In 2003 Essex County Council reorganised the Youth Service and Library Service due to cost pressures and withdrew the services in Blackmore, declaring the Old School and Library buildings redundant. Neither Brentwood Borough Council nor the Parish Council could or would offer to take over the buildings to allow continued use by the Friday Club, Scouts and Sunday School.

Tim Wakeley, a local councillor, and Roger Dyson, your County Councillor, together with the Parish Council fought against these cuts but they were unable to stop them. With the current users of the Old School they set up the Blackmore Youth Centre Project Group (BYCPG) to try to replace the services for the children and young people of the Parish. Initially they hoped that the Village Hall would allow redevelopment of one of its two squash courts as the basis for a Youth Centre. At this time the plan reached stalemate.

Tim kept local people enthusiastic while Roger discovered that ECC had a duty to provide part funding to replace the lost youth service. Both worked very hard for the village but sadly Tim retired and moved away and Roger became terminally ill and died.

New plans were made for a new build on the Millennium Field. Again these came to nothing as planning permission for Green Belt development was difficult and it became apparent that the cost of a new build was beyond what the village could realistically afford.

Continued negotiation by the project team with the Village Hall led to agreement that one of the squash courts could be redeveloped. The gain for the Village Hall would be improved disabled access and toilets/changing facilities suitable for adults/children/male/female/ disabled. This would mean that the dramatic club could again have children in its productions and for the Project Group there would be space for the Scouts, Friday Club and Sunday school with safe and convenient access to the playing fields and beyond and space for all the displaced clubs.

The Old School/Library which remained empty and deteriorating has now been sold for redevelopment. It is 5 years since Essex made its decisions. There was no chance that its use could be reinstated. The sale of the building for its redevelopment has released funds which will help with the new build.

Roger and Tim had a clear vision of the needs of the children and young people and all local residents. Despite all the difficulties the Project Group has followed these ideals. They know that not all residents and not all Parish Councillors are in favour of the scheme because of changes to the old site. All the members of the Project Group, with me as an addition since I became your County Councillor for Brentwood Rural, are convinced that the plan is good and will provide what the village needs.

The outstanding costs will have to be raised locally and fund-raising will now start in earnest. The Parish Council has offered a one-off donation and has helped the Project Group obtain a Community Initiative Grant. The costs of the scheme will NOT mean a rise in your Council Tax.

Writing this reveals what a difficult time it has been – negotiations have been much more difficult and drawn out than this summary shows. Madeline Henwood Chairs the Project Group and she and all the members have worked extremely hard on behalf of the Parish.

Please help!!! Come and enjoy the varied fund raising events. By your efforts, life for the children and young people and all the people of the Parish can be improved. We depend on your support!!!

Ann Naylor