Plans for a half-million pound community leisure facility at Champions Manor Hall in South Woodham were unveiled at a lively public meeting on Wednesday.

The proposed centre to be financed by the town council will consist of a building containing a hall and four rooms separated by folding screens, as well as a bowling green, garden area and car park.

Some 80 residents expressed their views on three hypothetical plans which have been drawn up by Surrey-based consultants, PMP Consultancy.

Council chairman, Muriel Gower said: "This is an exciting time for all of us. The aim is to provide a facility with the maximum benefit for the maximum number of people."

Consultant, James Blandford said: "The facility that we have in mind is very flexible with rooms which can be used by a wide range of community groups, to accommodate everybody."

Residents expressed a number of concerns including a need for changing facilities, traffic congestion and fears that the car park will back on to a residential area.

Resident, Vivian Porth from Woolards Way, said: "Only one of the plans accommodates us. The other two would have car parks backing up against my back garden. What's going to happen to the value of my house if that happens?"

An active bowler from Mount Pleasant Road, Tom Russell, said: "I'm all in favour of this new facility. I spend £18 a week on bowling and all that money is going outside the town.

"At least when we have our own bowling green we will be putting our money back into the town."

Terry Butler of Woolards Way said: "I think they're trying to do too much in too small an area."

The plans have been based on research into the needs of local people, with the use of questionnaires and consultation with local groups.

Architect, David Gibson, of PMP Consultancy, told the meeting that two of the plans do not currently meet with borough council requirements due to a shortage of parking spaces.

The plans will be available for public viewing in the town council offices in Reeves Way from Monday. Residents are invited to complete response forms, available from council offices, to be returned by August 16.

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