Basildon traders who refuse to leave their town centre premises over fears of losing their businesses will be evicted, councillors have decided.

Compulsory purchase orders were approved on Thursday for an area in East Square that includes more than 20 businesses – to make way for a multi million pound revamp.

Some business owners are expected to challenge the orders over fears they will lose everything if forced to move.

Conservative councillor Kevin Blake, for Burstead ward, said: “Most will go willingly, but perhaps not all. We’ve got to find places where they can all get the profits they are getting at the moment in the town centre.

“They can go to appeal. That might happen if they haven’t got enough money to go where they want.” The new East Square development will feature a 10-screen cinema, restaurants and shops. The report to the policy and resources committee explained that some businesses might not be prepared to leave.

It read: “All owners were contacted in writing. As a result, 17 of the leasehold interests have now either been acquired or terms are agreed subject to the necessary legal documentation.

“It has, however, become increasingly likely that it will not be possible to agree terms for all the outstanding interests that are required.”

The council insisted it will do its best to help people move.

Mr Blake added: “We don’t want to force people to leave. But you can’t hold up a project for the odd few.” Other councillors said they felt arrangement can be made to accommodate all businesses affected.

Wickford Independents councillor, David Harrison, said: “I don’t think it will be a problem. The process has already started.

“I would have thought most will choose to leave. Their future success will be dependent on where they decide to move to. But the town centre needs that regeneration.”