CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to step up their fight to protect Rayleigh’s landmark Mill Hall despite a setback in their efforts.

A motion by councillors Craig Cannell and Richard Lambourne was put to Rayleigh Town Council to see the arts and events centre granted community asset status.

The status would have highlighted its community value and could have helped protect it from development plans.

Rochford District Council is proposing to demolish the arts and events centre to make way for flats and a smaller hall in a project costing £1.5million.

The decision was deferred by the town council, but councillors insisted it was not a “complete no”.

John Payton, 43, chairman of the Save Mill Hall Campaign said: “Rayleigh Town Council had the perfect opportunity to consider the views of the resident. We believe deferring it just delaying it further.

“I do not think it was in the spirit of democracy and there is no reason why this status cannot be granted, it will not affect any future development.

“We expected it to at least go to a vote at the meeting and it was not a good result for Rayleigh. We are disappointed and feel the councillors should have put Rayleigh first.

“This is just the beginning and we are not going to stop campaigning or go away.

“We will keep bringing it attention and we are here to stay.”

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The motion of status was proposed by Lib Dem councillor Craig Cannell and it was seconded Rochford District Residents councillor Richard Lambourne.

Angry campaigners arrived at Monday’s meeting with placards and in fancy dress.

Residents have opposed the plans insisting the site should be refurbished instead.

Bob Milne, chairman of the town council, said it was not a refusal for the idea as a whole.

He said: “If we had gone ahead with it then it would have blocked Rochford District Council and the district council is waiting to see the results of the public consultation.

“We were concerned about the size of the hall. The deferral is an acceptance of the motion for the status and it was not a complete no which I am quite pleased about really.”