Latest plans for the £300million regeneration of the Queensway estate in Southend have been revealed.

Southend Council has now launched a consultation into the proposal which will see four town centre tower blocks demolished to make way for 1,300 new homes.

Changes to the road system through the town centre area will also see the Queensway slip roads removed along with the Southchurch Road roundabout.

However, plans to turn the underpass linking the seafront and the town centre into a single carriageway have been dropped following criticism from residents and traders.

The underpass will remain a dual carriageway but sliproads, including one which allows traffic to exit Queensway and head towards Sutton Road or Southchurch Road will go.

Traffic coming off Victoria Avenue heading to Southchurch Road will be redirected down Chichester Road - which is set to be widened to cope with the increase in traffic heading to the eastern parts of town - and on towards Shoebury.

Tony Cox, councillor responsible for transport, says the plan will help ease congestion in Victoria Avenue as motorists will use Priory Crescent to reach areas around Bournemouth Park Road and Hamstel Road. The roundabout which has seen several accidents will also be removed.

He said: “As part of the improvements to Queensway we are allowing better traffic flow through the area. We’ve listened to complaints and concerns about the roundabout. The plans will take the strain off Victoria Avenue with motorists only using it to access the town centre or going towards the seafront.”

The council hopes the proposals will revitalise a gloomy part of the town and transform the lives of those who live there. More than 400 of the proposed homes will be affordable.

The council says it aims to “reconnect communities separated by the Queensway road” and improve access to the town centre and seafront. This it hopes will boost jobs, shops and the local economy

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “Better Queensway is the biggest, most ambitious regeneration project in the local area and that’s why we are committed to involving the community of Southend at this early stage.

“We want to hear what people think of the initial proposals before we seek a development partner next year and further develop the plans. We hope you can join us at our public exhibitions to have your say.”

Homes will be a mix of one, two and three bedrooms in low rise blocks and plenty of open community space for residents to enjoy.

People currently living in the tower blocks will be given the option to move into one of the new homes, move into a council home in another part of the town or move away altogether. The council will compulsory purchase some Queensway properties.