This is the final design of the controversial millennium clock which is set to chime in Southend High Street before the year is out.

Foundations for the Southend Council-funded clock have been cast and power support has been laid into the ground outside the Odeon cinema in Victoria Circus.

The £50,000 clock is set to be in place before the millennium year is over although a firm date is yet to be fixed.

The design is based on the winning drawing by schoolgirl Nicola Whale, of St Michael's School, in Hadleigh Road, Leigh.

It features the 2000 numeral as the main design with images of Southend in the past, present and future in each zero.

The first features a picture of the Thames barge and church tower showing the past and the second zero is the actual clock face representing the present. The future is depicted with Southend as the centre of Europe.

The idea of Europe came from one of the runner-up designs submitted by Claire Scott from Blenheim Primary School, in Leighview Drive, Leigh.

The 2000 is sitting on a track which represents the pier and a pier-type train will travel around the first zero every hour. Councillor Roger Weaver, executive councillor for planning, transportation and engineering, said: "We are so pleased children's designs formed the basis of the clock as they are the future of the town.

"The millennium clock will be a lasting reminder of the millennium in Southend and will be in a place to be enjoyed by generations of residents for years to come."

By Kelly Clark

Reporter's e-mail: kellyc@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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