A major row threatened to break out as Castle Point voters prepared to go to the polls – over reports that the Tory administration were planning massive housing estates on Canvey Island. This was provoked, said Castle Point MP Bob Spink, by a leaflet from Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Island Independents which claimed the council were planning to build 400 house son fields near Waterside Farm, more on land near Castle View School and 400 flats in the town centre of Canvey.

The leaflet was given to Mr Spink by a constituent who asked him whether this was true. Mr Spink immediately issued a statement: “I must confirm that I have seen evidence that the general accusations are true. Indeed, it is even worse than the Independents reveal. The Tory Leader has made many incorrect statements in recent months in an attempt to influence people in Castle Point, but these matters will, of course, emerge eventually. It is wrong of the Tories to try to keep people in the dark until after the elections.”

Steve Rogers, head of planning and open spaces Castle Point Council, said: “A number of sites have been brought to our attention as part of the core strategy are no firm proposals at this stage.

“We will be considering all of the options available to us before putting together any plans, which will then form part of a broad consultation in the coming months. It is important that we consider how the council should be providing new homes in the borough.”