TRADERS are drumming up support in a bid to bring a derelict bingo hall back into use.

Business owners near the dilapidated venue, in High Road, Pitsea, want the site - dubbed a “complete dump” by residents - to be cleared up.

It has been vacant for a decade.

Phil Taylor, 49, of nearby Cribbs and Sons, said: “It is terrible.

“I’ve been emailing the council about the issue but not heard back. We just think enough is enough.”

The branch manager added: “What made me want to rattle the cage about this, was the fire in the old generator room.

“There were homeless people in the container and the fire spread asbestos everywhere.

“Something needs to be done about the site.”

In an email sent to traders and stakeholders he said: “For nearly ten years this once admired building has been in the possession of the same landlord who clearly has no intention of developing or maintaining the site.”

Craig Rimmer, Tory vice chair of Basildon Council’s leisure, culture and environment committee said he stands with traders and residents on the issue.

He said: “We are also frustrated and understand the concerns.

“We need to give the owners more time and perhaps a few more months to deal with the site. They have installed hoardings around the site and are trying to deal with it.

“The council is doing all it can on this site.”

Andrew Ansell, Labour councillor for Pitsea South East, added: “The old bingo hall is in a dangerous state of disrepair and sadly is a blight on the area.

“Pitsea simply deserves better.

“Residents regularly contact me calling for action and they deserve a community facility at the site that they can be proud of.

“I believe that every option should be on the table and Basildon Council should be exploring the potential to invest in the old bingo hall.”

Fire crews were called to the fire at 3.51pm on April 13.

The Echo understands the bingo hall is owned by a Tilbury-based firm which was yesterday unavailable for comment.