Survey shows residents want new hall

Written by Paul Donald and published in Epping Forest Guardian on Sun 23rd Apr 2006

THE results of a survey that gave residents of the Limes Farm estate, Chigwell, the chance to have their say on the future of the area have been revealed.

Around 22 per cent of residents completed the survey, carried out by the steering committee of Limes Farm Residents Association, and the consensus was that a new community hall and better child, youth and social facilities were needed.

Chigwell parish councillor John Stone, who organised the questionnaire, said: "The response to the survey was very encouraging and we now need to have a look at the funding and the various options available to us."

Mr Stone said many residents wanted a new community hall, but they also wanted it in a different location, which was unexpected.

There was also high demand for a meeting place, for example a coffee shop, and an advice centre, similar to the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

The next step is to present the survey's findings to a meeting in May, which will be attended by representatives from interested parties such as Essex County Council and Epping Forest District Council.

Mr Stone said various options for funding, partnerships and venues for facilities would be considered.

He added: "I'm very confident and encouraged by this. It maybe a hard fight, but I believe there's a good chance of getting something done.

"A new hall could be massively significant, it could help to bring people together and build up the sense of community ".If we can provide these things for people, it can only be of benefit."

Epping Forest District Council leader John Knapman said the district council would consider the findings and look at the best ways of financing any improvements to the facilities in Limes Farm.