FURIOUS residents in Basildon claim they have been "let down" by delays on a major redevelopment.

Sanctuary Housing says it has made "significant progress" with the Laindon Centre regeneration but residents claim there's been a lack of work and staff on the site.

The plans for the site, off High Road, Laindon, include more than 205 new homes, a new Lidl, 15 shops, an option for an improved medical centre, and a Sanctuary office. There will also be new public open spaces with a new location for the Laindon War Memorial.

Patricia Smith, 69, said: "I think it's a total eyesore. I think it is bringing down the area and makes the wider town look run down. It feels like we've been let down. It's a shame and we deserve homes, shops and other services. As it's such a prominent site, it's even more important we see this developed and completed. It's been going on far too long and it looks like nothing is being done."

Stuart Wright, 35, said: "I have not seen any work or workers there. It feels like silence from Sanctuary about it as we are not being updated. Everyone is annoyed and angry about it. We all deserve so much more, it looks awful and we have to live with this on our doorstep. I really hope we see some serious progress soon. I also want to be kept updated and informed about exactly what is going on."

Gavin Tindell, 70, added: "It feels like it's never going to happen. People are going out of town for shops, businesses and services. We had a great and well known shopping centre and now we have a rubble pit.

"It's like a can being kicked down the road and delayed repeatedly. There are no updates or information from Sanctuary. It's really not good enough and we are so fed up."

A spokesman for Sanctuary said: "In line with the programme timeline outlined in our consultation with stakeholders and the local community, we have made significant progress with the Laindon regeneration after taking on this complex project following our rescue of Swan Housing.

"Highways work, which has cost several million pounds, is almost finished and the construction of the new Lidl store – which is due for completion in Spring 2026 – has already started. We will also complete the demolition of the old office block by the end of November.

"We can reassure the people of Laindon that we understand how important this project is and while we continue to face challenges, we are pleased with the progress we have made and remain absolutely committed to delivering a development that the local community can be proud of."