THE £3.2 million revamp of an Essex seaside town has been given the thumbs up by officials from Norfolk - including one councillor who admitted she previously thought it was “bit of a dump”.

Annie Davidson

THE £3.2 million revamp of an Essex seaside town has been given the thumbs up by officials from Norfolk - including one councillor who admitted she previously thought it was “bit of a dump”.

The councillors and officers from the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk visited Clacton this week to see the changes to the town centre.

They were on a fact-finding mission because a similar project is being carried out in Hunstanton, overseen by the same consultants who worked at Clacton.

They were shown the facelift that has been carried out in the town centre including road changes, new trees and a centrepiece fountain.

Liz Watson, the council's vice chairman of the regeneration, said: “I visited Clacton about 20 years ago and quite honestly I thought it was a little bit of a dump.

“It was very different- the pavements are lovely and wide and there was a general feeling of cleanliness.

“The fountain was outstanding and I found the whole thing really exciting.

“We are only at the very beginning of our scheme but seeing just what can be achieved has really given us a boost with what we are doing in Hunstanton.”

Harry Shearing, portfolio holder for technical services at Tendring District Council, said: “We know that what has been done in Clacton town centre is a massive improvement and we are getting lots of positive feedback, especially now the scheme is complete.

“However, it is very pleasing when another council comes down and gives us such a great endorsement.”