Work is due to start in the next two weeks on the next phase of the South Benfleet conservation area.

Around £37,500 will be spent to continue the theme of protecting and preserving the important heritage of that part of Castle Point.

The scheme includes:

new walls and railings in keeping with the surroundings

five road nameplates

two finger signposts pointing to places of interest

black and gold rubbish bins.

Castle Point mayor Valerie Wells is chairman of the conservation area committee and has welcomed the latest developments.

She said: "They are very visual and we are getting quite a lot for our money. People are going to start noticing things very quickly.

"We could spend £100,000 down there. We have got the ideas but unfortunately we have not got the finances."

Councillor Wells added that the authority also planned to extend a rockery and repair a path and transform the rose garden at St Mary's Church.

A new wall for Essex Way will feature a plaque telling visitors of the conservation area and the effort behind it.

She said that traders had responded positively to the work and that residents were giving their backing as well.

Nigel Thomas, Castle Point Council's director of technical services, said: "The project is progressing and will start in the next seven to ten days.

"We have to make sure that any improvements in the conservation area blend in with what we are trying to preserve. This is a project that members are committed to over the next few years."

The money has come from the council's special projects budget and it is hoped that people passing through to Canvey will stop and have a look around.

Anyone wanting to get involved should ring the council on 01268 8822900.

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