THE tide is slowly turning for Shoebury as the town's garrison development nears completion.

Since 2000, developer Gladedale Homes has been transforming the garrison into a bustling community, complete with its own cricket square.

Just 20 of the 355 homes, which come with a price tag of up to £500,000, remain unoccupied. Four are currently being built at the latest phase of development called Gunners Rise.

Gladedale, which will be developing the complex for another two years, des-cribes the garrison as a "retreat to escape the traffic and the hustle, bustle and everyday stresses of work".

For the people who have bought a slice of the walled-in action, has life lived up to that? Former Southend mayoress Verina Weaver is a resident and she loves it.

From her study overlooking the cricket square, she said: "The sun is shining and it is an idyllic setting.

"The refurbishment of the listed buildings has been extremely successful, putting life back into this historic site. The new properties have slotted in well, enhancing the original buildings."

Residents outside the base have watched with intrigue at the restoration work.

However, retired Tony Fisk, 77, of Burges Road, Thorpe Bay, said the garrison looked good, but lacked atmosphere.

He said: "They have done a good job on the restoration work. I have looked at houses there, but they are expensive. It looks a bit barren."

Not all feel the garrison has made a difference to life in Shoebury.

Mum Frances Sadowy, 46, of Rackenford, Shoebury, remembers the town as a 16-year-old bustling with people and squaddies.

She said: "You hardly see anyone around these days. Even with the houses I don't think the streets are the same now."

Businesses on the outskirts of the garrison are mixed over whether the development has boosted trade.

Jackie Palmer, 42, office manager at plumbing store ATS Services, said some days were so quiet it was as if nothing was there. She added: "I guess they are professionals and are at work when we are open. I haven't noticed any difference."

The residents may have gone amiss, but their children have been noticed.

Dance tutor Lynsey Hay from Shoebury Dance Centre, Shoebury High Street, said numbers have swelled since the garrison opened.

She said: "We have definitely had more children join up."

But it has been a different story for the forlorn industrial units at the edge of the development. The only activity there has been weeds pushing through the car park and vandals smashing windows.

Marketing agents Glenny, based in Basildon, refused to comment about the units.

Some residents fear businesses will fail to turn up because of the problems driving to Shoebury.

John Budge from the Shoebury Residents' Association, said: "As a society we are concerned businesses will be affected. The traffic in and out of Shoebury has been getting worse and worse every month."