A COMMUNITY hall threatened with demolition has re-opened after the success of a campaign to save it.

The site of Laindon’s Paddocks Community Hall, on Pound Lane Recreation Ground, was due to redeveloped with homes.

Residents pushed for the building to stay and after a £25,000 renovation, it has now re-opened .

Repairs included a complete overhaul of the kitchen, fixing the roof, a new boiler, new baby changing rooms, and improved security.

It is hoped the rejuvenated hall will be busy, with a regular playgroup, coffee mornings for older residents and party, wedding and anniversary bookings.

A new community association has been set up by the Rev Diane Ricketts, vicar of St Nicholas Church, Laindon, who led the campaign to save the hall.

Volunteers from the association officially took over responsibility for the site on Saturday, and are hoping the hall will be granted charitable status.

Valerie Kingsley, a member of the Paddocks Community Association, said: “It’s absolutely wonderful the hall is now finally being opened.

“It has been a long process, and a real struggle at times, but everyone has really pulled together to make this happen.

“It is extremely important for us to try to preserve community halls like this one.

“We are so thankful to Basildon Council for choosing not to knock it down, but instead, to fund its refurbishment. We have a good team behind us and hope that the community will help support the project.”

The council had planned to sell the site and other community assets, to help fund its £38million Sporting Village, in Gloucester Park.

Campaigners opposed the sale of the hall, its car park and playground, and as a result, a planning application to build 23 new homes was eventually withdrawn. Community association members are particularly keen to get a youth group running at the hall, to help reduce antisocial behaviour.

Frank Tomlin, Basildon councillor responsible for housing, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to bits we have been able to bring the hall back to a good condition.

“I’m so pleased this group of people came forward and were willing to put in so much time and effort to keep the place alive.

“It is so important residents can come together in facilities such as this one, and I have every confidence the association will make it a great success.”

l Residents are invited to visit the hall from 11am on Saturday, March 31, to see how much it has been improved and find out how to get involved in the community association.