£14.8 million For Fisheries

A HUGH injection of government funding will see Old Leigh’s port safeguarded for future generations.

£14.8 million of cash from the national Levelling Up fund has been earmarked by Southend Council to rejuvenate Leigh Old Town and develop the fisheries.

As part of the project, the quay will undergo resurfacing, the wall will be reconstructed, and the entrance will be expanded to facilitate improved vehicle access.

Not only will this endeavour mitigate the risk of flooding for local residents, but will focus on the removal of silt from a three-kilometre section of the creek.

Leigh Creek is reportedly silting up, so this action is urgent to ensure both boat accessibility and the survival of Leigh’s fishing industry.

Leigh Lib Dem Councillor Peter Wexham, who has also worked as a fisherman in the Old Town, is delighted that the money has finally been confirmed.

He said: “I’ve been fighting to get this done for about 25 years, getting the FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Groups) money, which investigated what improvements needed to be done.

“This will now be realised through the Levelling Up money.”

Coun Wexham explained that the work will be extensive, but will ensure the port’s viability for another 50 to 100 years.

“The plan is to link all the cockle sheds at the back with piles and metal sheeting.

“The road where Belton Way yacht club is, needs to be made into a proper access road.

“There will also be an improved draining system to deal with foul water, and new wiring and electrics under the road, too.”

Fisherman and Leigh Town Councillor Paul Gilson added that the works would create new jobs for the town.

He reportedly commented: “There should be more jobs, in restaurants and on boats if we can develop our new fisheries.

“It’s all about keeping Leigh alive.”

Coun Wexham emphasised that, due to the intricate ecosystem in which the Old Town is situated, numerous factors must be taken into account as the work commences.

He said: “There is the Zostera or eel grass on the marshes opposite, and you cannot disturb the winter wading birds at night. The cocklers have got to work all through the summer, too, so it’s got to be done in between, with all those things in mind.

“The Government extended the money for another year, though, so we need to get on with the project.

“But we are very pleased that its finally happening.”

Southend City’s environment councillor Meg Davidson confirmed: “The structural quay designs are at the final stages ahead of submission to the Marine Management Organisation and the council for planning permission to carry out the works.”

REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON

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