A COMMUNITY centre won’t be completely flattened and replaced if residents can take over the building and manage the day-to-day operations successfully.
The Paddocks on Canvey has been at the centre of a demolition row for years, with residents campaigning against plans to flatten the hall, on Long Road, and replace it, as part of a £3.28million project.
Castle Point Council continues to design plans for a new community centre, which could feature a large hall containing seating for 300 people and a stage, but residents are now set to be given the keys to the current building.
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The Friends of the Paddocks group are in talks with council chiefs to take over the operation and maintenance of the site.
Andrew Sheldon, leader of the council, has now promised the group if they can make a success of the centre, they will be leased the building and plans for a new hall will be scrapped.
He said: “It’s clear that the Paddocks Hall holds a very special place in the hearts of many on the island.
“If the new committee can prove they can make it work then I am going to make sure they get that opportunity.
“And trust me, if anyone on Canvey can get it organised and done its these four people and good luck to anyone standing in their way.”
The new centre would also be used for badminton and bowls, alongside two smaller meeting rooms on the ground floor.
Sandra Durrant, who runs the Phoenix Club that regularly uses the hall, said: “I am very pleased that the council is working with us to look at this, but it will not be an easy task.
“We are going to need the whole island to band together to give this a good go and everyone pitching in.”
Sid Cope, who runs the Canvey Action Group, said: “I am pleased the new leader is willing to listen to the people of Canvey on this.
“I spoke to him about it soon after he took office and he has followed through with it.
“We have got big plans for the paddocks and there are lots of volunteers willing to do the work.”
Sandra and Sid will be joined by Owen Cartey and Brenda Darlington in running the Paddocks.
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