The end of the beginning - rather than the beginning of the end - was how traders and residents in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, described the final party to celebrate completion of regeneration works.
Bright future - Hamlet Court Road traders celebrate with Southend mayor and mayoress Roger and Verina Weaver Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
Nigel Havens, from Havens, the oldest established shop in the road, paid tribute to the work of the council in securing major funding for the new regeneration scheme.
The plans have seen more than £1m put into the area, which had become run-down in the past ten years.
Mr Havens particularly gave credit to Adrian Harris, the project officer who was in charge of the Community Information Shop. He said: "The regeneration is not just about Hamlet Court Road, but about the whole community in Milton Ward and the surrounding area.
"With new businesses opening we are seeing a new spirit in the road which has not been here for a long time." Southend Mayor Roger Weaver said this was a very important day for the town and marked the "end of the beginning" for Hamlet Court Road.
Published Monday July 19, 2004
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