CYCLISTS and pedestrians will soon be able to take a greener route through Prittlewell as part of a project to rejuvenate the Prittle Brook pathway through Southend.

Work has started on the eastern section of Prittle Brook Greenway project, between Victoria Avenue and Prittlewell Chase, where the walkway is being turned into a shared cycleway and footpath.

Trees are being planted and benches and gates installed as part of the greenway scheme, designed as a traffic-free corridor between Priory Park, Southend Hospital and Belfairs Park, in Leigh, linking up with seven schools.

The path, funded by Cycling England, includes improved road crossings for cyclists and pedestrians and could in future be extended to Poors Lane North, in Hadleigh, and east to Rochford.

Anna Waite, Southend Tory councillor responsible for planning and transport, said: “This will be one of the most important routes for cyclists and walkers in the town, and I am really looking forward to moving ahead with it.”

Robin Bevan, headteacher of Southend High School for Boys, praised the greenway scheme and a new zebra crossing near the school, which was funded by Olympus KeyMed.

He said: “Cycling and walking are both healthy, clean and cheap ways to travel to school or work.

“Sometimes, our road system makes it difficult for our pupils to choose to walk or cycle.

“The new pedestrian crossing and cycle lanes on Prittlewell Chase are very welcome and have already improved the journeys to school of several hundred pupils each day.

“The financial support for the zebra crossing from Olympus KeyMed has been exceptional.

“Local councillors and residents have worked together to ensure the success of the development.”