Community centre to be demolished for housing
Echo, 26 October 2009, Paul Offord

Council to sell off site despite pleas from residents who funded repairs

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Leader: Scheme will help to revive shops
BASILDON Council leader Tony Ball claimed the hall was too run down to remain in use.
   Mr Ball admitted it will not be replaced in response to questions posed by the Wickford Action Group at the most recent full council meeting.
   He said: "The community hall is in a dilapidated state and would require substantial investment.
   "A community assessment was carried out and found the centre was poorly utilised and had no long-term useful purpose.
   "We are committed to working with the community clubs to find alternative accommodation to ensure their activities can continue without disruption once the centre closes.
   "This is a regeneration scheme. It will improve the appearance and the surroundings of Nevendon Road for the residents and shoppers."
   He added it was "very important" to keep the shopping facilities in Nevendon Road.
   He said: "They are a boon to the local people who live there, and we do not want to lose them.  I have met the shopkeepers and I have assured them of our intentions.
   "In fact, the proposals we are considering at the moment will modernise the parade and enhance the shopping experience for the locals."
   Alan Ball, chairman of the Wickford Action Group, handed in a petition of 1,344 names against the plans last December.
   He said: "I call on the council to reconsider and consult local residents before making a decision.
   "Come and see the hall and the groups that use it."
   The council leader agreed to meet hall users and promised a public consultation when firmer plans were drawn up

WHAT THE PUBLIC SAY

John Patel, 57, of London Road, Wickford, said:
   "It's a shame it's going to be shut down. The judo and jujitsu keeps the local lads occupied. It's good for them to have a discipline. I think the youngsters are much better behaved around here. They are kept occupied a lot of the time in the hall."
Michael Stoker, 50, of Nevendon Road, said:
   "I can see both sides. People need new homes and there's an argument for building them. It's a shame if residents have paid to have the windows and roof repaired. It would be good if the people who run it sat with the council and an adjudicator and worked out if there was anywhere else the hall could move to."
Chloe Thomas, four, of Nevendon Road, said:
   "I go to ballet at the hall and I really like it there. "I have learned a lot since I've been there and have even been in dance competitions. It would make me sad if I had to stop going."
Craig Livermore, 35, of Stevenson Way, said:
   "I think it's really out of order the hall is closing. What else are the kids supposed to do | around here? "My daughter learned to dance in the hall. She has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it really helped calm her down. Whenever she felt she needed to channel her energy, she used to dance.".