A £1.2m gym on Canvey is set to revolutionise community life on the island, it has been claimed.

The gym, at Castle View School, Meppel Avenue, is to open its doors to residents as well as students in October.

It is expected to become a central community location, along with a new multipurpose hall, built at Winter Gardens Infant and Junior Schools.

Community development officer Dawn Catley said: "Canvey will soon have two new facilities, a new gym and a multipurpose hall at the Winter Gardens schools.

"The aim for both of these facilities is to provide opportunities for the whole community at affordable rates, as well as acting as a base for local groups and societies."

Ms Catley is now working to devise a varied program of activities for the two sites.

She hoped that by the end of the year there will be everything from cheerleading classes to parenting courses available on the island.

Ms Catley added: "We look forward to the new opportunities these venues and new partnerships will provide."

Published Tuesday August 10, 2004

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