Derelict shops should only be converted into housing as a last resort, residents in Southend's most crowded ward have urged.

Members of Resident's Association Westborough (Raw) criticised a councillor's proposal to turn more of the area's houses into flats.

They pointed to at least three homes in Westborough Road that are still unmistakably former shops.

Martin Terry, the recently-elected independent councillor for Westborough, said: "Would the council let this happen in Thorpe Bay or other areas in the town? By turning these into homes, we could be losing job opportunities.

"I will be urging the relevant committees to ensure every last avenue is explored before permission is given to use them as homes."

He was speaking outside a parade of four empty shops just doors away the former shops identified by Raw.

Its spokesman Alan Abbott said: "We have ideas for those shops and we'd like to try them first."

Anna Waite, Southend Council's portfolio holder for planning and regional development, said: "We have a policy of not losing job opportunities. We have a lot of sympathy for Westborough residents."

Published Thursday, June 12, 2003

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