Improvement works are planned for Brightlingsea’s seafront early next year in a boost for the town’s award-winning Blue Flag beach.

Tendring District Council (TDC) will be laying new concrete bays over the existing surface around the paddling pool area at Brightlingsea Beach, giving the prom a cleaner, more uniform appearance and addressing some long-standing wear and tear.

The new surface will slope gently from the seawall to the beach, helping to reduce water pooling.

The height of the prom will also be raised slightly, improving accessibility and making it easier for people to move around.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said: “This is a welcome upgrade for Brightlingsea’s seafront, improving the look of the area and the overall visitor experience – and will be a boost for the town’s Blue Flag beach.

“We’re proud of Brightlingsea’s award-winning beach and want to ensure residents can take pride in our area and the services we provide.

“These improvements will help to promote the area and encourage visitors to stay longer – things that run through everything we do as part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan.”

Councillor Adrian Smith, Cabinet Member for Coast Protection and Engineering, also welcomed the works.

He said: “Rather than patching individual defects, the council’s engineering team will resurface whole sections of the prom in one go, improving drainage and making the area easier to maintain.

“The works are expected to begin in February and continue through March, with minimal disruption anticipated – subject to tides and the weather.”