WRITTLE mansion makeover crew gathers force

VILLAGERS are mucking in to give a new lease of life to a valued community centre.

Longmeads Mansion has been a popular meeting place for village events and groups in Writtle for decades.

But after falling into disrepair during the 1980s and 1990s, there were fears it would be lost if the lease was revoked by Essex County Council.

That was until a group of determined residents joined forces to bring it back to its former glory.

Artist Jimmy Johns, who organised the working group, said it was in many ways thanks to an article in the Essex Chronicle earlier this year which highlighted the dangerous condition of the mansion.

"It gathered a lot of interest and as a result we have had a lot of extra help with work and fundraising."

Following the article a public meeting was held which led to the formation of the working group.

Mr Johns said: "We have already made a lot of progress with the garden – we have dug out new flower beds and planted shrubs.

"And we are just about to get started on the interior.

"Up until the 1980s the house was a real part of the community, it was very well used.

"But it became less well-used as more newcomers moved into the village in the last two decades.

"In many ways what we are really aiming to do is regain the sense of community in the village and restoring the mansion will help us with that."

Essex county councillor for Writtle, John Aldridge, said: "The community association has been in existence for over 25 years and they have a great asset in Longmeads.

"It is very commendable that they are seeking a resurgence of that community spirit.

"It will require a great deal of work and a lot of help from the volunteers, as well as a lot of money.

"Essex County Council now has a scheme to maintain the exterior of the building, and we are working in close partnership with the residents' committee."