LAINDON will get a new health centre if multi-million pound plans to redevelop the shopping centre are approved.

Developer Collonade has started to demolish the ailing centre and hopes the landmark Clock House building will be replaced with a medical centre.

Yesterday, the clock face and its two bells, which has graced the 1960s building since it opened, were removed for safe storage at Wat Tyler Country Park.

The ceremony to mark the start of the work was attended by Sandra Hillier, Basildon Council vice-chairman, and John Naylor, Collonade project manager.

He said: "What we are doing today is a milestone in the regeneration of Laindon, preparing the way for long-term phased development.

"It will provide a great many benefits to the community and put Laindon on the map."

Mr Naylor said the demolition of the Clock House would take three months because of potential problems with shutting off energy supplies. It cannot be bulldozed because of its proximity to the rest of the shopping centre, which will remain open.

He said clearing the Clock House would make room for the nearby health centre to relocate to a larger, modern building in a later phase of the redevelopment.

The firm hopes to get planning permission by the autumn.

Phase one involves building a number of homes and a new car park.

Residents have raised fears the plans will include an eight-storey tower block.

Mr Naylor said this was still to be finalised, but said the average height of flats would be five stories.

He expects there to be about 300 homes in total.

Simon Hughes, manager Basildon Renaissance Par-tnership, said: "Today is a positive step forward and sure signs that Colonnade is committed to the redevelopment of the centre.

"We look forward to seeing Colonnade's plans developed further and more public consultation.

"We are also pleased the people of Laindon have been listened to and that the clock will be preserved.

"While we are committed to regeneration, it is important historical items such as the Laindon Clock are kept as part of the fabric and heritage of the town."