High street redesign will 'cope with heat and rain'

A seaside city's high street is set to be given a "climate-conscious" redesign to "cope with heat and heavy rain" in the future.

Southend-on-Sea City Council said a project to make the city's high street "a more welcoming, attractive and enjoyable place for everyone" would begin its design phase next month, where the layout and planting plans would be confirmed.

The authority said rain gardens, which collect rainwater and use it to keep plants hydrated whilst reducing pressure on drains, would form a key part of the design.

"These features will help the High Street feel more welcoming while also making it better prepared for changing weather," a council spokesperson said.

Construction work is expected to begin later this year. It has not been confirmed how much the project is set to cost.

The new design is also set to include places to rest, shade and features that help break up the long stretch of the High Street, the authority says.

"Southend is a city to enjoy and be proud of, and the council is committed to keeping it vibrant, welcoming and full of life," said Labour's Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council.

In the high street, the BBC spoke to shoppers who all welcomed news of the re-design.

"Aesthetically it would look a lot better. More greenery would be more pleasing to the eye," said Tammy Allen.

Her husband Pete said "anything that's going to improve the area" would be a good idea "as people deserve something nice to look at".

"What they need to do is encourage businesses to keep their shops open," he added.

Another shopper, Taskin Mehmet, said: "If the centre looked nicer it'd be a bigger draw.

"Money spent on doing that would be better, but some greenery would be nice."

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