Traders have welcomed plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment saying it is just what the Laindon Shopping Centre needed.

Run down - the Laindon Centre is set to be demolished Picture: ROB BROWNE

Bert Sawyer, who runs World of Flowers, says plans to replace the run-down shopping centre with a two-storey shopping, parking and residential complex, were the way forward.

London-based owners Lakehill Investments submitted an application to the council for permission to demolish the existing centre and build a new one which will include a supermarket, 21 shops and 138 homes with car parking.

Mr Sawyer said: "I have been speaking with traders and generally everyone is in favour of the new centre.

"Something desperately needed to be done. It has been getting worse and worse and is only now half full."

The proposals are now on show at the council's offices in Basildon town centre and can be viewed by the public until the middle of February.

Published Friday January 9, 2004

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