OLYMPIC rowers could be using Two Tree Island as a training base, it has been revealed.

The Lower Thames Rowing Club currently launches its boats from Benfleet, but hopes to set up a new base on the island, near Leigh railway station.

Southend Council’s cabinet has agreed to spend £250,000 on a study to see if the project would be viable economically and environmentally. If all goes well, councillors hope it could be used as a base for rowers for the London 2012 games.

Shirley Gibson, club membership secretary, said the site was perfect as it was less affected by tidal waters than its current base at Dauntless boatyard in Benfleet.

She said: “We already have a storage container at Two Tree Island and would love to have a full base there. It would be the perfect place for boats going out to sea.

“We hope to double our membership, encourage younger members and host races. By being there we would have more opportunity as it has the space for parking and access to water more of the time.”

If the study finds the project viable it could lead to a permanent building being erected at the site as well as hosting training sessions for Olympic rowers.

John Lamb, Tory councillor responsible for environment and tourism, said: “I think it would be a very good venue for the club and it would work well with an office for our pier and foreshore staff. But before we go ahead we have to look at it environmentally and whether it would be worthwhile.

“I’d like to see the club set up there as soon as possible. I’d love to see it in place for the 2012 games.

“It would be ideal as a rowing training centre for athletes or for people to learn to row.”

However Graham Longley, Lib Dem group leader, said: “I welcome any new facility for Southend and have no problem helping the rowing club set up and get going, but my concern is spending a quarter of a million pounds on consultants to see whether it would work.”

l Rowers would not be the only Olympic athletes heading to south Essex – the world’s best mountain bikers will also descend on Hadleigh to compete.

Plans for a five kilometre course on Salvation Army farmland next to Hadleigh Castle Country Park are being drawn up for the event, which will happen in August 2012.

Last week Essex County Council held two public meetings to update residents on the plans, particularly proposals for transporting spectators to the site.

It is planned they would travel to Leigh by train and walk to the course through Hadleigh Marsh or catch a special shuttle bus.