By Rachel Charman
As development work at Victoria Circus roundabout goes ahead, the deeping entrance will be permanently closed from Monday 15th February.
The developments are part of Southend Borough Council’s £25 million investment programme to reduce congestion. £7 million is being invested to replace the roundabout with a signal-controlled junction and create a new green public space linking Southend Victoria station with the town centre.
Southend Borough Council claims that the current 50 year old roundabout “can no longer handle peak-time traffic” and that “the new design will bring improvements for public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians.”
Some Southend residents are unhappy at the development of the area. The Saxon King In Priory Park (SKIPP) committee has voiced its concerns over the plans.
SKIPP claims that the Council arranged to meet the committee to discuss the tree replacement policy in the full knowledge that the meeting would take place after trees on the Victoria Circus site had been cut down.
An artist's impression of the new Victoria Gateway
Cllr Anna Waite, who is responsible for planning and transport, dubbed SKIPP’s approach as “ridiculous” and said that 80% of respondents to public consultation about the developments were in favour of the plans.
Anna with her 80% again, why is it that no matter what the ‘scheme’ it is always 80% of responders agree with Anna and the Council.
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Mark Sharp
SKIPP Committee