Eleventh hour talks with a local business could see a vital community hall remaining open, it has been revealed.

More than 70 worried members of community groups based at Hadleigh Hall in Rectory Road, Hadleigh, attended a meeting to voice their concerns about the possible closure of the hall.

But they were told that a newly-formed mother and toddler group had expressed serious interest in taking over the hall and keeping it open.

Castle Point council's community development officer Eva McIlwaine (CORR) said: "I was contacted by the group last night and I think that it is positive news."

Another meeting will be held at the hall on Tuesday March 1 at 7.30pm to update users on the situation.

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