A cash injection aimed at improving conditions on a blighted Canvey housing estate has been turned down by county officials, it has emerged.

Castle Point Council applied for funds to brighten up the Avenues estate, which has suffered from a series of social problems over recent months.

Noisy youths have caused trouble swearing and shouting in the streets, leaving litter and urinating against people's homes.

However, a clean-up operation to increase levels of estate management, improve street lighting and footpaths is already under way despite the failed bid.

Councillor Alf Goldsworthy, chairman of the community safety committee, said on Friday: "The county had a scheme where we could bid for some funding. It was not a very large amount and had to be spread around the whole of Essex.

"There were obviously some winners and losers but it is certainly something we can go for again or we can look to another arena for a successful bid."

But Mr Goldsworthy, Labour member for Benfleet Appleton ward, stressed that the work would continue.

He added: "We are looking to clean-up the area. There were abandoned cars and the lighting wanted looking at.

"There was also a problem with dog fouling and all the sorts of things that make a community feel better.

"We will continue with our work and hopefully, after a period of time, we will get all these things together and make Castle Point a better place to live. It is an on-going issue for the betterment of the borough."

Mr Goldsworthy said the council was keeping a close eye on all housing estates in the borough - not just the Avenues.

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