CAMPAIGNERS are stepping up their fight against controversial plans for Rayleigh’s Mill Hall, insisting they would have no benefit to residents.

The Mill Hall Arts and Leisure centre has been closed since the autumn and is set to be demolished with a new, smaller community centre built on the site. 

Following an online meeting, residents raised concerns that plans are being pushed through during the pandemic without people being able to have their say. 

However, Rochford District Council leader, Tory councillor Simon Wootton, rubbished the claims, insisting the online meeting showed residents can submit views despite the challenges of Covid-19. 

Paul Dunt, who shared his views the meeting, said: “It’s hard to see how this scheme has any benefit at all for the people of Rayleigh.

“What’s even worse is that this entire process is being conducted – and even accelerated – during an unprecedented global health emergency when people can’t attend face to face public meetings and the majority of residents are distracted by greater priorities like keeping their families safe.”

Initially, the council had aimed for a new centre to open in the summer of 2023, but this has been brought forward to Autumn 2022. 

Mr Dunt, 56, from Hockley, added: “To press ahead now is at best insensitive and at worst clearly calculated to shut people out of the democratic process.”

Lib Dem councillor James Newport, who represents Downhall and Rawreth, also called for plans to be halted and a formal public consultation to be held.

Mr Wootton insisted there are a host of positives and the project will save the council up to £300,000 a year. 

He added: “It is absolute rubbish this project has been rushed though.

“In my opinion the pandemic is being used as an excuse to stop the programme. 

“The irony is that holding things like the meeting online and using tech throughout the pandemic means many more questions can be raised and addressed virtually than they would if you met in a hall.”