LEIGH fishermen are hoping to create a new community centre aimed at promoting the unique trade in the town centre.

Southend Council’s Department of Place wants to transform the council-owned outbuilding in the Leigh Library Garden, in Broadway West, into a community room.

It would be used primarily by the North Thames Fisheries Local Action Group (NTFLAG).

The single story building, which could be accessed via Leigh Broadway and enjoys views over the Thames Estuary, has been selected as ideally situated between the town and the historic fishing village.

It is hoped that a potential small scale development could provide a space for the Leigh port industry and fisheries to put on promotions, events, demonstrations, and meetings, in collaboration with Southend Council, Leigh Town Council, Leigh Port Partnership, Port of London Authority, and Southend Association of Voluntary Services.

Giles Tofield, director of Cultural Engine community interest company, which has been assisting the organisations, said: “We really are in the very first stages of this project, but if this was to go ahead I think it would make the most of a really unique location and community asset.

“It’s all about encouraging a sustainable industry at the port.

“We are trying to promote the fishing communities to both the town’s residents and visitors because they are a vital element of the town and unique to the North Thames.”

The NTFLAG is a three year program, funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund from 2017 to 2020.

It is hoped that securing this building for the group will secure its future in the longer term.

Leigh ward Councillor Peter Wexham welcomed the application.

He said: “My hope is that, if the project were approved, it would help redevelop the relationship between the town and the historic fishing industry.

“The port community is essential to Leigh and I think a new facility could effectively promote the industry, establish a meeting space, and provide valuable training opportunities.”