A SECRET millionaire who offered to invest in community facilities in Wivenhoe is on the verge of pulling out due to a lack of interest.

The mystery man offered to contribute towards a £1.4million sports, leisure and community project in Broad Lane, in October last year.

It is understood the offer is on hold, because of residents’ apathy. Their input was a requirement of the cash being donated.

All that is publicly known about the man is he lives locally, wanted to see the community working together and was keen to leave a legacy for the town.

Residents have been urged to get involved in the scheme or risk the benefactor walking away.

Nick Murphy-Whymark, who is involved in the Broad Lane Future project, said: “It is up in the air at the moment. The benefactor wanted to see if there was a will from the community. If they came forward with ideas and funding, he would match it.

“I think he would have liked to have seen a bit more commitment. It is our community and we all need to come together to do the right thing.”

Brian Sinclair, former mayor of Wivenhoe and town councillor, said: “If I was an anonymous benefactor, I would want to see a good initiative coming forward from the people I intended to donate to. I met the gentleman in question and I know he was very much hoping to put something back in the community.”

Mr Murphy-Whymark said some plans for the site were in the pipeline, including allotments, with a £50,000 grant application going to Essex County Council’s Big Society Fund, and a footpath, funded by cash from developers.

To find out more about plans for the site and get involved, go to www.broadlanefuture.com