Millions of pounds of public money will have to be ploughed into repairing ageing leisure complexes and community centres across Basildon.
An urgent cash injection of at least £400,000 is also needed to save a major sports arena from closure, it was revealed today.
Serious problems have been uncovered at the all-weather playing surface in Basildon's Gloucester Park which require extensive repairs.
The news comes just days after the Echo revealed that Basildon swimming pool is also facing closure if around £1million is not ploughed into the ageing structure.
More in today's Echo
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