Work will soon start on an eight-week project to stabilise the banks of a lake and repair paths in an award-winning Southend Park.

From April 3, Southend Council’s contractors, Marlborough, will be installing plastic sheet piles around the edge of the lake at the west end of Green Flag-winning Southchurch Park

They will then be filling in the void with gravel and concreting over it.

The piling is needed because the bank has eroded, undermining the path and leading to its deterioration.

Repairing the path in this way will increase the lifespan of the new path and make it less susceptible to similar damage in future.

In order to carry out the work, an amphibious 360-degree excavator will be placed in the Southchurch Park Lake to drive in the sheet piles.

Scott Dolling, director of culture, tourism and property, said the works were needed. He said: “Southchurch Park is among the most prestigious parks in the country and a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

“We want to ensure the park remains accessible and attractive to the thousands of people who enjoy its flora, lake and green spaces and are proud to be making this necessary investment.”

Mr Dolling added: “As always with projects like this, some disruption will be inevitable.

“However, by discussing our plans with park users - such as model boat enthusiasts, who regularly hold meets at the lake.

“We aim to keep this disruption to a minimum.”