CAMPAIGNERS are delighted after roads in Leigh originally built as "Homes for Heroes" after the First World War were finally named as a conservation area.

The Canvey Road area of Leigh was originally built by the Chapmanslord Housing Society during the early 1920s.

Southend Council cabinet members have backed a report which said the roads should be preserved and enhanced the character of the area.

The planned Chapmanslord Conservation Area will include most of Canvey Road, the whole of Ray Close and Ray Walk and a small number of properties on Marine Parade.

Alan Crystall (Lib Dem, Leigh) said he had first put forward the idea of a conservation area and he was delighted with the outcome.

John Lamb (Con, West Leigh) said as the ward member for the area he believed Canvey Road desrved the protection for unwelcome development which the designation would provide.