A popular community centre could be shut down, leaving majorettes, martial arts' enthusiasts and bowls players with nowhere to go.

Hall under threat - Della Thompson is losing sleep because of her anger Picture: DAVE HENDERSON 4DLPV7

The Riverview 90 Community Centre, in Vange, could be vacated to make way for a new children's centre, run by Essex County Council.

But the centre has only just been redecorated.

Chairman Della Thompson said: "We have worked hard doing the place up. None of us have stopped in the last six weeks, only to be told that it may have been for nothing. We are devastated by this."

The centre is used for ju-jitsu, judo, wing chun, bowls, dancing, a dog club, a car club, a playschool and by a majorette troupe.

Chairman Len Thompson added: "We are covering the whole spectrum from the nought to four-year-olds to the 80-year-olds playing bowls. Where would they be relocated? People are so upset about this. I am gutted."

Essex County Council was unable to comment before the Evening Echo went to press.

Published Thursday September 2, 2004

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