A MAJOR project to revamp a popular retirement village has been backed by residents and councillors.

Kings Park, off Creek Road, Canvey, has drawn up ambitious plans to create a communal building, which would house an indoor swimming pool, a cafe and bar area, function room and activity room.

It comes just six months after Castle Point Council gave the green light for the former Jack Rabbit bar and nightclub, which became increasingly underused by residents, to be transformed into a restaurant and cafe.

Work is also under way to create a bowling green.

Ray Howard, a veteran Tory councillor on the island, welcomed the latest scheme, which includes landscaping to the communal gardens and other outdoor areas.

He said: “I welcome these plans wholeheartedly.

“The new owners of Kings Park, who took over a few years ago now, have consulted with residents, and they are delighted with the proposals.

“It’s a very secure park. Many people I knowwho have got to a certain age and want to downsize their properties are moving to Kings Park. It’s very popular.”

Mick Rogers, 69, chairman of the residents’ social club, has lived on the site – which has 750 mobile homes – for 15 years.

He said: “I support the plans.This can only improve the park.

“There is already a lot of building work going on, and this is going to create even more, but it will make things better in the long run.

“The new owners are putting a lot of money into the park and are really trying to improve things.”

Detailed plans for the new building have not yet been released.

Kings Park, which caters for the over-fifties, was built in the 1960s.