A COUNCILOR has come up with a bright idea to spruce up the Canvey’s Lifeguard Gardens.

Joan Liddiard, chairman of the town council wants to make the commemorative seafront area a more attractive place.

Along with fellow town councillor Janice Payne, she is looking for an old rowing boat to be used as the centrepiece of the garden, planted with colourful flowers and shrubs.

Mrs Liddiard, 64, of Maurice Road, Canvey, said: “We thought it would be a really nice way to turn the garden into a lovely place for people to visit.

“We really want to regenerate the garden. A boat-shaped garden bed, together with a small rowing boat, depicting a harbour scene, would be the focal point and picnic tables and benches would complete the area.”

At one time, maple trees, a garden and bench all graced the area, off Eastern Esplanade, but these have disappeared.

All that remains now are two wooden post, bearing plaques in memory of two of the island’s longest-serving lifeguards, Terry Nunn and Allan Aldridge.

Funding for the planting in the new garden has been promised by the East Neighbourhood Forum, with Canvey Town Council also likely to contribute.

Anyone with a rowing boat they are willing to donate is asked to call Mrs Liddiard on 01268 691638.