A POPULAR Canvey summertime attraction has assured customers that summer trading will go ahead for what could be their final summer in the face of building plans.

Stay and Splash at The Paddocks is busy preparing for a May 1 opening, however there are concerns it could be demolished in the future to make way for a new community centre.

The Castle Point Council scheme to rebuild the much loved venue The Paddocks has divided opinion among residents, who have claimed they have been left in the dark over plans, with the situation causing widespread debate over social media.

Stay and Splash owner Sarah Walby, 44, of Lee Chapel South, Basildon, who leases the current site from Castle Point Council, said: “There’s not much I can say as everything is so up in the air - they haven’t asked our opinions yet or had any formal consultation.

“Whatever happens is completely subject to the decision of the council, which does mean that our position is a bit unclear at the moment - it seems to be a bit of a case of whatever will be will be.”

A business plan is currently being drawn up for a new Paddocks Community Centre, which would be built alongside the current community centre. Once the new Paddocks is built, the previous site will be demolished, but at the moment it is unclear where the splash park fits in these plans.

Ms Walby added: “It would be a real shame to lose the site as we have had a lot of fun here and I think have given a lot of pleasure to the people that have visited us over the past years.

“We do get really busy throughout the summer and it’s not clear what happen if we had to make way for the new community centre.”

She also said she believed there could be an alternative Stay and Splash even if they were forced to leave their current site, however it was not clear where a new provision would be set up.

Irene Fernon, 65 of Link Road, Canvey, who has been a vocal campaigner against the plans for the new building, said: “The current site is ideal for the splash park - I can’t imagine anywhere else on the island that would offer visitors the same convenience of location or feeling of safety that they get there.

“It gets so busy during the summer months and parents flock here with their children as soon as the sun comes out.

“It’s a real asset to the community and should be left exactly where it is. I don’t believe that the plans for the new Paddocks building are fit for purpose, or fit for what this community wants or needs. It’s not just a Canvey Island issue, but a Castle Point issue. I also think it’s unfair for business owners to face this kind of uncertainty as they head into another season of trading.”

Castle Point Council will offer a full consultation once the business plans are made.