I AM replying to the letter that was published in the Echo on Friday written by former councillor Vic York.

The council will not be knocking down the Laindon Community Centre to build a housing estate on as he falsely and without any evidence suggests.

As soon as the Government’s rules about ventilation of buildings during the Covid-19 pandemic are relaxed or dropped, the Laindon Community Centre will re-open to the public again.

Many pensioners in Laindon and Langdon Hills rely on the services provided by the activity club at the Laindon Community Centre.

I hope that Mr York will now do the right thing and withdraw his false allegation about the council seeking to turn the Laindon Community Centre into a housing estate.

KERRY SMITH

Deputy leader for Basildon Council

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