A petition with more than 3,000 signatures calling for a town council to be abolished has been thrown out after concerns were raised about its validity after “a virus of misinformation.”

Castle Point Council was asked to carry out a referendum to abolish Canvey Town Council and back calls in the petition for a vote of no confidence in the town council.

At a meeting on October 9, the borough council said it was not responsible for the town council and that the petition does not meet the threshold for a valid community governance petition needed to instigate a review of the town council.

Councillors raised concerns about the purpose of the petition after there was discussion on the streets about it being to save Canvey Lake.

Carol Sach, Canvey Island Independent Party councillor for Canvey East, said: “I do have to question this because I was down the town with councillor Huntsman. We were having a conversation, and the woman doing the petition was shouting out Save Canvey Lake, not get rid of the town council.”

Jamie Huntman, Canvey Island Independent Party councillor for Canvey Central Ward, added: “We’ve seen with recent events nationally a virus engulf our country, not least on social media but also our mainstream media, and that’s a virus of misinformation. I am sad to say it’s not spread locally by those with an agenda, which some may say is not entirely transparent. Having read the report it seems apparent this petition may not be entirely as it seems, I don’t discount some have genuine concerns I’m involved here in the hope of serving the community, to my best ability with the experience I’ve learnt building a business.

“As far as the town council is concerned, it’s always had widespread support from those of all political persuasions. Even though we may disagree with many matters on politics, Canvey Town Council, which does so much good work locally and gives us on the island a good degree of autonomy, has risen above this, but if guilty of anything, it is that it should be more vocal in countering inaccuracy. I have no doubt in its ability with its gold standard award. Long may it continue.”

John Knott, People’s Independent Party councillor for St Michael’s Ward, told the meeting: “Looking at the report, it appears to me that the petition had multiple entries signed by one person and entries without signature, so notwithstanding everything we’ve heard for this council to consider this petition I think would be improper baring in mind it lacks credibility.”