A Canvey car salvage firm said its decision to move to a new site was welcomed by dozens of local companies.

Going, gone - Dick Smith says he has public support for the new site of his Canvey car auctions Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Since January 24, HBC has been holding auctions in Haven Road instead of on Charfleets industrial estate.

Castle Point Council is investigating the auctions after some residents were concerned there might be a health hazard. But the company said all customers were informed of any perceived dangers.

They said working from Haven Road was better for both them and others.

HBC managing director Dick Smith said: "I've got about 25 letters from local businesses on the Charfleets estate welcoming the fact that HBC moved to Haven Road.

"Twice a week we generated quite a lot of traffic. They wouldn't want to see us move back.

"We moved to Haven Road because in Charfleets we were working from four or five pieces of land. It's not as economical as working from one site.

"We were directed to the Haven Road site by Castle Point Council. It's a piece of land that lay idle for a number of years."

The council is calling them unlawful as they are not covered by the firm's original planning consent.

HBC said it hoped to discuss the matter with the council soon.

Published Thursday May 27, 2004

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