Canvey is in line for a 100 new jobs as a major peanut company today announced its plans to move to the island.

The Percy Dalton Group is to set up on a five-acre site owned by Safeway and has also earmarked a further five acres on Canvey where it hopes to expand in the next few years.

The firm is aiming to move by next January and hopes to be able to start work on the site off Northwick Road in June if planning permission is granted.

Castle Point councillors will meet the company on Monday to discuss the proposals. Councillor Ray Howard, Tory member for Castle Point and Essex County Council, said: "I have always campaigned to entice people to come and bring their business here.

"This will mean less people will have to work off the island which is a nightmare for many people. A company such as this showing an interest on Canvey is absolutely fantastic."

Castle Point Council's Labour leader, Dave Wells, said: "I am really pleased. It is a big and reputable company which is exactly what we want for the borough.

"The fact the company is looking for additional land means it has obviously got a long-term business plan to expand which means it could bring even more jobs."

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