Campaigners are banding together as an independent fighting force seeking election to Southend Council next month in protest at two major projects in the borough.

The independent candidates, who call themselves "the magnificent seven" - have thrown their support behind the campaigns against widening Priory Crescent and Southend Airport's plan to move St Laurence Church in Eastwood.

All seven will go head-to-head with the three main parties at the elections on May 2.

Save Priory Park campaigner Peter Walker, who is standing in the Prittlewell ward, said: "During a number of well-attended and highly-charged public meetings concerning the plan to create a dual-carriageway in Priory Crescent and St Laurence Church issues, it became abundantly clear that there was a great deal of support for candidates."

But Mr Walker's comments were rebuffed by Roger Weaver, Southend Council's executive councillor for planning, transportation and engineering.

Mr Weaver said: "To be a councillor one has to have good knowledge on all general issues not just one or two. The people of Southend want councillors who can identify with all their problems.

"This group - whatever their nickname is - appear to be focusing on just two issues."

The independents and the wards in which they will be standing are as follows: Adrian McCall, St Laurence; Keith Richardson, Eastwood Park; Michael Downer, Belfairs; Sue Richardson, Southchurch; Doug Copping, Leigh; Don Weedon, Leigh; and Peter Walker, Prittlewell.

More on the election in our Government section

Published Thursday, April 11, 2002