A DILAPIDATED bus shelter in Leigh Old Town could be transformed into a new “high-quality” takeaway, it has been revealed.

Southend Council has received an application to convert the bus shelter into a kiosk serving ice cream, hot and cold drinks, and seafood.

The old bus shelter, next to the Leigh Sailing Club, is no longer in use and has been described as an “eyesore” creating a negative impression at an “entrance to the old town”.

The proposal has been lodged by Fruits of the Sea, a food processing company based in Towerfield Road, Shoebury Richard Longstaff, Green Party councillor for Leigh ward, supported the proposal, adding the scheme “would make use of dead space”.

He added: “I think it may be a good idea, economically and for convenience. I also feel these types of pop-up kiosks encourage single use litter so close to the beach.

“I wouldn’t want to spoil a business idea; however, I would advise a condition not to allow the sale of single-use plastics.

“It would be great to see this applied to all coastal kiosks.”

Plans submitted to Southend Council say the existing building was formerly used a bus shelter but is no longer in use and the structure is “currently in an extremely poor state of repair”.

The planning document, submitted by Southend-based Skarchitects, added: “The building is located in an important part of Old Leigh as it is the first structure that pedestrians encounter when arriving from the tow path.

“It faces directly onto Leigh Beach and sits below the terrace of Leigh Sailing Club.

“It presents a very negative ‘entrance’ to the old town and is at odds with the otherwise well-kept area.

“The proposal will have a positive impact on the Conservation Area and will tidy up and revitalise an important gateway to the Old Town that is currently very tired and underused.

“The proposal will make best use of this prime spot at the entrance to Old Leigh.”

The plan has been designed to prevent customers queuing in the road to the south while waiting to be served.

It has been designed so that any queuing will be along the footpath to the west.

The planning application will now be considered by Southend Council.