SOUTHEND town centre redevelopment plans will become a "white elephant" because no cash is available, a Tory MP said.
James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, criticised proposals by Renaissance Southend, He met members of the Herbert Grove Action Group which was set up to oppose plans for the St John's Quarter development near the town centre. If approved, properties in Herbert Grove and adjoining streets as well as the Rossi ice cream factory would be demolished as part of a flats and entertainment complex on the Seaway car park.
Following the meeting the MP said: "I support the group and oppose the demolition of housing in the area.
"Renaissance South- end does not have planning permission for the St John's Quarter and I suspect does not have the money to support it.
"To all intents and purposes it appears to be something of a white elephant.
"This does not mean we should not take the plans and the implications seriously."
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