Canvey could be an underwater island within 100 years it is claimed.

The revelation was made by members of the Green Party and Friends of the Earth who are growing ever more concerned about the climate changes taking place across the globe.

Greenhouse gas emissions are being blamed for the problems which they believe could lead to a 20ft rise in sea levels this century, leaving low- lying places like Canvey under water.

However, the claim was hotly disputed by Canvey county councillor Ray Howard who accused the organisations of scaremongering.

Chris Keene, globalisation campaigner for the Green Party, from Thamesway, Canvey, warned: "If there is a large temperature increase causing the polar ice caps to melt, Canvey could be finished.

"History shows that it is possible for a five degree rise to take place within 20 years and that is always a possibility. If that does happen it could see a 20ft rise in sea levels by the end of the century.

"We need a worldwide 60 per cent reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases to stabilise the climate. We are having tremendous problems but so far the authorities aren't taking any notice."

Mr Howard (Con, Canvey West), who has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that Canvey is given the maximum sea protection, was very critical of Mr Keene's statement.

He said: "For them to say that is simply not fair. Canvey is safer than many, many other places in the country as was proved recently when we had no problems at all with flooding, unlike much of the south coast.

"This island is very well protected with electrical pumps all over Canvey, not to mention the fact that we have the highest sea walls in the country.

"These sorts of comments are uncalled for and it is just scaremongering."

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