CAMPAIGNERS are determined to transform a deprived area of Canvey by making £500,000 of difference within the next five years.

Members of Canvey’s Big Local Lottery have revealed they aim to build a picnic area, playground facilities, and a community centre to an area known as “The Gunny” a disused Second World War battery on a plot of land nestled between Cedar Road, Linden Way and West Crescent.

Despite having outline planning permission, the Local Lottery would require special dispensation from English Heritage, due to the site’s history, before the project could go ahead.

The site has several access points, including a driveway from West Crescent.

Barry Palmer, chairman of the local lottery, says the project would really make a deprived area much better, and the facilities would benefit islanders of all ages.

He said: “The building there would be a hub in effect, and designed for youngsters and older people too.

“The picnic and play areas are also important as it means we keep some open space.

“It’s still very early stages, but we hope something can be done very soon.”

It adds to plans to install play equipment by the Denham Road bridge next to Canvey Lake.

John Anderson, a member of the local lottery committee, says the project is likely to cost in the region of £20,000 and could be up and running before the end of the year.

Mr Anderson, a borough councillor for Central ward, said: “Something is definitely going to be put in there, we’re just putting the finishing touches on what things should be there.

“Canvey Town Council has kindly put up £10,000 for this, and the local lottery is set to match fund too.

“It’s likely to take between two to three months to come forward. We are determined to bring something because in my ward, there is not a single play area at all.”

Since August 2015, the national lottery scheme, which has set aside £1 million of funding for deprived areas of Canvey.

Funding is not given in full, but paid in instalments and is dependent on projects.