A community centre which promotes African culture has moved out of Laindon amidst claims of unpaid rent.

The Afro Centre, in the Laindon Shopping Centre, in the High Road, now stands locked and colourful murals on the walls have been painted over.

A spokesman for Lakehill Investments, which owns the shopping complex, said that the leaseholder of the Afro Centre is in arrears with the rent.

He added: "Bailiffs have been sent to it as a result, but they were unable to gain access to the property. This is an ongoing situation and is under review."

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