A string of companies have stepped in to pump millions into Southend Pier, it was revealed today.

Southend Council has attracted a "good response" from businesses keen to create a "beautifully redeveloped pier" following a national advertising campaign.

Facilities could include a bar or nightclub, a cafe/restaurant, shops and amusement arcades, but it is also hoped lighting will be improved and public access for walking and fishing will be retained.

John Dallaway, the council's director of leisure services, said: "We want it to be exciting and add to the vibrancy of the town.

"In short, we are hoping for a beautifully redeveloped pier. But in terms of individual projects, we are still waiting to see what people come up with."

However, after years of proposed developments which never quite got off the ground, most of the pier's supporters are simply hoping that this time the council will give something the green light.

Francis McGinty, who has run a cafe bar on the pierhead for nine years, said he has made repeated suggestions for improvements in the past and hopes this time the council will give him a chance to make his dreams a reality.

Published Wednesday August 4, 2004

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