LOCAL democracy took a step forward in Canvey with the opening of the island's new town council offices.

Islanders now have somewhere to air their views and put forward ideas to improve the town with the opening of the facility.

As the sun beat down, shoppers joined dignitaries including Castle Point mayor Beverley Egan and Ray Howard, Tory councillor for Canvey West, as they cut the ribbon to signal the official opening.

Balloons were also released into the sky to mark the occasion.

The offices in the High Street, opposite the Knightswick Centre, are the first official home of Canvey Island Town Council, which was formed last May as an extra tier of local government under Castle Point Council.

They will house the council's full-time clerk, as well as councillors' surgeries.

It is also hope they will also be used by police and representatives of Castle Point borough council in the future to meet with residents.

Mrs Egan said: "It's very important for areas in Castle Point, like Canvey, Thundersley and Hadleigh, to retain their identity and this will help that happen.

"Having the town centre office means people can come and express their views to their town councillors.

"This is very much about engaging with the public and finding out what they want for the area."

Town council clerk Julie Abel added: "I'm really excited about the opening of the office and I look forward to meeting with the local people and receiving their comments to see what they want done in Canvey.

"We will be looking for projects we can do in Canvey to improve the quality of life for the community."

The town council has limited powers, but has responsibility for planting, community halls and children's playgrounds.