CANVEY residents have backed plans for a nature reserve and community area on the island.

The Land Restoration Trust ran workshops and consulted residents to on its plans to turn the 250-acre Canvey Wick site, next to Morrisons supermarket, into an oasis for wildlife.

The trust's development manager, Jonathan Ducker, said: "People are very positive about the plan and so far everyone is strongly in favour of ensuring the site is kept for people and nature."

It is hoped the rare wildlife at the site will be able to co-exist happily with visitors and the light industry planned for part of the area to boost jobs on the island.

There is still time for people to add their views. Information and questionnaires have been distributed in public places around Canvey, such as the library and Castle Point Council offices. More information is also available at www.landrestorationtrust.org.uk Mr Ducker added: "The more views we can get, the greater the chance of success."

The area has been hailed by Natural England as a "brownfield rainforest" and designated as a site of special scientific interest.

Surveys by conservation group Buglife show it has more wildlife per square foot than any other site in the UK and is home to many rare species of invertebrates.