BILLERICAY: Joy as lease is extended on community centre

By darnold

A PIONEERING community centre has been given a new lease of life after months of uncertainty.

Groups and charities had been unwilling to commit to Hannakins Farm, in Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, because the previous lease was close to expiring, leaving a question mark hanging over the community centre.

All that has changed now a new 25 year lease has been agreed between Basildon District Council and the West Billericay Community Association.

Kevin Eatherton, 50, who runs the centre, said it was great news that meant everyone from fledgling footballers to maturing bridge players could continue to use the centre.

He said: "We did a survey recently about the centre. We have about 2,000 people through the door every week so the public really enjoy using it."

In order to guarantee the future is as rosy as everyone hopes, the association now needs to secure vital funding.

"Hopefully now we will be able to get some more funding because we have got some exciting plans for the future," added Mr Eatherton.

The centre currently boasts two large sports halls, a full-sized floodlit artificial pitch, several football pitches, tennis and netball courts, a cricket pitch, showers and changing rooms.

The facilities are used by a range of different sporting clubs from the obligatory footballers to the more unusual softball teams and kick boxers.

Queens Park Youth Club is another group that uses the centre and organiser Artak Poghosyan, 30, described it as a crucial community resource.

He said: "It is a great step forward.

"The centre is a really great place for young people to meet up and use the facilities.

"We have got about 30 people on the books so this is a good thing for us and a bit of a relief."

Cllr Phil Turner, cabinet member for resources and a supporter of the centre, said Hannakins Farm was a beacon of hope for the community.

"At the moment we have a very good centre but soon it can be an excellent centre. I am sure people will ask and wonder how it has been done.

"Kevin and the others have done a fantastic job – a fine example of what can be done with dedication and hard work.

"I'm proud to have played a part in making this new lease of life possible."