FIRST images have been released of plans for a new library and flats development.

Developer Pegasus Group, on behalf of London and Cambridge Properties, is planning the redevelopment of Wickford Library alongside new homes and a new community centre.

The proposed development includes 60 new flats including, 30 one bedroom, 22 two bedroom and eight three bedroom flats.

Under the plans, the new library is proposed to be located within the former HSBC bank building at the Willows Shopping Centre.

The community centre currently on Market Road is to be relocated to a new centre at the Nevendon Recreation Ground in Nevendon Road.

The community centre plans were subject to a separate planning application which was approved in November 2018 by Basildon Council.

The developer has been holding an exhibition event at Wickford Library to gain the views of the community on the draft proposals.

However, residents feel it is a done deal and more could have been done to consult the community.

They have hit out at the developer as they claim they have not been given enough chance to comment on plans for a new community centre, library and homes developments.

Wickford residents also claim plans for the community spaces are not right.

Clare Gregory, 44, said: "The overall feeling is here we go again.

"It's almost like a broken record, residents feel the infrastructure is not good enough to support this development.

"We feel like its a done deal and we have not been consulted on enough.

"We need more school and doctors places and parking before this development goes ahead."

She said it's good news the library and community centre could be redeveloped but she feels more communication with residents is key.

The developer is yet to submit plans for the library and flats.

The Echo contacted the developer for comment on the residents' criticisms.

For more information on the plans see www.wickfordlibraryproposals.co.uk/exhibition_banners