Back to the list

Urgent Repairs to The Paddocks to be considered by Cabinet

Councillors will next week decide whether to undertake urgent repair work at The Paddocks Community Centre on Canvey Island.

A report, contained in Cabinet papers published today, details crucial work, including the repair of fire doors and fixing of electrical circuits, which must be undertaken if the building is to remain safe and open to the public.

Councillors will also consider establishing a group to look at the feasibility of undertaking further repair work and what options are available to ensure future community centre provision on Canvey.

The Paddocks was built in the 1970s and has served the community for generations.

Council Leader, David Blackwell, said: “We are taking control of and resolving this issue for the long term.

“The Paddocks is a hub for the Canvey community and must not be lost.

“In the short term we are looking at vital emergency repairs to ensure the building is safe and can continue to be used, especially as a Covid vaccination centre as we approach Winter.

“We are suggesting a group of councillors will then look at what further repairs need to be done in the coming months to keep the building open while a long-term solution is found.”

It is anticipated that immediate repairs to the Paddocks will cost about £30k and further repairs may be as much as £500k. This work was not forecast in the current budgets and, should it go ahead, the money will need be taken from the council’s general fund.

“It an indication of the importance we place on maintaining provision in Canvey that we will look to find the repair money immediately,” continued Cllr Blackwell.

“As we look towards the long-term, and before any decision is made about The Paddocks, I can assure everyone that the whole community will be fully engaged and that the Council will listen to what residents want to see as part of our long-term aspirations for future investment in Canvey.”