A wheelchair user has endorsed >Clacton town centre's new £3.2 million facelift which she says has improved safety and created a more pleasant environment.

Clacton resident Monica Butcher, who is the local representative of the Essex Coalition of Disabled People, praised all those involved in the major 18-month project.

Mrs Butcher said she was in favour of the traffic changes brought in by Essex County Council (ECC) and the environmental upgrade carried out by Tendring District Council (TDC).

"I would like to make it known that I fully endorse the changes to Clacton Town Centre," she said.

"As a wheelchair user I find that now the work has been finished it is so much nicer than it was before."

Mrs Butcher, who is paraplegic and has been in her wheelchair for 20 years, said she enjoyed being able to sit in the new town square and look at the fountain and the newly-planted trees.

She was also delighted that cars are no longer allowed to enter the central section of Pier Avenue between 10am and 4pm.

"I think it is so much safer for children and the disabled," she added. "There is more disabled parking than before and I would like to thank both Tendring District Council and Essex County Council for a lovely town centre."

Mrs Butcher said that when the work was being carried out by the contractors she found things very difficult but was not prepared to make a proper judgement until the scheme was complete.

"I have now been round very carefully and I cannot find anything wrong from the point of view of a disabled or blind user," she said. "It has really made a huge difference for us."

The revamp was completed at the end of last year and Clacton became the first town centre in Essex to receive the UK Police's accreditation, Secured by Design, for efforts to design out crime.

The aim of TDC and ECC was to make the area more pedestrian friendly and safer for all.

The town square and fountain have created a focal point, 50 new trees have been planted, improved street lighting installed, new paving, street furniture and enhanced CCTV.

David Lines, Leader of TDC, welcomed Mrs Butcher's comments and praise for the project.

"We believe the work has made a huge improvement for residents and visitors alike - and we have also taken account of the needs of disabled people," he said.

"It is always nice to hear others speak highly of the changes. Mrs Butcher avoided the temptation to judge the revamp before it was complete and has waited until it was finished to make her mind up."