A BID for £1million of Government funding has been submitted to regenerate Canvey seafront.

The Coastal Communities Fund, set up to run the project, managed to complete the bid in time for the April 30 deadline.

The money, if approved, will be used to upgrade facilities and revamp part of the island’s seafront around Thorny Bay Beach.

Councillor Ray Howard is hopeful the Government will look favourably upon the group when deciding on the grant.

He said: “The Canvey beaches have been so popular in recent times, thanks to all the work from community groups, and so this regeneration work is much needed.

“If the plans go ahead, we will able to cater for even more daytrippers and beach visitors.

“The next stage is to submit detailed plans to the Government with more information about the planned works such as the costs for the works.

“It is so important we get the regeneration going so that we have the facilities for a beach that is as popular as Thorny Bay has become.”

Mr Howard said Canvey’s beaches have become a top choice for Essex residents looking for a day out at the seaside.

He told the Echo he is not surprised as the island beaches have improved so much.

A community group, called Canvey Bay Watch, has worked to improve the Thorny Bay Beach, but these plans would see even more of the seafront improve, if successful.

It is expected to be another bumper summer as shown during the recent heatwave when thousands of people from across Essex rushed to the island’s beaches.

It is this popularity which makes the schemes even more important.

The full master plan includes ambitious proposals to create a boardwalk linking Thorney Bay to Labworth Green and on to Eastern Esplanade, as well as improved parking, accessibility and work on the seawall to create slides.

Initial plans received support from residents, but a number of issues were raised by seafront traders regarding plans to reconfigure parking at Labworth Green.

In March it was agreed by the community group that, as the deadline for submitting the bid was approaching, it would be best to focus on the Thorney Bay area with the option to apply for further funding in October, or early next year.

The Thorney Bay plans will see increased parking, improved accessibility, and include a new pavilion at the entrance to the beach that will provide public toilets, a small kiosk, including a cafe, and a viewing platform.