A company in charge of bringing a new community centre to Halstead is hoping to appoint an architect to design it this week.

After a 15-year wait, plans are moving swiftly on the project to replace the Senior Citizens Centre in New Street, which closed in January.

The Halstead Community Centre Charitable Company, which is leading the community centre project, will meet with four potential architects by the end of the week and they hope to make a final decision on the day.

The designs will then be presented in an exhibition for residents to view and comment on.

Councillor Jackie Pell, chair of the trustees, said it was an exciting time for the town.

She said: “When we appoint an architect, that is a big milestone."

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.