Confusion today surrounded what is to become of two green spaces where children play on Canvey.
The areas - in Miramar Avenue and Thomas Drive/Church Parade - are currently under scrutiny by the council's asset management panel.
It is believed they will both be sold off to developers.
Leader of the opposition Dave Blackwell said: "Asset management is about, or it used to be about, two things.
"One is for the land to be developed, the other is if it is already an asset for people in the area to retain the open space, do we want green space or houses?"
Canvey West Tory councillor Ray Howard said: "Are we not supposed to be realising our assets - is that not our directive from Essex County Council?"
Yet he conceded: "There is some advantage to developing the land at Miramar Avenue, but people at Thomas Drive want the land.
"It's the only bit of land in that whole central Church Parade area."
Planning director Ian Burchill quickly quashed fears of a "mini-housing estate" at Miramar Avenue and assured residents that would not be the case.
Discussions will continue early next year about the fate of the two areas.
Published Thursday December 18, 2003
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