FEARS are growing that Canvey’s history could be eradicated if the old town hall is sold off.

The island’s former town hall, on Long Road, is currently rented by the NHS.

But it is feared that when the site is vacated it could be sold to developers to fund renovation work at The Paddocks community centre.

The issue has taken centre stage recently as residents fear that The Paddocks will be knocked down and replaced with a new community hall.

But people want to see the town’s history preserved - at all costs.

Long Road resident, Frances Pack, 69, said: “They want to take the Paddocks, now they want to take the town hall, what next, the fire station and then the schools?

“I am against any public buildings being demolished for development when the decision is made by councillors not on the island.

“It’s a building that represents the past and everyone has memories there.

“This is not politics, this is about people and the island’s history.”

Castle Point Council has so far spent £15,000 reviewing The Paddocks which has fallen into a state of disrepair.

The council believes it will cost about £1.6million to refurbish, and instead has suggested pulling it down and building a replacement.

However, residents believe the plans would see houses built on the site to off-set the cost of the new hall, which they believe is over-the-top.

Dave Blackwell, Canvey Independent councillor, said: “It is obvious they don’t understand the issue and they are completely out of touch. I think the Tories were a little bit surprised to see 200 people in the meeting.

“Then all hell broke loose once they asked about the Paddocks and it was suggested we may not need to sell on the Paddocks because the NHS are renting the town hall, and once they leave we can sell the town hall to developers to fund the new Paddocks. The Conservatives want to eradicate our history. People are fuming.”

Leader of Castle Point council, Colin Riley, said: “The NHS will be leaving and moving into their new site in the hall, so it will be surplus to requirements. Right now we cannot say what will go there, it may be housing, it may be flats, it may be social housing, we do not know.

“We have to use our assets the best we can, and that building will be empty when it is vacated next year.”