A community meeting hall (From Gazette)

A community meeting hall

1:38pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Letters

While it was fantastic to read about Essex University students working with Voices for Greenstead to redecorate the Forest Road Meeting Hall (Gazette, February 2), it should be noted Colne Housing Society leases the hall.

We were also delighted to provide the paint and equipment for a project that brought Essex University students and local residents together in a demonstration of the strengths of a diverse community.

It was always our aim when taking a lease on the hall to use it to encourage greater community participation.

Since then, we’ve helped establish Voices for Greenstead and in time it is intended the Forest Road Meeting Hall will be managed and run by the community in the way that they see fit.

They have already taken steps towards that goal by running activities to generate income and deciding to clean it voluntarily to cut expenditure. The hall redecoration was a much needed boost and a fitting acknowledgement of their efforts to date.

Finally, I should thank Betty Watson and Sam Lancaster from Colchester Council and Keith Rowland from Essex University Students’ Union for organising this project between them.

A fresh new look will make the hall even better value for the £10-per-hour hire fee, and bookings can be made by calling 01206 870266.

Alistair Heron
Community development officer
Colne Housing Society