THE re-opening of a beloved community centre has yet again been delayed with vital gas works still incomplete.

The Laindon Community Centre, on Aston Road, has been centre of controversy among residents and councillors for months, with consistent delays to it's re-opening.

The centre has been closed since the start of the pandemic, but a crucial £1million refurbishment has kept it shut.

Following a consultation, refurbishment was preferred to demolition and a full rebuild.

Council bosses hope the centre can be open "by the end of the year", despite initially setting a September date in June.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, said: "Good progress has been made with much of the work now complete, including plastering in the foyer, creation of new toilets including compliant disabled toilets and firestopping and safety works throughout the entire building.

"The first stage of electrical works is also complete in the bar, function hall, and sports hall with new flooring and painting also underway. "Critical work to replace fire doors is due to take place soon,and we are liasing with Cadent to get the gas reconnected so we able to re-open the centre safely as soon as possible.

"The building is not safe until the gas is re-connected by Cadent, who we are constantly pushing for an early date as we to try to move this part of the project forward."

Basildon Labour previously criticised the Tories for delaying the opening from June to September.

The previous council administration had highlighted the works that needed to be carried out, but had been criticised by the Tories at the time.

The Tories then admitted the work needed to be carried out.

It's hoped the centre will re-open "as soon as possible", once the gas works are completed.

A spokesman from Cadent, said: “The gas service to the Laindon Community Centre was disconnected when the building underwent refurbishment works, which is a standard procedure.

“We are working hard to get the supply reconnected as soon as possible and have scheduled a date of November 1 to begin these works.

"We have also advised the community centre that if a reconnection slot becomes available before then we will contact them and begin works earlier”