Success: Roding Centre Saved

Liberal Democrat run Buckhurst Hill Parish Council has secured the future of the Roding Centre.

The centre came under threat when the Tory-run County Council wanted to sell the building after cutting funding.

After a public meeting in March 2004, the Parish Council and Buckhurst Hill residents vowed to buy the centre and protect services.

After years of negotiating Buckhurst Hill Parish Council has bought the freehold and the future of the centre is now secure.

Responding to the news that the Roding Centre is saved, Cllr Malcolm Woollard said: "The Roding Centre serves the community well. It provides essential services that the Liberal Democrats, Parish Council and residents joined together to save. The centre's future is now secured."

As part of the agreement between Buckhurst Hill Parish Council and Essex County Council a programme of investment will be introduced.

Work will be carried to bring the building up to current health and safety standards. These include a new fire alarm system, improvements to the electrics and the building of proper storage facilities for regular users.

Cllr Peter Spencer said "The planned work will bring improvements for all users of the Roding Centre and help ensure the building is fit for the future."