Another major cash boost has been given for improvements in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff - one of Southend's best known shopping streets.

The council has received £500,000 from local transport fund allocation to continue work on the important road safety and traffic management in the road.

Hamlet Court Road Business Association has also worked in partnership with the authority to develop the scheme. Improvements will include new traffic lights with pedestrian crossings at the Canewdon Road junction and a new puffin crossing to replace the existing zebra in Hamlet Court Road.

The council is also making a further bid for objective two European funding which would see the total value of the works increase to over £1million.

It would allow significant enhancements to the appearance of the shopping area, community safety and links with Westcliff station.

Before the main work begins and to assist in design, a number of site investigations will take place before Easter. These will include a number of temporary excavations at points along the length of the road to determine existing ground conditions.

The project builds upon the significant improvements to the London Road and will complement the new public transport interchange, toilet and car park enhancements at the top of Hamlet Court Road.

Council section leader in charge of the scheme, Paul Mathieson said: "It's great news. Crucial to the success of this project has been the support of the local community and the Hamlet Court Business Association and I'm sure all involved will look forward to the scheme coming to fruition."

Published Wednesday, April 9, 2003

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