ALMOST 5,000 people from Corr-ingham Stanford-le-Hope, and Fob-bing responded to a questionnaire on the East Thurrock Masterplan.

They raised concerns about new housing putting strain on existing health services and there was opposition to additional takeaways.

Most respondents would said they would prefer family housing to flats.

More than 12,000 questionnaires were dispatched by Thurrock planners, the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation - 4,793 were sent back.

The Development Corporation has received a petition from campaigners Save Corringham Green Belt signed by 2,841 people objecting to green belt development.

Terry Piccolo, chairman of the Stanford Forum, said: "The fact that so many people responded means all the Community Forums in the area can fight for what a large proportion of the residents have asked for, from a position of strength."

Proposals include developing the Shell Club playing fields, East Thurrock Football Club, land at Williamson Farm, Stanhope Industrial Estate and both Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope town centres.

Plans also include relocating Gable Hall School to Williamson Farm, creating a residential development in Baryta Close near the train station, and creating more flats in Stanford-le-Hope town centre.

For more information on the results of the consultation visit http://tinyurl.com/68ekqm