A LAST-ditch effort to save a building at the former Severalls Hospital site has been made - just days before it will be demolished.

A resident, and former hospital worker, has called on developers to hold off on plans to raze the hospital chapel, off Boxted Road, Colchester, to the ground.

Judith Abbott, 66, instead wants to see if the building could be used for the community.

She said: “It would be an absolute shame to see it go.

“There are lovely stained glass windows and an organ, which I am under the impression is still there.”

Development has been planned at the Severalls site for nearly 30 years.

The plans which are due to go ahead will see about 1,000 homes being built on the site as well as amenities such as a school.

A community centre is also set to be created next to the school.

But Mrs Abbott has questioned whether it could be housed in the chapel.

She said: “There was talk before the hall was burned down about it becoming a community centre.

“But as that can no longer happen what about using the chapel instead?

“I know the roof needs repairing but if that’s it then it’s a minor problem really.

“It would be ideal for a social or community centre. It really does have a presence.

“It would be a shame to see it go.”

However, Mile End councillor Martin Goss (Lib Dem), said it was too little too late.

He said: “What’s really frustrating is that this has come about just days before the bulldozers are set to move in.

“There was a consultation and people have had the chance to have their say. This is all a bit last minute.”

Mr Goss said there would be a community centre on the site next to the school.

He said: “The chapel would need a lot of investment. The roof has gone, there is water damage and and all of the stained glass windows have been donated to Myland Community Council.

“It’s not going to get saved I’m afraid. As much as I love the building, this has all been looked at previously in significant detail.

“No-one has ever come forward or raised this before. It is just far too late and is frustrating.”

The chapel, along with several other buildings at the site, are scheduled to be demolished on August 18.

Severalls was a mental health hospital until the early 1990s, when it was closed.

Developers Taylor Wimpey, Bellway and Bloor Homes are building on the site.