THE first stage of a major £900,000 revamp of a seafront car park to help prevent flooding has been completed.

The Labworth car park on Western Esplanade, Canvey has reopened to the public in time for half term after resurfacing works finished in one part.

Parts of the car park had been in a "poor state of repair" for some time before the revamp, with numerous pot holes and trip hazards.

Due to the poor state it allowed surface water to build up and worsen flooding on the island, but it is hoped the new surface will reduce flooding in the area, with a large tank to store water underneath.

Castle Point Council leader Andrew Sheldon attended the reopening this week along with Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris and ward councillor Jay Blissett.

He said: "Canvey seafront is a treasured asset for people and along with Hadleigh Country Park the backbone of much of the tourism in our borough.

"Before this investment the Labworth car park was small and prone to flooding, but when the works are finished it will be a larger modern car park with electric charging points and its own drainage system that will drain directly out into the estuary.

"This is fantastic investment for our seafront, I'm glad the first phase of it has been open for the scorcher of the half term we are having."

The project was greenlit last summer by the UK Government's "Getting Building Fund" to boost post-Covid economic recovery.

Rebecca Harris said: "Not only will be there be more spaces for visitors, but the works also include a new system to make use of a large tank under the car park to store water during heavy rain and the installation of a new pumping system to drain it directly into the estuary to relieve pressure on road drains.

"These improvements mean many more people will be able to enjoy the seafront and boost businesses.

“The £900,000 revamp is funded by a government grant for small infrastructure projects and by funds from Castle Point Council."