TORY leaders insist plans to demolish Rayleigh’s Mill Hall will be “paused”, despite senior council officials casting doubt over the claim.

Campaigners are furious with politicians for a “failed election promise” to temporarily halt the controversial redevelopment.

They spoke after Angela Hutchings, acting managing director of Rochford Council, said in a meeting: “I have never said it will be paused.”

However, senior Conservatives insist the “pause to reflect on concerns” will still go ahead.

Simon Wootton, Tory leader of the council, demanded the plans are put on hold while the results of a public consultation are analysed.

He said: “It’s a chance to pause to reflect on the concerns raised. I’m perfectly within my rights to request a pause, it’s appropriate.

“They’ve spun the word pause, but it will still be happening.”

Under the “paused” plan, Mill Hall, off Rayleigh High Street, will be replaced with a smaller, more eco-friendly centre, alongside flats.

A Save the Mill Hall campaign was launched in opposition.

John Payton, chair of the campaign, said: “If they can’t stand by their promises and their word, they should consider their position. Half of the Tory party want it to be paused, the other doesn’t.

“The managing director then disagrees with them all.”

The Echo revealed last week that calls for a refurbishment of the venue have been ruled out due to claimed £3.5million costs.

James Newport, Lib Dem councillor of the Downhall and Rawreth ward, said: “They have to resign. They’ve misled the public, and gained votes from it. You can’t put out a statement days before an election and now the managing director believes it won’t be paused. It’s a disgrace.”

Cheryl Roe, deputy leader of the council, added: “The leader can demand it to be paused, and he has done. It will be paused.”