A DERELICT former bus shelter in Leigh Old Town is set to get a new lease of life as a "high quality" takeaway following the approval of transformation plans.

Southend Council has granted permission for the conversion an unused bus shelter into a vibrant kiosk that will serve ice cream, hot and cold drinks, along with seafood.

Located beside Leigh Sailing Club, the site was previously labelled an "eyesore", after remaining unused for many years.

The approved proposal was submitted by Fruits of the Sea, a food processing company in Towerfield Road, Shoebury.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for culture, business, and tourism, welcomed the approved proposal.

He said: "I definitely think it is a good thing.

"Obviously if there is something derelict and unused and something useful can go there and serve a purpose, and generate money, it is to be encouraged.

“It seems like a great location for it and I wish those behind the plans the best."

According to the enclosed details in the application, the bus shelter has long been out of use, languishing in an "extremely poor state of repair".

The planning document, submitted by Southend-based Skarchitects, added: "The building is located in an important part of Old Leigh as it is the first structure that pedestrians encounter when arriving from the tow path"

In addition to improving the entrance to the old town, the approved kiosk will "positively influence" the Conservation Area, "tidying up and revitalising a much disregarded gateway".

Designed to pull customers out of the road and keep any queues along the footpath to the west, the proposal was meticulously planned to ensure maximum utility.

It has been designed so that any queuing will be along the footpath to the west, rather than the south.