A swimming pool may not be included in a multi-million pound sports village which could be built at Waterside Farm, opposition councillors fear.

But a leading member of the controlling Conservative group insisted it was the council's intention to replace the pool.

Councillors from the Canvey Island Independent Party voiced their concerns that the pool could be axed at Castle Point Council's planning meeting last night.

Their worries stemmed from a vaguely-worded paragraph in a planning brief for the future of the sports centre in Somnes Avenue.

This states that any new sports facility is not required to provide a "replacement for the current activities carried on in the centre" and will have a "different blend of uses reflecting 21st century sporting requirements."