EXCITING new plans to regenerate Canvey seafront as a new visitor attraction were unveiled today.

Shoppers in the Knightswick Centre were treated to an exclusive peak at the new plans, which hope to revitalise Thorney Bay and the seafront.

The new additions included a raised walkway across Thorney Bay offering views of the coast, a pavilion with public toilets and a kiosk, and additional parking attached to the current car park behind Thorney Bay playground.

Other features included several slides sloping down from the sea wall.

It is understood that the plans are building on the good work that Friends of Concord Beach and Baywatch have done to make it a nice area to visit.

Although the designs were met with a positivity from those who viewed them, some residents were sceptical.

Some people were unconvinced that the plans would go ahead, as a cost for them has not yet been summed up.

Martin Pomfrett, 64, from Canvey, said: “It’s a good idea but I don’t think it will ever happen.

“We have had loads of plans like this but they never seem to happen.”

A main concern for other residents was the potential vandalism of the development.

Valerie Beak, 76, from Canvey, said: “It all looks good but have they thought about what the kids are going to do to it?”

“The children here are out of control.

“If they are willing to throw stones at Santa then they will be willing to vandalise this.”

David Ody, 72, from Canvey, added: “It looks alright but will it get vandalised?

“Kids on their skateboards and doing wheelies on their bike might vandalise the designs.”

Addressing the potential vandalism of the site, Bell Phillips architect, Michelle Dowler, said: “Do we really want to punish the majority of people for a few bad eggs?

“There’s never going to be a 100 per cent solution to vandalism that’s suffered - if we’re asked to paint something black, there is bound to be somebody who will throw white paint on it.

“The mural on the seafront has not really been vandalised so I think if we make a work of art then this won’t be either.”

Not everybody showed scepticism towards the plans.

Ashley Gough, 60, said: “ I think this plan looks good for a town with changing demographic.”