RESIDENTS have launched a petition to support a £45million retail and leisure park.

Joan Cooper of Minerva Close in Dovercourt has set up a petition in support of the Harwich valley plans, which would see 250 homes, warehouses, shops, cafes and restaurants including a drive-thru as well as a multiplex cinema, a 63-bed hotel and pub on land between the A120 and Main Road in Dovercourt.

“We want something here for the children, and jobs for the young people,” she said.

“I’m taking my petition to pubs, houses, and the clinic - we need to support this.”