RESIDENTS in Purfleet have reacted to multi-million pound plans to transform the town with thousands of news homes and a film and TV studio.

As reported in the Gazette last week, a deal has finally been signed by Thurrock Council and the Purfleet Centre Regeneration group that will eventually see the creation of the studios, as well as 2,500 homes,anew primary school and health centre in the town.

The regeneration of the town centre will also see the removal of the troublesome level crossing and a new railway station.

John Rowles, 68, chairman of the Purfleet Community Forum, said: “I am absolutely jubilant about the news.

“It’s got to happen now because they’ve signed on the dotted line.

“I think there’samixed view because the problem is we have been promised this regeneration and it’s never happened. In Purfleet we have had many consultations, so in the end people turn round and say nothing ever happens.”

He added: “I feel thistime is different. But we also have got to make sure we get what we have been promised – that we do get the town centre and infrastructure, and we get it first.”

Keith Yianni, 52, of Riverview Flats, said: “Purfleet isn’t too bad an area, but anything that brings fresh blood into the area is welcome.”