Conservationists are looking forward to changes on a cycle way they claim is a "total eyesore".

Bright outlook - Brian Wilson, Ray Howard, Jenifer Howlett, Pam Chalis and Nigel Thomas look at possibilities for the cycle path. Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL 85LMM1

The track on the embankment near Ferry Road, Benfleet, has outraged locals who found out it runs through the Benfleet conservation area.

The cycle way, which will eventually run from Southend to Lakeside, was set up three years ago as part of a Government project to promote cycling across the country.

On Tuesday afternoon, conservation area sub-committee members conducted a site visit to come up with ideas to improve the track's design.

Castle Point's director of leisure and technical Services, Nigel Thomas, apologised to the committee for the error which saw the plans bypass conservation members.

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002