BIG-NAME businesses could be asked to step in to give a cash injection for Southend’s parks and beauty spots, it has been revealed.

In a new move, businesses and communities are set to be asked team up with the council in sponsorship deals.

Visitors could also be asked to make donations to the upkeep of sites with paypoints at entrances. 

Thousands visit the pristine and colourful parks each year, and now council believes it can generate income. 

But business chiefs fear firms may struggle to get behind the scheme, given the blow of the Covid pandemic.

Council bosses have, however, insisted any additions to the town’s parks will be “discreet”.

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment and planning said: “Plans are at a very embryonic stage and I haven’t seen any detailed plans yet but we already have sponsorship on roundabouts and bits of green so it’s something we want to investigate.

“It won’t generate a huge amount but we think the community would want to get involved. We would also look at voluntary donations. 

“We just want to make it easy for anyone who feels they would like to make a donation towards the work done in our parks. We don’t anticipate people rushing out and donating £100 but they might like to show their appreciation.”

Ms Mulroney assured residents advertising would be unobtrusive and there are no plans to charge an entrance fee. 

She said: “They would be discreet. We are not out to mar our parks. We are not contemplating any mass hoardings.”

Garry Lowen, owner of the Gleneagles Guesthouse, says this could be something businesses consider when the pandemic has blown over. 

He said: “In the current climate I don’t imagine businesses being able to help. We haven’t had any guests in for the last two months. 

“Afternoon tea deliveries have also quietened down where people have eat so much at Christmas.

“This may be something that’s considered further down the line, we will have to wait and see when the tourist economy kicks back.”

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council, said: “As a council we are more financially stable than a lot of authorities.  In the next financial year we are using £2.5million from reserves but we will replace that and balance the books.”