Campaign to restore area with its own council

From the archive, first published Monday 3rd Mar 2008.

CAMPAIGNERS have organised a public meeting to press ahead with plans for a new parish council in Westcliff.

The Residents' Association of Westborough wants a new council to restore pride in the ward and give people a bigger say in where cash is spent.

The meeting will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7.30pm at Hildaville Church hall, on the corner of Hildaville Drive and Westborough Road, Westcliff.

Association spokesman Alan Abbott said: "We have established the desire to consider the possibility of a parish council to achieve the improvements Southend Council is unable to provide.

"This once pleasant ward has for some time now been allowed to deteriorate and the rot needs to be stopped by carrying out environmental improvements.

"Improved street lighting, pavement safety, clearance of alleys dumped with rubbish, putting gates across cleared alleys and more shrubs and trees would all help the area.

"The original local transport plan for Westborough included road calming for the whole ward, but this was discontinued after two years, creating increased problems for some roads.

"In addition, the £10,000 minor award grant to make improvements in each ward in the town was also discontinued."

Indepenedent Westborough councillor Martin Terry said: "The ward needs resources to achieve the improvements needed.

"A parish council may be the low-cost way to provide these resources and improvements."