ISLANDERS are demanding action rather than words when it comes to regenerating Canvey.

Castle Point Council has been criticised for talking about improvements but not making them.

Councillor John Anderson, of the Canvey Island Independent Party, said: “Residents on Canvey have heard this talk of regeneration and a masterplan for the past eight years. People are now saying there is nothing coming out of Castle Point Council other than talk, talk, talk.

“No action.

“Nothing is being done and therefore they do not believe any masterplan is going to be carried out by Castle Point Council or the officer in charge of looking at master plans, in fact people want to know what he does in his job.”

Council leader, Councillor Norman Smith, defended the council but said plans won’t happen quickly.

He said: “You are right we had a master plan process but like all master plans we had to go out to various land owners and their investors but through the recession a lot of the potential investors fell away unfortunately.

“We were disappointed with the promises made by Manchester pension fund for one, as well as various other investors who wanted to come to Canvey.

“There is a little bit of interest coming back now and we have been having more positive approaches from people who want to invest in the area again.

“I don’t want to say it will happen quickly but the money doesn’t come from us, it comes from investors who want to invest in Canvey Island.”

Councillors agreed to endorse plans for major seafront improvements but how they will be paid for remains unclear.

The seafront improvements will be dependent on the council winning a bid for funding from the Coastal Communities Fund and the council has already missed out on the first round.

Tory councillor Ray Howard had hoped some improvements could be made in the meantime.

The plans include a new car park, toilets at Thorney Bay, new amusements and attractions which are all part of making the island a modern tourist holiday destination for a day out.

The cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss opportunities but does not have much money to make changes.

Another bid for funding to improve the seafront is being worked on and will be submitted by Castle Point Council in the future.