Bold plans for the redevelopment of Maldon's Promenade Park have taken another step forward.

Teams of contractors have begun to survey the area so they can quote on district council's proposals.

Key elements of the scheme include a statue of the Anglo Saxon warrior Bryhtnoth, improved sea walls, and changes to the popular marine lake - set to be designated a non-paddling zone with more attention on its ornamental fountains.

A bandstand and amphitheatre-style seating will also be added to the landscape.

Maldon District Council received £2.8 million of funds from the Government and the Environment Agency towards the park and its surroundings.

But some residents and local traders are angry the new proposals could see the removal of the area's amusement arcades, after 50 years in business.

Owner Andrea Sassill said: "I don't know why the council is making this move. We have been here for 50 years and people still enjoy coming, so why ask us to leave? The arcades are a real feature of Promenade Park."

The fate of the arcades should be decided at a meeting between the council and representatives of the family-owned business on Wednesday, March 2.

Bicycle ramps and a putting green have already fallen victim to the scheme, and it is likely that the crabbing pool, sand beaches and covered seating will also be replaced or removed.

Opponents of the redevelopment say the park should be maintained as a Victorian-style attraction. They believe the proposed changes are unnecessary and potentially bad for the community and business.

The main focus for opposition is the plan to stop bathing.

One local man, who asked not to be named, said: "For years now people have enjoyed coming here to enjoy the pool in the summer and to take a walk along the promenade, perhaps going down to the arcades or the putting green to have a bit of fun. Now this is being taken away and people are being left with nothing to do but look at a fountain or a statue, which is not what they want.

"Paddling in the pool was one of the things that people come here for and if they can't do that, they will not come."

Maldon District Council spokesman Russell Dawes said: "The arcades are still under discussion, but an application has been made to replace them with a service building and improved access to the park itself.

"As regards the lake, some sand will be retained but the lake itself will be purely ornamental.

"A paddling area will be installed further along, in the valley, so people will still be able to enjoy the water.

"The plans have been through the council twice, so it is 'all systems go'. We understand that some people have a problem with them, but we believe it is really positive for the park."

Published Friday February 25, 2005

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