Emotions ran high as protesters fighting plans for a controversial new leisure centre in Thundersley clashed with supporters.

Demonstrators were at the site in Rayleigh Road to protest against action by Virgin Active to destroy three badger setts on the land.

Tempers flared as several residents living nearby turned out to show support for the proposed state-of-the-art complex.

Arguments erupted between the two sides as the demonstration became heated.

Castle Point MP Christine Butler and councillors Bill Scott and Paul Fisher joined protesters hoping to stop the destruction of the holes.

Placards were waved as campaigners gathered by the road in front of the land.

Police were called to the scene after workers refused to show their licence, granted by English Nature, to Mr Scott.

After inspecting the licence, the officers left and contractors carried on with the demolition work.

Frances Birch of The Canters, said: "There are badgers on the site and it is an awful thing for Virgin to do. There was one killed on the road here not so long ago.

"How would you like to be living in your home and then not allowed back when you go out?

"Badgers are territorial animals and this is just giving them a death sentence. It is just so wrong."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, of Rayleigh Road, said: "It is sad that Virgin has done this ahead of the official planning decision. They have got rid of the badgers which was half the battle."

A resident of nearby Prittle Close said: "I feel the whole thing is being bulldozed through. The way Virgin has gone about it is extremely underhand.

"It is using old planning permission from 1988 to push through what it needs prior to the possibility of Environment Secretary John Prescott granting a public inquiry.

"Virgin has not got the courage to actually wait for the government's decision to come through."

Another resident of The Canters, said: "I am more concerned about human life. Everyone knows this road has got a bad accident record."

A spokesman for Virgin said: "We can confirm that the holes at the site were legally closed, under the supervision of Dr Julian Brown who was present with the licence granted by English Nature.

"Virgin Active adhered to all the correct legal procedures when applying for the licence from English Nature and ensured it was aware of the site's planning history."

The final decision now lies in the hands of Mr Prescott and is expected to be made early next year.

Virgin territory - protesters make their voices heard

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

'We're behind scheme'

Residents in favour of the proposed leisure development battled with the throng of objectors to voice their support for the scheme.

Several people braved the cold weather to add their views to the controversial debate.

Jane Chapman, 33, of Queensmere, Thundersley, said: "I was born around here and have lived here all my life. I am just so pleased that Virgin is doing something in Thundersley.

"There is nowhere for the children to go and this will be a family centre which we can all use.

"If we want to use any sports or leisure facilities we have to go to Canvey or Southend.

"I think the badger issue is just an excuse for these people to protest.

"I used to go to the Deanes school and walk through the site and I have never seen a badger around there."

Another nearby resident, Ellen Rowley, 59, of The Rundles, said: "Virgin said they would put a crossing in on the road if they get the planning permission. That has got to be a great help.

"I am all for the complex. It might keep youngsters out of the pubs.

"There is nothing for them to do around here. At least this will give them somewhere to go."

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