RESIDENTS and traders have backed exciting plans to create small parks and green spaces throughout Southend city centre.

The “pop-up parks” would see pockets of plants, flowers, and seating, introduced in different locations to bring life and colour to underutilised areas.

Following the announcement on Friday, residents have already backed the idea, insisting “the more green, the better”.

READ MORE >> 'Pop-up parks' could be introduced across Southend High Street

Southend resident, Jill Carrington, 44, said: “This is a great idea.

“There is nothing worse than a drab concrete jungle. The greenery would definitely add to the new colour we see in the high street from the street art festival.

“The more green, the better.

“Plus, kids don’t always appreciate tagging along for shopping trips, so having a few nice areas to take a break would be great.”

Lesley Taylor, 59, added: “We need more trees and green, as it is becoming like a concrete jungle.

“I love this idea, I really do.

“It is something refreshing to look forward too. Just love the idea, somewhere to relax and make the area feel more welcoming.”

So far five pop-up park locations have been proposed, with residents being asked for their feedback on each of them.

One aim of the proposal is to again bring more people into the high street by making it more welcoming.

Emily Vermont, co-founder of IndiRock which is located within the Victoria Shopping Centre, believes the initiative will help people feel more at home.

She said: “It is brilliant to see Southend Council investing in bringing greenery and wellbeing spaces to our high street in this creative way.

“Especially given the budget pressures that the council is under, it is great that they’re prioritising this.

“We think it will be a real draw back to the high street and will help people feel more relaxed and at home here - so important for Indirock as a high street business.”