LEIGH’S future as a working fishing town could be safeguarded for the next 100 years if an ambitious plan for the Old Town can move ahead.

Lib Dem councillor Peter Wexham says he has been fighting for half a century to get improvements made to Leigh creek.

The creek is becoming increasingly silted up, which is affecting water levels and limiting access for fishing boats and other craft.

Archives:

Suspected ordnance exploded in situ in Southend

Mr Wexham says that the improvements should include “re-modelling” the creek, to allow the water running past cockle boats to selfscour silt out.

He also says that the creek should be dredged, and the dredged material used to stop the seawall being “undercut” on Two Tree Island.

He is optimistic that a consultation, being led by Southend Council, will get agreement from key organisations.

Mr Wexham, who worked as a fisherman for 22 years, said: “The problem is that that the creek is getting smaller and the boats keep getting bigger.

“Now we run the risk of losing the boats, and the industry, to places where there’s more width.

“We need to keep the industry here in Leigh, and there’s money available from the Government’s Levelling Up fund.

“But we need to act fairly quickly to get everyone’s permission.”

Natural England, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and the Port of London Authority (PLA) all have to be consulted and agree on the scheme before it is green-lit, but Mr Wexham believes there is now the political will to agree a plan.

He said: “I’ve been trying to get something done about this since the 1970s.

“There have been temporary measures put in place, but they only last 10 years or so.

“This could help keep the industry in Leigh for another 50-100 years – but if we don’t, it will all go away. Leigh will no longer be a working village and will just be pubs.”

He added: “It’s not just about the fishermen working on the boats, but the factories, and the tourists who come here to see a true fishing town.

“The creek is the town’s lifeblood and this is our chance to preserve it’s future.”

Do you think Leigh needs investment or are there other parts of South Essex that need the money more? Email basildon.echonews@newsquest.co.uk