Proposals to formally rename Purfleet as Purfleet-on-Thames are being put to the public.

The online consultation, which will run for 12 weeks from Monday, 22 July to Sunday, 13 October, offers everyone an opportunity to give their views about the proposed name change. 

Businesses, community groups and residents will all be engaged throughout the process, and posters promoting the plans will be displayed in Purfleet Community Hub, local bus stops and by local organisations.

The survey is the result of a residents’ petition that included 611 signatures and was presented to Full Council on Wednesday, 30 January 2019.

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are committed to engaging with our residents and this includes listening to their views on the matters that are important to them in their local area.

“Renaming Purfleet is something we have been told many people living in the town would like to see happen, and we are launching this consultation to get a wider view on their bid to mark an exciting new era for Purfleet.

“With outline planning permission approved in April for Purfleet Centre Regeneration Limited’s proposals to transform predominately brownfield sites in Purfleet into a thriving new community, including a new town centre, shops and restaurants, a media village, significant infrastructure improvements and 2,850 new homes, now seems a perfect time to consider this.

“I would urge all residents, local businesses and community groups to think about this proposal and fill in the online consultation.”

Government legislation allows local authorities to amend a town name if it is considered to promote or improve the economic well-being of a particular area.

Thurrock Council will seek to propose a final decision on behalf of the community regarding the name change once the consultation process has ended.

To take part in the consultation, visit http://consult.thurrock.gov.uk from Monday.