Now that we’ve seen it in the Echo tonight, here’s the press release that the County Council released on Tuesday evening:
ECC Media Statement: Down Hall Children?s Centre
Following a second public consultation at Down Hall Primary School, Essex County Council has decided not to proceed with its plans to build a Children?s Centre on the school site. The proposal was originally made by the County Council which secured support of the school Governing Body, but was opposed by many local residents wary of increased traffic congestion.
The County Council will now urgently seek alternative premises to enable the delivery of these important services to children and families in the local community.
Cllr Peter Martin who took the decision said: ?Although this is a disappointing outcome, it is appropriate given the degree of local opposition.?
Cllr Stephen Castle, the local member who chaired the consultation meeting said: ?This makes it clear that the County Council does listen to the views of local people in making these decisions.?
Mrs Reck, Head teacher of Down Hall Primary School, added that it was now urgent for the County Council to find alternative ways to provide Children?s Centre services for the local area.
A few words for Cllr Peter Martin – thanks for listening to residents ; you wouldn’t be in this ‘disappointing’ situation if other people in the County Council had picked out a better location to begin with.
Let’s hope we can all move forward from here together.