Canvey lake is set for a boost after a new £100,000 scheme to restore the area was unveiled today.

A general tidy-up of the lake, landscaped banks and new benches and bins installed along the path could all be part of the initiative being spearheaded by Castle Point councillor Dennis Williams.

Chris Fenwick, owner of the Oysterfleet Hotel, which backs on to the lake, vowed to pump between £5,000 and £10,000 a year into the ten-year project. Nearby residents are also being urged to get involved with the work and a small forum will be set up to oversee the scheme.

The lake, which stretches for about a mile through the heart of Canvey, is home to a number of species of fish, ducks, swans and water voles.

However, a lack of investment in the area has caused it to become overgrown with weeds. A vast amount of rubbish has been dumped in the water.

Mr Williams was hopeful the project would follow the success of Canvey 2000 - a community initiative to restore the seafront.

He said: "The lake is an area with a lot of environmental interest which is in a very poor state. It needs work carried out on it and along the surrounding banks."

A newsletter will be delivered to people living near the lake and those interested in helping are encouraged to come forward with their ideas.

It is hoped local schoolchildren will also become involved in the restoration work once it gets off the ground. Islanders are also being asked to think of a name for the scheme which will start later this year.

Mr Williams said: "We need to set up a forum of about ten people and we are hoping some of the residents will volunteer so we can progress the scheme in the way that they want it.

"It is a very long-term plan and we would look to start work later this year. Once we get the ideas in and the forum set up we can start on a plan of action."

Manager of the Oysterfleet Hotel in Knightswick Road, Frank Canada, said: "If it was looked after and people put a bit of thought in, the lake could be a really nice place. It is a major job but something has to be started. We wanted to get involved because we want it to look good.

"People come to the pub and sit outside and look at the lake. We want to get rid of the rubbish and make it look decent."

Anyone interested in joining the forum or who has any ideas to enhance the appearance of the lake should write to Mr Williams at 198, Canvey Road, Canvey.

Discussion - Dennis Williams chats about the lake plan with the Oysterfleet's Frank Canada

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.