A COMMUNITY centre that has been the focus of controversy and became something of a ping-pong match between political factions is now back in the hands of a local Basildon community.

Over the past year Basildon Nub News has covered the arguments surrounding the Laindon Community Centre, which was closed to the public when the local group that ran it handed back the keys to Basildon Council.

The lack of investment over a number of years in facilities at the centre had seen parts of the centre fall into a state of disrepair. The programme of work to bring the centre up to a condition where reopening was possible included fire and water safety, new toilets and reconnection of utilities.

It has also undergone a host of refurbishment works to the bar area and communal spaces.

Some residents in the area mounted a campaign to save the centre because they believed it was the council's intention to demolish it and build homes there.

When the keys were handed back in October 2020 Basildon Council was under the leadership of the Labour group, who came in for much criticism, despite the fact that then leader Gavin Callaghan made several public pledges that his group would ensure investment and restore facilities to a much higher standard.

Labour lost control of the council in May and it returned to being a Conservative administration – and the ruling group hasd to live up to their own election pledges to restore the facility.

And this week the council leader, Cllr Andrew Baggot was present at a ceremony when the keys were handed back following a £1 million refurbishment.

He joined councillors Jeff Henry and Terri Sargent to meet with representatives of the Laindon Community Centre Committee, contractors, Morgan Sindall Property Services, and council officers.

Cllr Baggott said: "I am delighted to be handing over the keys to this much-loved community facility back to local people.

"We listened to the views of residents who spoke overwhelmingly in favour of refurbishment and reopening the centre, we put the money up to make it happen and now we are handing it back to be run by the community it serves.

Chairman of the Laindon Community Centre Committee, David Kerr, said: "To say we are grateful for the opportunity to see the Laindon Community Centre open again would be an understatement of mammoth proportions.

"On behalf of the communities of Laindon, Langdon Hills, Lee Chapel North and surrounding areas, thanks go to the Leader of the Council, Andrew Baggott, for having the vision, commitment and conviction to not only recognise the value of this centre but to deliver on every promise he made that first day he took office.

"The centre is now in a position to once again deliver a diverse range of quality services that people desperately need. "This investment in Laindon will see a significant improvement to the quality of life, not only for local residents, but for those all across the borough and beyond.

"Ultimately this is an investment in people."