TEN zebra crossings across Southend have been revamped as part of a multi-million-pound investment in roads and infrastructure.

The works saw Southend Council resurface the crossings, refresh the linings and carriageway surfaces, and ensure there is appropriate skid resistance at ten sites: Chalkwell Esplanade; The Ridgeway; Station Road; Southchurch Avenue; Rayleigh Road near Academy; Rayleigh Road near Whitehouse Roundabout; Thorpe Hall Avenue; Snakes Lane; Hobleythick Lane; and Western Approaches.

Ron Woodley, councillor responsible for transport, asset management and inward investment, said: “I am pleased to see the significant investment made into our roads and pavements taking shape, ensuring the safety of residents and motorists across the borough.

“This administration is absolutely committed to improving our roads and pavements to ensure residents and visitors can travel in and around Southend safely. We will continue to invest in our roads so that they reach the standards our residents and this future city deserves."

So far this financial year Southend Council has spent a total of £10 million improving and resurfacing 54 roads and 76 pavements. This is part of a five-year pledge to invest £50 million in revamping the borough’s roads.

But there is much work needed to be done. Figures released earlier this year by the Department of Transport found that one in every six miles of the borough’s roads needed repairing, one of the highest figures in England. Nationally the figures is one in every 25 miles.

“We recognised the need for a large investment into our boroughs highways and the current administration are absolutely committed to improving the road infrastructure across the borough,” Mr Woodley added.

The independent Thorpe Ward councillor says it his mission to improve Southend’s roads and in doing so make them safer and save lives.

He added: “I’m putting the money in, £10 million a year, to get the footway and highways up to a good standard, because they are not in a good way at the moment,” he said.

“I want people to feel safe walking, I want them to feel safe cycling on our roads. I want to make it so children are safe on their way to and from school."