PLANS for "pop-up parks" is Southend High Street to create green spaces and tackle pollution have been ditched, it has been revealed.

A scheme to “rise to the climate change challenge” was put forward by Southend Council last year and involved “greening” of the High Street pockets of plants, flowers, and seating.

It was hoped the pop-up parks would provide shade, cooling the area and absorbing absorbing C02 and pollution.

At a place scrutiny meeting on Wednesday, former councillor Kay Mitchell asked why work had not begun when a consultation finished in November last year.

However, Labour council leader Daniel Cowan said the parks “do not represent financial or social value”, and alternative options for “greening” would now be put forward.

Speaking after the meeting, disappointed Ms Mitchell said: “It was an empty answer with no commitment either to the environment or improving the High Street.

“Funds were originally set aside for true greening of the High Street with mature trees.

“It was then diluted to pop up parks that were not parks at all but seating with some minimal planters.

“To say we hope to bring a cabinet paper forward this civic year is avoidance and the answer lacked any detail about possible sources of funding or what will meet the administration’s idea of social value.”

During the meeting, Ms Mitchell asked if funding and investment was still available and why there was “no sign” of the work to improve air quality and make the High Street an “attractive space to spend time”.

A consultation over the plans was carried out last year and ended on November 16.

Mr Cowan said: “We are progressing the intention to green the High Street and are considering funding options. Early costings for the pop-up parks designs do not represent enough financial or social value to this administration to proceed at this time, so we are now exploring alternative options that will fulfil our criteria of enhancing the street scene, improving amenities, and tackling heat stress.

“We hope to bring a cabinet paper forward this civic year with identified funding.”