CASTLE Point Conser-vatives are aiming to trounce Canvey Inde-pendent Party in next week's local election.

The borough's Tories are still reeling after the defection of their MP following months of wrangling between him and the local Conservative association.

On Tuesday, Castle Point MP Bob Spink announced he was joining the UK Independence Party.

But Conservative councillors are confident they can put their troubles behind them and make some gains in the May 1 election.

Speaking shortly after Dr Spink's announcement, Tory council leader Pam Challis said: "I know what happened came as no surprise to a lot of us.

"It has been mooted in the press for a year. It was pretty obvious.

"Since he had the rug pulled from under him it was natural he would be looking for somewhere to hang his hat."

Mrs Challis said she believed improvements delivered by the council would be recognised by voters. She added: "We are working very hard to win seats back on Canvey. That is our aim and we are feeling quite confident.

"Canvey Independent Party and Canvey Town Council have not really delivered anything for local residents, whereas the borough council has and we are reminding people of that.

"We have delivered on playgrounds and regeneration of the seafront. Even though some see the Roscommon Way extension as a waste of money, I am confident that will improve traffic problems and help businesses on the island."

Canvey Independent Party has 15 out of the 17 available seats on the island, with just Tony Belford and Ray Howard clinging on as the two remaining Tory councillors.

But five independents - John Anderson, Anne and Brian Wood, Martin Tucker and Barry Dixie - are up for re-election Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said he believed islanders were ready to back the party again.

He said: "It will be a hard-fought election but we are confident the other two political parties are not going to improve Canvey without us as a strong opposition to make them do it.

"We have worked extremely hard for the people of Canvey and I hope they will continue to support us."

The jailing of Conservatives Kate and Alan Meager for benefit fraud in March let in the borough's only Labour councillor, Brian Wilson, at a by-election for their St Mary's ward seats.

His party is fielding candidates in every ward and Mr Wilson hopes he will not be alone after May 1. Mr Wilson said: "It has certainly been a lonely job.

I am hoping to get three or four more colleagues. That's what we are aiming for but it's in the lap of the gods.

"We have been working hard delivering leaflets and telephone canvassing so we are hopeful residents will support us."

Among the other parties, the BNP has put forward three candidates in Canvey North, Canvey South and St Mary's wards.

The Green Party is fielding candidates in Victoria, St Peter's and St James wards.

There will be no elections in Canvey West ward this year as there are only two councillors - Ray Howard and Tony Belford representing the ward, rather than the usual three. Voters in the ward will not get the chance to elect a councillor this year.

There will also be a by-election in Canvey South ward to determine who will take over from Natalie Derby, Canvey Independent Party councillor, who stood down in March due to ill health.

In St George's ward, Clive Walter is the new Conservative candidate, hoping to take over from Elizabeth Govier, who is stepping down.

Deputy council leader Jeffery Stanley is also up for re-election in Boyce ward. There is one UKIP candidate in the borough: Ron Hurrell standing in Boyce ward.

Has your polling station moved?

RESIDENTS are being urged to make their voices heard and use their vote in next week's local elections.

Voters in two of Castle Point's wards are also being reminded that the polling stations have moved.

In Winter Gardens, Canvey, those living north of Sommes Avenue will now have to go to Castle View School to cast their vote.

For people living in the Appleton ward, there will be a new polling station at Holy Family Church hall, High Road, Benfleet, for those who usually vote at Jotmans Primary School.

Castle Point Council's chief executive David Marchant said: "We don't change polling stations unless it is really necessary and improves the process. As always, we are encouraging residents to use their votes.

"The council has an influence on people's lives over a whole range of issues and this is their opportunity to change things."