Traders were today fighting plans to demolish a parade of shops and kill off 40 jobs.

A planning application has been submitted to Castle Point Council to knock down the parade, near Benfleet railway station, and replace it with a housing development.

Angry - traders Nigel Kimpton, Sharon Langran, Mandy Fisher and Thakor Patel make a stand Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

The project would affect 23 to 32 High Road, Benfleet, which has been an established shopping complex for 30 years and includes a newsagents, a sandwich shop, a double-fronted health and beauty salon and a sports shop.

Benfleet Physiotherapy, which Nigel Kimpton leased for nine years, also stands to be affected. He said: "Our freeholder is taking the stance that this is a development which will benefit the local community.

"In reality the only thing that will benefit is his pocket.

"Up to 40 people are employed along the parade and we all have very healthy businesses."

In a bid to halt the controversial plans, traders are getting up a petition which they will present to their ward councillor, Wendy Goodwin who is sympathetic to their plight.

The Boyce ward councillor said: "I support the actions of the traders and they, in turn, have the support of many residents."

Director of planning Ian Birchall confirmed he has received a planning application for properties 23 to 32 High Road, but he wished to make no further comment.

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003