MEMBERS of the Jewish community are trying to snap up houses on Canvey after being priced out of north London, it has been claimed.

The site of the former Castle View School, in Meppel Avenue, will be transformed into a private Jewish school, Essex County Council has confirmed.

The Charedi community, a branch of the faith, is understood to have paid £1.75million for the former school building, which closed five years ago, and its attached playing fields.

Residents living around the site told how claim members of the community have knocked on their doors offering to pay above the market price for their houses- despite them not being up for sale.

It comes after Joel Friedman, who works for the Interlink Foundation, a charity representing the community, told the Jewish Chronicle half-a-dozen families have already bought houses on the island.

It is understood the orthodox Charedi population can no longer Stamford Hill, known for having the largest concentration of Jews in Europe.

One islander living in Meppel Avenue, who did not want to be named, told the Echo her family received a visit on Sunday afternoon from a groups of people interested in buying their home.

She said: “I was quite surprised really as they just started asking about house prices in the area, and whether we would be willing to sell ours.

“They were very polite, but it was just a bit random really. I’ve seen them knock on quite a few houses in our area over the past couple of weeks.

“I don’t think we’re ready to sell just yet, but I think it’s interesting they are so keen to move here.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said he is pleased the former Castle View site is becoming a school instead of housing.

He said: “From what I am hearing quite a few houses have already been bought and they are looking to create a large community here.

“I think it’s a good thing and particularly as the rest of that school site will actually get used and it won’t become housing as set out in the local plan.

“I have to say, I am not sure why Canvey has been chosen, as it’s not the easiest place to reach.”

The former Castle View site had originally been earmarked for 50 new homes, but developers pulled out of the school due to flood concerns.

Part of the land has been taken over by Prospects College, which leases land from Essex County Council and has built a skills centre, sports hall and car park.

The college is set to sign a new five-year lease for its part of the site.