Completion of Belton Hills step replacement

November 2, 2018 by Southend Borough Council

A major engineering project to replace the steps, paths and lighting in Belton Hills Nature Reserve has been completed and the steps have now been officially re-opened.

Works began on Monday 23 April to replace the damaged and deteriorating steps at Belton Hill, which is a main route for commuters using Leigh-on-Sea train station. Works were anticipated to be finished by winter, and the council and its contractor, Marlborough, have achieved this.

The council added £1.4m to the council’s capital programme as part of the 2016/17 budget with the works necessary as the steps had declined over the years due to ground movement in the cliffs, age of the steps, and harsh weather conditions. 

The work has included: 

·         Installing 430 steps

·         Installing nearly a mile of handrails

·         Using over 450 tonnes of concrete for the foundations and step units

·         Installing brand new LED lighting

The official opening of the steps took place yesterday (Thursday 1 November) at 11am, where The Worshipful The Mayor Cllr Derek Jarvis said a few words, along with contractor Marlborough, cabinet members and ward councillors.

Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to re-open the steps at Belton Hill Nature Reserve and make that route accessible again for members of the public.

“The steps connect Leigh-on-Sea train station and the community in Leigh. With the evenings drawing in, it is important we have been able to provide a safe and well-lit route for commuters and residents alike.

“We must thank our contractor, Marlborough, who have worked hard to ensure that the works were completed on time and in a professional manner. The new steps look fantastic and I am sure residents and commuters will agree.”

Although the steps are now open to the public, our contractor will still be on site for the next few weeks clearing the works compound. The zebra crossing in Belton Way will also be undergoing some remedial works requiring it to be closed over a weekend. This work will be clearly signposted and a date will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

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