Southend residents are set to meet councillors and developers to discuss the future plans for the old gasworks site.

The meeting will be held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7.45pm.

Representatives from national companies Miller Developments and Laing Homes will attend to present their proposals for the contaminated land in Eastern Esplanade.

The construction of a 50-bedroom hotel, fitness centre and restaurant on the southern section of the site will be among the items under discussion.

Local residents will also express their concerns over the nature of tenancies available on the 92 homes, thought to be terraced houses and flats, which are earmarked for the remainder of the site.

Martin Terry, of Victoria Road, chairman of the gasworks site residents' action group, said: "This is a preliminary meeting to discuss the clearance of the site.

"We want to make sure there are systems in place so we can have a say in its development.

"Also we want to know the intended hours of work.

"This is a residential area and we are concerned about how much disturbance there is going to be.

"There are many children living here so we want to make sure the chemicals from the site are removed appropriately and there is no risk to health."

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