THE council has been criticised for not employing Castle Point firms to carry out a £126,000 overhaul of a Canvey community hall.

The refurbishment of the Paddocks, in Long Road, is to bring the ageing building up to date and will involve work to the building’s roof, installing new windows and doors plus internal refurbishments.

Local businesses want to know why Castle Point Council has employed two firms from Rochford to carry out the work.

They say council contracts could help keep them afloat.

Stephen Monk, managing director of Canvey-based Profile 2000, which designs and fits windows and doors, said: “Being a Canvey company, I would have thought we would have been approached by the council, but we’ve heard nothing. We never get the opportunity to tender for anything.

“It’s tough at the moment and council contracts can make a big difference.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of the council’s opposition Canvey Island Independent Party, said several firms had approached him to complain the Paddocks contract had gone to Rochford firms.

Mr Blackwell said the council’s practice of tendering contracts out to an approved list of firms meant some local companies were excluded from making a bid.

He added: ““It’s a chicken and egg situation.

“You can’t get on the list unless you have already done work for the council and you can’t do work for the council unless you’re on the list.

“It’s a shame because a lot of the businesses are struggling and would love these sort of contracts.”

In total, the council plans to spend £76,000 on essential repairs to the Paddocks, such as recovering the roof and replacing the windows and doors.

An extra £10,000 will be spent on replacing the boilers and a further £40,000 on making the building more attractive in the hope it can be used for weddings to raise extra cash for the authority.

These refurbishments will include improving the kitchen, redecorating the bar area and cleaning or replacing the carpets.

David Marchant, the council’s chief executive, said: “The council does give every opportunity wherever possible to local contractors to tender for council projects.

“Unfortunately, local Castle Point contractors did not submit the most competitive quotations for these works.”