CAMPAIGNERS have been given a three-month deadline to set up a plan to run Hadleigh’s former fire station and prevent its closure. 

The fire station closed in 2009, before being converted into an artist and studio space.

It has been run by arts organisations ACAVA, who lease the building from Essex County Council, however the group has said it has been unable to renegotiate the lease and will be forced to close on March 20.

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As a result, the Friends of Hadleigh Old Fire Station community group was formed and a petition to save the fire station received 500 signatures in just three days. 

Now, Essex County Council has agreed to “let the artists and community stay in Hadleigh Old Fire Station while a proposal is put together by the community to run it”.

Simon Cox, one of the members of Friends of Hadleigh Old Fire Station, said: “Hadleigh Old Fire Station had a very positive meeting with Essex County Council and would like to thank them for a very progressive discussion.

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“It is good to know that Essex County Council share both ours and the local community’s express desire to maintain Hadleigh Old Fire Station as both a hub for creative and artistic excellence and also offer a unique space to the community that supports all types of interest groups.

“Discussions are ongoing with Essex County Council and work has been progressing steadily over the past few weeks and will continue in order to form a not-for-profit entity to ensure that the community group maintains its presence within the local community.”

Jacqui Thornton, Conservative councillor responsible for the St James’ ward who helped set up the meeting, added: “It was a very good meeting and I am pleased we have found a way forward. It will take a lot of work but we have a local group set up full of dedicated people that I know will make a success of it for the Hadleigh community”.

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, added said: “As a result of the work put in by these community groups, Essex County Council have agreed to allow the artists and groups who use the Hadleigh Old Fire Station to stay for three months while they can set up a legal entity to manage the building.”

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “Essex County Council is aware of community concerns surrounding the Old Fire Station building in Hadleigh and with stakeholders and partners we have been working to secure a way forward for the building.

“We are pleased to confirm the community groups which use the hall will have the opportunity to remain in the premises when ACAVA withdraws from the contract in March.”