POLICE were called in as banner-waving protesters joined together in solidarity over fears for the future of Leigh’s treasured community centre.

Dozens of campaigners gathered outside Leigh Community Centre, in Elm Road, to voice fears it could shut down and to demand an end to the “partisan” town council administration.

Their worries stemmed from a rumour that “all Leigh Town Council’s staff had been suspended” but senior town councillors have vehemently denied plans to close the centre and stressed “the majority” of council staff are still working.

The concern comes after town clerk Helen Symmons was suspended while an internal investigation took place.

Echo: United - Councillors Aston Line and Carole Mulroney supported protestors, including organiser Jean de Tourtoulon (in green).United - Councillors Aston Line and Carole Mulroney supported protestors, including organiser Jean de Tourtoulon (in green). (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Five police cars arrived amid concerns protesters were “blocking access to disabled parking spaces” outside the centre.

Among those demonstrating was Ami Hawthorn, who fears losing her livelihood if the centre closes. She has run children’s music group Quackers at the centre for the last 11 years.

Echo: Livelihood - Phoebe Stallan and Ami Hawthorn run businesses at the centre.Livelihood - Phoebe Stallan and Ami Hawthorn run businesses at the centre. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

She said: “If this place shuts, my business is finished, along with many others.

“It’s a real concern. We’ve got families to feed and mortgages to pay.”

Leigh town councillor and Lib Dem Southend councillor Carole Mulroney said: “What’s going on is just not right.

“This is our community centre. They’re undermining a Leigh institution.”

Echo: 'An institution' - Councillor Carole Mulroney claims the centre has been 'undermined'.'An institution' - Councillor Carole Mulroney claims the centre has been 'undermined'. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Lib Dem candidate Jean de Tourtoulon founded the “Looking After Leigh-on-Sea” Facebook group, which has nearly 1,000 members, in response to her concerns over the town council. She helped organise the protest.

Echo: A-political - former town council chairman Valerie Morgan says the council should run 'purely for residents'.A-political - former town council chairman Valerie Morgan says the council should run 'purely for residents'. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

She said: “All we’re trying to do is save our town council. We won’t give up. Actions speak louder than words.”

Echo: Standing firm - town council chairman Bernard Arscott has vowed there are no plans to close the centre.Standing firm - town council chairman Bernard Arscott has vowed there are no plans to close the centre. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Tory town council chairman Bernard Arscott denied rumours “all staff” had been suspended and that the centre was under threat.

Mr Arscott said: “The majority of staff are in work today and the community centre remains open.

“We’re disappointed that confidential data has been so carelessly handled.

“If certain councillors’ comments breach the code of conduct and make the council legally liable, we will not shirk from taking financial recovery of taxpayers’ money.”

Deputy council chairman Sandra McCurdy added: “Any councillor who has commented on these matters publicly is misinformed and required not to disclose any information they may have come by.”

Echo: Intervention - police were called to the protest.Intervention - police were called to the protest. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

However, while the budget expected income for the centre in the 2023/24 financial year was £130,000, income sat at around £90,000 as of February 20.

Despite that, there are “no plans” to close the centre or change services.

Instead, Mr Arscott said: “We’re looking at ways to enhance the centre by bringing more services in. We want to ensure the maximum footfall.”