Hundreds of new jobs could be at risk if Safeway changes its plans to sell Canvey land, it was feared.

Safeway remained tight-lipped over the rumour it is pulling out of a deal to sell the 1,158 acres off Northwick Road, Canvey, to the East of England Development Agency.

The agency was planning to sell 1,090 acres for a nature reserve but aimed to spend £5million developing 68 acres of the site for new jobs and businesses.

Councillor Jenifer Howlett (Lab, St Peter's) expressed worry that if the development fell through, Canvey could lose many new jobs.

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