FURIOUS campaigners have claimed surveyors spotted at the Paddocks Community Centre were there to prepare for development.

Following months of delays a business plan for the site still has not been publicly revealed.

There are fears the cable and pipe survey carried out this week is a prelude to future demolition work at the Long Road centre on Canvey.

Islanders claimed the surveyors told them the site is being surveyed for development but the council claims no decisions has been made insisting a full consultation will take place with plans finally due to be revealed next month.

Campaigners have been fighting to save the centre.

Linda Norton, 65, from Canvey, said: “People feel left in the dark about what’s happening to the centre.

“We have told the council that we don’t want this done and they are still going ahead.

“We know there are plans.

“I feel the council is being underhand with this survey and is trying to do it when nobody is around but residents saw them there.

“It is so frustrating as they are not listening to us about it.

“There are so many people who are talking about it.

“We will keep fighting and will take it further.

“We will announce more information later.”

Irene Fernon, 65, another group member, said islanders are angry.

She said: “People are more angry that it’s been done in secret, they should have told us about it.

“It all seems too hush hush for our liking. I am angry about this.

“They should have talked to us about it but feels like they are just going through with it without doing so.”

Sue Brooke, 64, from Canvey asked the men what was happening there.

She is also a member of the campaign group.

She said: “The man told me they were instructed to carry out an underground survey before the development takes place.

“We just can’t see why it’s being done like this.

“We are putting out boards all the time and we are getting so much support for it.

“We are trying to get them to listen but said will do.

“We have no faith in them.

“I know the centre is not taking bookings for next year so something’s happening there.”

A spokesman for Castle Point Council said: “Surveyors carried out a cable and pipe survey at the Paddocks, Canvey for Castle Point Council over the weekend to establish the location of gas, electricity and phone cables for our records.

“As reported previously cabinet is due to consider the Paddocks business case in October.

“The council leader has given assurances that consultation will take place with residents before a final decision is taken.”

However residents claims the reason the records need to be updated is to check where cables are before work begins.

It is feared the centre will be knocked down.