A COUNCIL leader has welcomed a major £1.5million town centre revamp, branding it “the perfect scheme” for the seaside resort. The facelift in Clacton-on-Sea was given the go-ahead by councillors yesterday at a meeting of Tendring District Council's Cabinet.

By Annie Davidson

A COUNCIL leader has welcomed a major £1.5million town centre revamp, branding it “the perfect scheme” for the seaside resort.

The facelift in Clacton-on-Sea was given the go-ahead by councillors yesterday at a meeting of Tendring District Council's Cabinet.

Work will begin next month on the scheme which will see a number of improvements including the creation of a town square.

There will also be new paving, co-ordinated street furniture, better lighting and an upgraded CCTV system.

The town square will also have a water feature which can be lit up at night as will be 50 new trees.

The district council has worked in partnership with Essex County Council and Essex Police on the project.

Work will also be carried out on a road safety improvement programme at the same time to keep disruption and costs to a minimum.

Terry Allen, leader of Tendring District Council, said: “Central to the enhancement scheme is the new town square that we believe will become a popular, vibrant venue for residents and visitors of all ages to meet, rest and, on occasions, enjoy street performances and entertainment.

“It is excellent news. This is the final stage and we can get on with it straight away and get it completed as soon as possible.

“The council is investing a lot of money into it, with the help of Essex County Council - without its help we would not be able to do it as it would be too big for us as a council.

“This is also an opportunity to enhance road safety and we have grasped it. It is good for the regeneration and viability of Clacton town centre and it will make people in Clacton proud of their town.

“We all like to be proud when we have visitors and guests round and we can show them round and say we live in a nice place.”

Mr Allen added that there would be about a year of disruption while the work was carried out but said it would be kept to a minimum.

“We hope residents will bear with us so we can achieve the perfect scheme for Clacton,” he added.

Harry Shearing, portfolio holder for technical services at the district council, said: “This scheme is about creating a safer, cleaner and greener town centre which people will want to live, invest, and work in and which we can all be proud of.”

The revamp was agreed following a lengthy consultation with residents and traders.