SOUTHEND Council has been accused of a “war on motorists” after pressing ahead with the new road scheme – including a “bus gate” – at the £575 million Queensway redevelopment.

Former Tory leader and Southend’s new Reform group leader Tony Cox has slammed the Labour-led administration over the project, which will see four tower blocks demolished and replaced with 1,700 new homes.

The project, launched this week with approval of a new bus gate near Victoria Station, will eventually see the Queensway underpass raised to street level.

Mr Cox accused the council of starting work to “hide” a “financial mess” after the scheme was heavily delayed when a partnership with Swan Housing, and later Sanctuary Housing, fell through.

Daniel Cowan, Labour leader of the council, branded the claims “nonsense”.

Posting on X, Mr Cox said: “So the war on motorists is officially underway. They say this new road of four lanes with a 20mph limit, traffic lights a roundabout and speed humps is better than the current eight-lane free-flowing road.”

Councillors gave the go-ahead to the “bus gate” at the 11th hour and begun work this week before planning permission lapsed.

Following the post, Mr Cox said: “I’ve said along it was a way of hiding a £9.2 million deficit on the revenue budget.

“Where the Swan scheme failed, they had already racked up £9.2 million debt which if they don’t start the project they would have to put on to the revenue budget.

“It’s absolutely barmy.”

The council is currently seeking a partner to go ahead with the scheme.

Mr Cowan said: “Councillor Cox is clearly desperate to raise his profile after his defection to Reform.

“With nonsense claims like this, it’s little surprise that the Conservatives lost confidence in him as their leader.

“This administration is committed to delivering regeneration around Queensway and I hope that the new leader of the Conservatives will play fewer games than councillor Cox so we can all get on with delivering on a decade-old promise to regenerate Queensway.”