Worried residents have vowed to have their say at a meeting about a proposed nursing home for patients with mental Health problems.

Moat Housing Group, which wants to develop the 12-bedroom home in Long Road, Canvey, has arranged for an open forum at 7pm on Monday.

It will be chaired by an independent representative from the Community Health Council.

Campaigner Lynn Pullinger, who lives yards from the planned development, is urging people to speak out against it, as she is worried about the effect on the community.

However, it is unlikely any borough councillors will be present at the meeting, to be held at the Paddocks Community Centre in Long Road, because the first meeting of the newly-elected council takes place on the same night.

Castle Point's planning committee deferred a decision on Moat's application last month until a separate presentation could be given to them later this month.

A Moat spokesman said: "We are hoping we can have a reasonable debate, where everyone will be able to put across their point of view.

"There was certainly no intention to clash with the council meeting, that is just the way it has fallen. It is our hope that the scheme will become an accepted part of the community."

Those living in the home will be former patients of Runwell Hospital in Wickford. Moat has been consulting with residents about any fears.

The spokesman added: "The people who would move into the nursing home have long term mental health care needs.

"The majority will also have physical and mobility problems associated with old age and many will require the use of wheelchairs and mobility aids."

The scheme, which has been commissioned by South Essex Health Authority, will be owned and managed by Bailey Housing Association upon completion.

MCCH Society will provide specialist care services.

Mrs Pullinger said: "People still feel very strongly about this. They are putting 12 people before the thousands that live on this island.

"Unfortunately this meeting could be a farce because it is all down to planning, and there doesn't seem to be anything they can do about it.

"They are just holding this meeting to shut us up, and they will go ahead with it anyway. I think it should be refused on safety grounds."

Council deputy leader Dave Blackwell (Lab, Canvey Central) said it was disappointing that councillors would not be able to attend and said he was not happy about the plan.

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