Southend and Rochford council bosses may finally put their heads together over a new country park for the area.

Essex County Council plans to sell off 41 acres next to Southend's boundary at Blatches Farm in Rochford and the idea is to turn the area into a country park.

The matter has been bounced around Southend Council's various committees after the cabinet suggested no money should be contributed to setting up the park as it was the county council's responsibility.

However, Southend councillors on all sides disagreed and the matter will now go to a meeting of Southend full council on January 27 for a final decision.

In the meantime, Southend's leader councillor David Elf has called for an all-party meeting with Rochford District Council to discuss the future of Blatches Farm.

He said: "There are clearly very important issues which we need to consider further in order to make the most appropriate decision on behalf of the people of Southend.

"I think it is right that both Southend and Rochford councils should meet at member level to discuss our common interests and consider a way forward in partnership."

Support for a country park has also been given by Friends of the Roach Valley which is interested in forming a trust which could become eligible for lottery funding.

The estimated costs of the proposal are £313,000 for setting up the park, £140,000 annual revenue costs and up to £200,000 for buying the land. It is hoped a meeting between Rochford and Southend councils will take place as soon as possible.

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