WORK was set to start today on the first section of a new "green route" through Southend with better facilities for walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

The Prittle Brook Greenway is part of the Thames Gateway South Essex Green Grid, seen as an important part of the whole regeneration project.

It aims to connect green spaces for the benefit of wildlife, people and business in the area by creating a network of traffic-free paths.

Prittle Brook Greenway is being funded by the East of England Development Agency, the local transport plan and the Cory Information Trust.

The first rural stage is through Belfairs Park and will eventually follow the the brook to Priory Park and possibly to Rochford.

Published Monday, November 28, 2005