IN a bid to bring some clarity to a controversial and often fractious debate about the future of a Basildon community centre, Basildon Council members are to debate on how best to involve local residents in its future next week.

Members of the council's neighbourhoods and public spaces committee will meet on Wednesday, 10 March to consider a consultation plan for Laindon Community Centre.

The council took over the existing centre site from the Laindon Community Association after it handed over the keys in November last year.

The council says that following an inspection it was advised by its insurers to secure the building while it is out of use and that has prompted critics of the ruling administration and local residents to express concern that the centre will be shut for good.

That is an accusation firmly rebutted by council leader Gavin Callaghan but his words have failed to stop concern being expressed.

Chairman of the committee Cllr David Harrison says next week's meeting is a vital step, adding: "We need to see how best to get this vital community asset back and we will need the community to get involved in order to do that."

"A public consultation will launch enabling the local community the opportunity to shape its future and we would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

"We are working hard to find alternative space for existing activities at other nearby clubs for when government guidance permits and we will be in touch with further information."