AN ambitious vision for the future of Clacton has been given the thumbs-up by residents and shoppers.

Plans focusing on seven key areas in the resort have been compiled by the Building Design Partnership and Regeneris Consulting on behalf of Tendring Council.

These include a seafront pavilion to provide leisure facilities, a retail sector in Jackson Road and Pier Avenue, along with a youth cafe next to the library.

An exhibition of the proposals is currently on display in the West Cliff Theatre in Tower Road, where visitors can view the plans until June 13.

The Gazette went along to see what people thought.

Emma Alexander, 21, and Samuel Carney, 23, of St Vincent Road, were there with their nine-month-old daughter Amy.

"It looks good, like they're trying to make the town more modern," said Samuel.

"People still think it's just a holiday place, so it needs picking up and bringing up to date."

Emma added: "I think it will put Clacton on the map.

"It would be good if they got some more shops here, as you have to go to Colchester otherwise - and it's hard to get the bus with a baby."