A new "pocket park" has opened this week next to Southend High Street for youngsters to enjoy and be active.

The opening comes after residents in the ward requested a play space for children in the area.

Located on Whitegate Road next to Warrior Square Skatepark, the new playground features a slide and swings close to the city centre.

Echo: Part of the new pocket parkPart of the new pocket park (Image: Southend Council)

Milton ward councillors Stephen George (leader of the council), Kay Mitchell, Maxine Sadza, and former councillor Cheryl Nevin, welcomed the opening of Whitegate pocket park this week.

The park secured funding from a community infrastructure levy fund of £25,346.

Echo: The colourful new play areaThe colourful new play area (Image: Southend Council)

Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, said: “Many families in the city centre have limited space and no access to a garden, so this pocket park provides an ideal community play space close to the city centre for Milton ward residents and the wider community.

“Thanks go to our Milton ward councillors Cllr Stephen George, Cllr Kay Mitchell, Cllr Maxine Sadza, and former councillor Cheryl Nevin, as well as council officers who have all supported and helped to deliver the project.”

Echo: The councillors next to the new slideThe councillors next to the new slide (Image: Southend Council)