A COMMUNITY group says it is ready to buy a historic building, if a potter’s project to demolish and replace it fails.

Colchester Council’s planning committee was tonight due to rule on Pru Green’s application to demolish the St John Ambulance building, in Chapel Road, Wivenhoe, and replace it with a house, art gallery and workshop.

But the application has been temporarily withdrawn after officers recommended the scheme should not go ahead.

The crucial issue for councillors is likely to be whether loss of a community building, which has been used only sporadically since it was put on the market in 2007, can be justified.

The Old Chapel Trust has raised residents’ pledges, totalling £75,000, to buy the building. It hopes to turn it into a community centre.

Chairman Brian Sinclair said: “We have no vendetta against her. We object to the proposal to demolish and are ready to go.

“Wivenhoe has grown out of proportion to its facilities, so to lose a building that could easily be put back into use is a great pity.”

Mr Sinclair said the estimated £25,000 cost of repairs to the 19th century property would be lowered by offers of labour and expertise from supporters.

Geoff Firth, a supporter of Ms Green, said if her plans went ahead, they would include a community aspect because she would pass on her skills to residents.

He said: “She’s going to be providing training, and teaching local people how to use ceramics and pottery.

“I’ve had training with Pru in her house and it’s fantastic. There’s a viable alternative here that’s not going to cost anybody.

“If you offered this to many towns in the country, they would jump at it.”

Previous attempts to bring the hall back into community use, including a bid for a community cinema, have proved unsuccessful.

So far, Colchester Council has received 55 letters supporting Ms Green’s application and 134 objecting.