Councillors have rejected calls to delay a decision on a drop-in centre for people suffering from mental illness.

Castle Point Council planners received several letters from residents living near the site on Canvey claiming the proposed location was near a school and locals were worried there could be repercussions if sufferers did not take their medication

However, on Tuesday councillors gave the green light for the National Schizophrenia Fellowship to convert the ground floor offices in Denham Road - even though residents could soon present members with a petition opposing the scheme.

The centre could be operating early next year.

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