelter for wildlife, along with the other well-known benefits associated with trees.

The work on the trees will begin next week.

Ron Woodley, councillor responsible for transport, inward and capital investment, said: “Southend is blessed to have the beautiful cliffs across the seafront and into Leigh.

“However, managing cliff slip is essential, and something that must be taken seriously. The potential problems if cliff slip is not managed appropriately could be fatal, so we are doing this to keep the area safe.

“Without this work, any further movement could potentially have a detrimental impact on surrounding residential properties, highway infrastructure, and Network Rail assets.

“This project has cross-party support, with ward councillors all on board with the work.”

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment and planning, said: “To enable this essential work we unfortunately have to remove a number of trees at Belton Way East.

“Whenever we carry out work of this nature, we will always endeavour to keep trees in place. However, given the nature of these works and the machinery required, we must remove this section of trees.

“I have worked closely with our parks and arboriculture teams to ensure an appropriate replacement plan is in place, and I am pleased to see that the new tree planting programme will begin next week, with 50 trees planted south of the existing plot.

“Once the work is complete, the land will be managed as grassland habitat which is in line with the current nature designation of the area.”

The surveys follow on from the council securing £3.2m in Government funding to carry out ground investigation and stabilisation works at Belton Way, to ensure the area remains safe for homeowners, businesses, and road users.