An old army careers centre has won the go-ahead to be turned into a Hindu community centre in Southend.

The scheme for the army complex on East Street, Southend, won unanimous support from councillors on the development control sub-committee.

Six letters were sent to the council objecting to the scheme because nearby residents feared it will result in an increase in traffic.

However, Shoebury Tory councillor Verina Wilson was all for the concept. She said: "It's a good community use.

"Although I realise there is a possibility of extra traffic implications, I think we will find many of the people who attend this centre will travel to it on foot or together in groups."

She also urged officers to be careful about restricting access during bank holidays because it could conflict with religious festivals in the Hindu calendar.

The approval means a store house will be demolished for extra parking and the complex will be used for education, health and welfare advice, cultural activities and religious meetings.

A spokesman for the Hindu Community Association said: "We do not see any circumstances where the centre will be used day and night seven days a week.

"Initially, two to three days a week there will be 20 to 30 elderly members of the community using the centre between 10am and 3pm for socialising.

"Mothers with children and housewives will use the centre once or twice a week.

"Language classes will be held on Saturdays for about 40 pupils between 9am and 1pm during school term time."

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