RESIDENTS have said they would rather see a “Chelmsford or Billericay” over a “Romford or Basildon” in any new development that’s built on the William Hunter Way site.

Brentwood Council had nearly 6,000 responses to its consultation asking what people in the borough want on the site.

An overwhelming majority said they wanted the original plan of a cinema to be revisited.

Also high on the list was cheap parking and quality shops such as Waitrose.

Concerns were raised in the consultation over possible antisocial behaviour on a new site, that could comprise of a cinema and drinking establishments.

Brentwood First councillor Russell Quirk, who was chairing a meeting of the William Hunter Way working group, said: “We’re not talking about bars or nightclubs. This is a cinema.

“When I go to the Festival Leisure Park, in Basildon, I don’t tend to see lots of people hanging around waiting to cause trouble.”

Labour councillor Mike Le Surf said: “What we want and should provide is a unique offer for Brentwood.”

The consultation showed a large portion of those who live close to the site don’t want a cinema there.

Tory councillor Chris Hossack said: “I don’t think town centre residents can hold the town to ransom by not having a cinema.”

Recommendations for the site are due to be considered at the full meeting of Brentwood Council next month.