NEW multi-storey car parks could be built in Leigh and Southend town centre as part of a new plan by the “Rainbow Alliance” seizing control of the council.

The new car parks are among a number of pledges being made including new key worker and social housing and better street lights.

A crucial leadership vote is due to take place on Monday which could see Southend Council leader, Conservative Tony Cox replaced by Labour leader Ian Gilbert - and with it a raft of new proposals for the town.

Mr Gilbert said the coalition of Labour, Lib Dem and the Independent group would “deliver for people right across the borough”.

The joint administration hopes to bring forward an ambitious programme that will include building the car park in Tylers Avenue and another in an unspecified location in Leigh.

Lib Dem leader and ward member Carole Mulroney said: “The car park in Leigh is an aspiration at this point, we need to find a suitable site but the area is hard pressed for parking and there is little available space, residents are suffering, businesses are suffering and visitors are suffering.

“We need to look at a comprehensive way to alleviate it.”

The Tylers Avenue car park was a last-minute addition to the council’s 2019-20 budget that was proposed by Labour. It could be up to five-storeys and be located just half a mile from Seaway car park, which is set to be redeveloped into a leisure complex.

More social housing would also be made a priority, some of which could be built on a former NHS site at Fossetts Farm.

Mr Gilbert said: “I would want to see Fossetts Farm used for key workers and social housing, it is definitely something we will be considering. Right now it is owned by Homes England and we will be looking to enter into some sort of negotiations.

“We will also look at better use of existing sites, perhaps looking to potentially to take possession of vacant sites and we will be more robust on empty properties, which can be legally difficult but it is something we can look at.” The vote on leadership will take place on Monday.