Laindon Community Centre is being secured and boarded up to ensure it is safe whilst out of use.
Basildon Council took over the running of the existing Laindon Community Centre site after the keys were handed to the council by the Laindon Community Association last month.
The council had been working with the association following the requirement for the centre to severely limit activities in line with government guidance provided in March.
Chairman of Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee Councillor David Harrison said: “Following an inspection the council has been advised by its insurers to secure the building whilst it is out of use.
“This is a much loved community asset and we want to ensure we can bring it back better than ever so we must protect it now in the intervening period. Upon inspection of the facility it has been discovered a number of items require further investigation and work. These items include outstanding fire safety works, legionella rectification works, category 2 electrical works, heating repairs and work to the roof.”
Laindon Community Centre was in need of major investment before the current pandemic and the current position means that even more investment is needed. There is significant repair and maintenance work that needs to be undertaken for it to be in an operational condition.
Until such time this it is important that the building is physically secured to deliver good community asset management and protect it from intruders.
