A church leader has made a desperate plea to residents to support a drop-in centre he says will help the whole community.
Four churches from Mistley, Manningtree and Lawford have formed an action group to try to get a youth drop-in centre set up in an empty shop in The Lane, Manningtree.
It is hoped the centre could include daytime activities such as courses, counselling and exhibitions as well as a drop-in centre for teenagers and young people in the evening.
Some community leaders in the area have voiced concern over the plans.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here