TWENTY-three Southend businesses are sharing in a £1.8million cash bonanza to create new jobs and rejuvenate key areas of the town.

About £600,000 of taxpayers’ cash has so far been pledged to companies aiming high with ambitious plans to grow and create new employment.

Last week, the Echo revealed that £100,000 had been ploughed into opening plush seafront restaurant Bourgee, agreed by a panel of business leaders and other experts.

The same amount was given to Antonia Waite, daughter of former council leader Anna Waite, to turn the Leas sun shelter in Westcliff into a restaurant.

Independent Ron Woodley, leader of Southend Council, said: “To date, the panel has awarded just over £600,000 which levers £1.28million private sector investment, creating 185 jobs and safeguarding a further 168.

“The funding will be available until next spring, or until it is all been allocated, whichever comes first, so we would encourage people from all areas of the business community to contact the team to find out more.”

Southend Council has £1.8million of cash from a Government grant to hand out to businesses in the borough, if they are able to prove they can create jobs.

The grant, called the South Essex Growth Grant, has a target of creating one job for every £10,000 given away, and it is not just for new businesses starting up.

Hairdressers Novo Hair was given £13,776, which it used to move its outlet from Queens Road to Alexandra Street, creating five new roles.

Kevin Franks, the owner of the salon, said: “Fundraising from local authorities certainly allowed us to invest in larger premises and to create potential for more jobs in the short and long term.

“The initiative is a fantastic thing for the local economy.”

The handouts have come under fire from politicians and small traders, who believe the money should be spent elsewhere and not on swanky businesses.

Waller Precision Engineering, in, Aviation Way, was given just over £7,000 – which will help buy more machinery and could create one job.

Managing Director, Jim Waller, said: “It’s another piece to the jigsaw puzzle that will help the firm prosper.”

A total of £42,600 has also been promised to seafront restaurant Fisherman’s Wharf, as they are looking to create extra roles.

A group of seven organisations, including Southend Council, assess each bid, in a process which is overseen by auditors from Lancaster University.