Proud residents have called for the style of their historic "garden city" housing estate to be preserved.

Janet Lamb, from Canvey Road on the Chapmanslord Estate in Leigh, says the area was one of the first 1920s estates to be built.

The innovative garden city approach promoted cottage-style houses and wider roads.

The 44-year-old housewife said: "This is a unique area of the town but there is currently nothing to stop anyone modifying the houses.

"They have not changed since they were built and we want to obtain a conservation order to ensure future generations can enjoy it that way."

Mrs Lamb found that three streets on the estate - Canvey Road, Ray Walk, and Ray Close - have a history dating back to 1616.

She uncovered documents relating to the area, including early newspaper articles from the Evening Echo and photographs of the workmen who built it.

She said: "The more we know about the history of this unique estate the more chance we have of getting conservation status.

"The streets are not that old when you compare them with some of the Victorian houses around here but it is still a valuable piece of this country's architectural heritage."

Southend Council will consider the conservation status application in conjunction with its local borough plan.

Let's keep our heritage - Janet and Steve Lamb

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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