Canvey backlash as island’s branded one of UK’s chav hotspots

Canvey has been rated as one of the worst places to live in the country in an article on the website www.chavtowns.co.uk The post, which has been shared on social media websites Facebook and Twitter 195 times, said: “The shopping centre in the middle of town, is now all but deserted and draws gangs of roaming chavs like moths to a flame.

“There are typically huge car parks on which a dozen or so Novas andoldEscorts race in the Canvey Grand Prix, much to the terror of genuine punters and their vehicles.

“There is a genuine air of depression and dinginess on Canvey, which I can only say must contribute an awful lot to the state of the people there.”

The writer, who is anonymous, describes the beach as: “About 4ft of stones and shells, with no sand to be seen, behind which is a 50ft concrete sea wall.

“In front, is the brown, stinking sea filled with shopping trolleys, used condoms, needles, sewage and all manner of nasty things lurking just beneath the surface.Agreat place to take your kids – if you hate them.”

However islanders have defended their home, describing the comments as “unfair”.

Councillor Janice Payne, who runs a stall at the Knightswick Centre, said: “It is totally unfair to say there are crowds of chavs in the shopping centre. There are just normal, everyday people here going about their business.

“I have lived on the island for about 20 years and I think there is a fantastic community feel.

“That was demonstrated by the recent floods when everyone pulled together to help one another.

“I think every place has its problems. Canvey is no worse than anywhere else.”

Janet Penn, from the Canvey Community Archive added: “I have been here since 1976 and I like it here.Icame from London and would say that’s the worst place to live.

“I think because Canvey is an islandand, until the Thirties was cut off from the mainland, there is a huge community feel.”

The Echo contacted the owner of the website, however they did not respond.