New homeowners on Shoebury's Garrison site may secure the future of High Street shops, a leading resident has said.

Five butchers once thrived on the main street but one by one they closed down due to competition from supermarkets and the winding up of the garrison.

Now the future looks brighter with 450 homes planned for the site plus a new homes complex planned for New Ranges.

Mike Assenheim, Shoebury Residents' Association chairman, hoped the promise of more families would at least stop any more shops vanishing.

He said: "We'll never get back the shops that have gone but hopefully the new development means we won't lose any more."

In the High Street eight luxury flats are planned on the site of the former Jenkins garage, and a large detached house replaces the former Log Cabin club.

Shaun Roche, a partner in Hunt Roche Estate Agent, said: "There has been a real upturn. The whole area is coming up.

"Shoebury East Beach is the only large beach this side of the county which doesn't have a main road running along it. From the railway station you can get to London in an hour and six minutes and you're guaranteed a seat."

He predicts property prices will rocket.

However, Bett Dent, Shoebury Residents' Association vice-chairman, said: "It's really quite a desolate place for shopping. You used to be able to get all your shopping here, but you can't now.

"I think it's too late to bring back the shops which have gone but we do really need the shops we do have - like the chemist, the bakers and the newsagents."

Councillor Verina Wilson (Con, Shoebury), urged traders to sit tight as a brighter future beckoned.

She said earlier: "The Garrison development is now starting to take off nicely with 450 homes planned. I am very hopeful what we hear about the High Street at the moment is going to improve over the next couple of years.

"It's not all doom and gloom. I hope the shopkeepers will see the prospects and hang in there."

By Katy Best

Reporter's e-mail: katy.best@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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