Evening Echo
February 8, 2006

We're still in the dark on Priory cash

THE Government has still not given any indication of when it will finally decide to provide cash for the controversial wideningof Priory Crescent in Southend.

Southend Council cabinet members will be told tomorrow the Government office for the East of England would make a decision "in due course".

Southend has gained £1.5million for next year to complete work on the new bus station and also for improvements aqlong the A13 London Road.

In a report to the meeting, technical services director David Watts said the town had lost out in part of its funding, being rated as "fair".

This was largely due to delays in implementing the Priory Crescent/Cuckoo Corner road widening scheme.

Mr Watts said officers would be having talks with the Government Office for the East of England on this issue.

He said the delay was partly caused by the time taken by the Department of Transport to report on the public inquiry and the current delay in getting a decision on funding.

The scheme, fiercely opposed by environmentalist with activists setting up the Camp Bling site, has been rated a first priority project by the East of England Regional Assembly.

Southend Council sees it as important in relieving traffic congestion and delays for people going to the east of the town.

Who owns this furry Camp Bling protester?

A FURRY protester has joined Camp Bling, but environmentalists want to find his owner.

The ferret followed protesters back to the makeshift camp off Priory Crescent, set up to protest against Priory Crescent being widened. Door knocking and posters have failed to find the ferret's owner so it is being cared for at the camp where it has been named Bling.

A spokesman said: "It's very friendly and well groomed. It's obviously a pet." If it's yours, pop along to the camp and collect him.

Back to News Page
Back to Home Page