A SOFT play centre could soon be opening on Canvey.

Tea Tots Children’s Centre has applied to take over an empty shop in the Knightswick Centre, in Furtherwick Road, which was previously home to the Money Shop.

Amanda Poll, 38, who runs Tea Tots, said the facility will be aimed at pre-school children.

The company already runs a larger children's play centre in Romford, but has turned its attentions to Canvey so parents no longer have to travel off the island.

Miss Poll, who lives in Hornchurch, said: "It’s something I’ve been keen to do for a long time, and I am hoping that the council will see what this can do.

“The centre will have soft play equipment, slides and toys, similar to our one in Romford.

“The shop is a bit smaller, so that is why we are aiming to cater for pre-school children.

“We’re looking to addasensory room which will be used for kids who have additional needs.

“Ultimately I’d like it to be somewhere for parents to feel comfortable bringing their kids and hope it’s something shoppers will find a bit different.

“I have a lot of family on Canvey, and know that parents would normally have to go off the island for this kind of thing.

“In the long term I hope to turn it into a creche, which requires us to be Ofsted registered.

“Hopefully it will all go to plan.”

Tea Tots will operate as a drop-in centre for parents doing their shopping.

Traders on the island have welcomed the plans as they believe it to be a positive addition to the town centre.

Carlos Menekse, 27, manager of Island Cafe, also in Furtherwick Road, believes the soft play centre will be a big hit with islanders.

He said: “I think it’s a very good idea, as there are lots of little ones on the island and it gives somewhere for parents to take them.

“It’s easy to get to, and there are a lot of residents who perhaps can’t drive and need something central and to keep kids amused.

“The centre has things that are more or less the same, so it’ll be nice to have a place that’s a bit different.”