"Save our hall"

CRUNCH talks are set to determine the future of the Roding Centre, Buckhurst Hill, tonight when councillors meet to discuss the possible purchase of the premises by the parish council.

The asking price for the Loughton Way centre is £275,000.

Parish council chairman Malcolm Woollard said: "We will have our problems but this has always been regarded by the local community as their hall. I believe we have a moral duty to buy it."

The centre's future has hung in the balance since Essex County Council decided it was surplus to requirements in November 2003. The hall was used by the county council as part of its youth service but is also home to various other community groups.

Estimates suggest about 2,000 people use the place, including disabled and mother and toddler groups. These would be made homeless with its closure.

Following a public outcry campaigners were given 12 months grace from last September to put together a package to buy and manage the building.

They were originally quoted £600,000 for the premises but as a sale between two local authorities Essex County Council has been able to reduce the price.

Mr Woollard added: "Money needs spending on it because we think the place has been neglected. I would even go as far as to say it has been allowed to run down. There is still a great demand for this and we have a great many users, and many more showing interest. There are groups that have been there a long time and we would like to be able to take care of them."

The centre, built in 1933, is the subject of various covenants which restrict its use to community activities, including a drill hall, for youth activities or as a dance hall or place of worship.

At tonight's meeting the covenants will be discussed and a sub-committee is expected to be established to conduct negotiations.

Any final deal will be done with the parish council.