THE Thames-side community of Purfleet could be about to get a new name more clearly identifying it with the river.

The town's community forum, which itself is known as Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum, has been calling for the town to be officially renamed as Purfleet-on-Thames. Last year a petition was submitted to the council with 611 signatures supporting the move and that prompted to council to launch an official consultation.

Out of a population in Purfleet of around 12,000 people, 185 people responded, with 84 per cent of them in favour.

Next week, at Thurrock Council's full meeting, councillors will vote on the name change.

West Thurrock councillor Victoria Holloway, whose ward includes Purfleet, said people want the town renamed as part of wider regeneration plans.

Purfleet is set for a major regeneration project which, if completed, will see 2,850 new homes built. Cllr Holloway says: "There is a strong sense that people want it changed as part of the regeneration.

"People feel really passionate about the town and its history and they want to take advantage of its position on the Thames.

"They also want to see the Thames used more and for it to be a strategic part of the redevelopment.

"I think there is no harm in supporting what the residents want, there is logic to their idea.

"Other areas have taken advantage of being on the river and I think we should too."

In its presentation to councillors, the authority says: "The majority of the respondents were positive about changing the name to celebrate the history of the area, formally recognise the link with the river Thames, help promote the planned regeneration activity, reflect the new aspirations of the people and place, and to support raising the profile of Purfleet.

"Respondents who did not support the change were mostly concerned about the cost and that it was unlikely to make a material difference to the area."

The documents go on to say costs 'would not be significant' but there will be some associated with changes to road signs.

Initially entry signs into the town would be changed at the earliest opportunity, while the rest of the signs would be changed when the regeneration work gets underway.