Southend Central station danger wall to be replaced

The council has been forced to close the pavement on part of Scratton Road, close to Southend Central Station, because the wall “leans considerably” over the pavement.

According to the planning application, the wall is deemed to pose a risk to residents and the wall’s “movement” has recently worsened.

Now, plans have been approved for c2c to partially demolish the wall and rebuild it.

Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, and councillor responsible for infrastructure, welcomed the approved plans.

He said: “I think it is fantastic news.

“It is long overdue. So, it is positive we now have a way forward in fixing it and making it safe.

“I look forward to the work being completed.”

According to the plans, the wall has various defects, in particular part of the top of the wall has been “leaning for some time”.

The movement has been monitored and is noted to have recently worsened.

It leans considerably over the pavement and is considered to be posing a potential public safety risk.

Roughly 82metres of the 250metre long wall, which has largely remained unchanged since its construction in 1856, has been impacted.

The wall sits within the Clifftown Conservation Area and there the work must be carried out to ensure heritage of the 170-year-old wall is protected.

All bricks removed will be replaced with bricks of a similar “colour and texture”.

The planning application states: “The movement of the wall has been monitored and is noted to have recently worsened.

“It leans considerably over the footway and is considered to be posing a potential public safety risk, hence the immediate mitigation of implementing the footway closure, which is now in place.”