STUNNED councillors can’t believe their efforts to brighten up Canvey town centre have been rejected by bosses of Knightswick shopping centre.

The island’s town council wanted to install seven newcast iron planters outside the entrance of the shopping mall in the High Road.

The authority even offered to pay for the installation and maintenance of the pots, which would have amounted to around £10,000.

However, the management of the Knightswick Centre won’t give the authority permission to go ahead.

Dave Blackwell, a town councillor, has been left flabbergasted.

He said: “I find that quite an astounding statement when the town council is trying to improve the area and they are saying they don’t want to be a part of it.

“I wouldn’t mind if we asked them to put some money into it, but it won’t cost them a penny.”

The move has also angered shopkeepers in the centre Colin Slate, who has managed Slates Jewellers since it opened 20 years ago, said: “Everyone is struggling here and if the council were going to pay for everything, why not give it a go?

“I can’t say I’m surprised, I’ve long since given up trying to understand the logic of the landlord here.”

The council is now looking at other locations to put its planters.

Mr Blackwell added: “I’m sure there are plenty of other shopping areas which would really appreciate our efforts.”

The centre had not made a comment by the time of going to press.

Any businesses that can think of a suitable location for the planters can contact the council on 01268 683965.