Optimistic residents are backing a radical 20-year plan to transform Pitsea.

The prosposals will see around 350 new homes, as well as shops, restaurants, a revamped sports centre and a revamped swimming pool.

There would also be improved access to the Tesco store and the railway station.

Michael Crone, from Ryedene, Vange, said: "It's a good idea and long overdue. Pitsea has to be developed into a town centre with nightlife instead of it suffering graffiti and vandalism."

Adam Keating, spokesman for Basildon Renaissance, a council group, said plans could include a new walkway between the leisure centre and swimming pool and even a hotel for people visiting Wat Tyler country park.

He added: "Basildon's redevelopment will cost £1billion and Wickford's about £120 million. This will cost under £100 million. We expect a lot of developers will want to get involved."

Basildon's Labour MP Angela Smith said: "There are lots of ideas and it's important there is as much public input as possible.

"I first came to Pitsea when I was ten and the town has seen a lot of changes since then, some of which haven't pleased residents at all. It is important to give residents a say."

The interest in the public exhibition at the Pitsea leisure centre has accelarated since last week's shaky start.

On the first night, consultants hired by Basildon Council to develop the Pitsea Masterplan, were sent home early because hardly anyone showed up.

However, visitor numbers have swelled with many residents leaving Post-it notes on a board with their ideas.

One suggested moving the war memorial, from nearby Howard's Park to the town centre, making it a new landmark for the town.

Kevin Blake, Tory councillor for Burstead, said: "It's a fantastic idea, I would push for that.

"The memorial is now out of the way and it would be fantastic to have it moved to the centre."

The exhibition continues at the centre, in Northlands Pavement, tomorrow, Thursday and Saturday.

The plans can also be viewed at the planning desk in the Basildon Centre.