Plans for a new post office on Canvey got the final stamp of approval - after more than 1,300 shoppers signed a petition in its favour.

Hundreds of islanders lent their support to proposals for the post office to open inside Nearbuys Convenience Store in Dovervelt Road.

Castle Point councillor, Dennis Williams, (Lab, Canvey North), presented the 1,320-signature petition to members of the highways committee at last night's meeting.

He said: "I look at this as being a total asset to the people of Canvey, especially those who live on that part of the island.

"I fully support this and I think those people with concerns will find they go in several months' time."

Councillors agreed to back the plans, which have already been agreed by the planning committee, on the condition that a new lay-by is put in outside the store so customers have somewhere to park.

Several members were concerned about traffic and parking issues along the stretch of road.

Lionel Hart (Lab, Canvey East), said: "I don't think a lay-by right outside there is going to solve anything.

"I am concerned because whatever time of day and night I drive past, there is a long queue of cars parked on the pavement. I think it is a road hazard that won't go away.

Tory leader, Doug Roberts (Benfleet St James's) also expressed fears about safety.

He said: "I think it should be monitored and the police advised, so they can give the area a high-profile to make sure it is not causing a traffic problem."

Nigel Thomas, director of technical services, said: "Parking already exists on the pavement and we have got to get that resolved. This will resolve the issue."

An extension will be added to the back of the store to house the new post-office.

Support - flashback to the day Postman Pat visited sub-postmaster, David Patient, to support the post office bid

Picture: NICK ANSELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.