SOUTHEND Council has ordered a complete rethink of the controversial Priory Crescent widening scheme and slashed its costs in half.

Leader Nigel Holdcroft admitted there was "no hope in the foreseeable future" of completing the project, which had been agreed after a three-week public inquiry nearly two years ago.

Costs for the proposed dual carriageway had escalated to about £20million, but a new plan will reduce this to an estimated £10.8million. The new proposal has been worked up by Mr Holdcroft and Anna Waite, former council leader and now cabinet member for planning.

Under the scheme, the dual carriageway in Priory Crescent would only extend from Cuckoo Corner to the Lookers garage site, and will not affect the former burial ground of the Saxon king - where "Camp Bling" protesters have set up.

Beyond Lookers, the road will be single carriageway, meaning there will be no need for a new railway bridge as originally planned.

Mrs Waite said: "We have had talks with senior officers from the Department for Transport, who have indicated that the scheme should be acceptable and funding should be available.

"I have made it clear this is not the end of the needs we have in Southend and we will be coming forward in the future with proposals for other improvements at junctions along the A127.

"Upgrading Southend's transport infrastructure is vitally important for the future of our town.

"However, as well as looking at this, we want to safeguard and enhance the site of the Saxon king's burial as a commemorative area for the town. Protecting our heritage is one of our key concerns."

Mr Holdcroft added: "I and my colleagues have recently had considerable concerns about the effect of the proposed road on the Saxon King burial site.

"While the actual burial chamber is no longer there, we are proud of its significance in the history of the town and it is now our intention to preserve it for the future of the town."

He said a suitable piece of art reflecting the history of the Saxon king would be commissioned for the spot, and it would be landscaped appropriately.

He added: "It is possible there will need to be other achaeological explorations of the site."

FULL REACTION AND ANALYSIS IN THURSDAY'S ECHO