CONCERNED residents will have to wait until September to see controversial plans for a community centre.

The Paddocks Community Centre has been an ongoing saga on the island after it was branded “beyond repair” by Castle Point Council.

Thousands of residents signed a petition urging it to be saved, but in January this year the Echo revealed that a business plan was being drawn up for its future - which could include plans to build a new community centre in the car park, before demolishing the former site.

This was expected to be available within weeks with council leader Norman Smith hoping the plan, figures and costs could be revealed with a couple of weeks.

But now, Castle Point Council has revealed the business plan will not be considered until a cabinet meeting in September and the contents are unlikely to be known until a week before the meeting.

In recent months, residents and councillors have called for a public meeting on the plans, but the council has insisted they will instead hold a full consultation once the plans are completed.

Frances Pack, of Long Road, Canvey, said: “It is ridiculous we will wait until September. And it is ridiculous for various reasons, most of all they are ploughing money into this plan without consulting the people.

“So what happens when the consultation doesn’t support the plans? It is all a waste.

“What is wrong with showing us what they have done so far? Or keeping us updated as plans progress. This money that has been spent on drawing up plans, should have been spent on fixing Paddocks, and bringing it up to scratch.

“The management of the Paddocks has been atrocious, they have sat back and let it rot.”

Despite initially embarking on a business plan in January, the council insists the plans have not been “delayed”.

The council confirmed due to a summer recess they will not be discussed until September.

A spokesman said: “Work is continuing on The Paddocks business case, it has not been delayed. As reported at cabinet last week on the forward plan the Paddocks business case is on schedule to be considered at the next cabinet meeting in September.”