THE new South Ockendon Centre opened its doors quietly on Monday (25 March) and attracted a stream of visitors.
As well as dozens of local people popping in to see what was on offer and library users returning to see their new-look facility, portfolio holder for transformation and community Cllr Lynn Worrall.
She was met by centre manager Helen Saward; Maggie Pollock, from the South Ockendon Community Forum; Thurrock CVS chief executive Kristina Jackson; and library supervisor Eileen Davies.
After being shown around the centre – which is in the old Belhus Library building in Derry Avenue, Cllr Worrall said: “It’s amazing the work that has been done in such a short time.
“I’d like to personally thank all the partners – the forum and the CVS – the contractors and all the staff and volunteers for the hours they have put in to make sure we opened on time and in budget.
“This is a wonderful light and bright facility which shows how the council and the community can work together to each other’s benefit.
“There are plenty of things to learn from what we have been through and our next job is to sit down and see how those lessons can be applied as we roll out similar hubs in our towns across Thurrock.
“Here we listened to what local people told us and worked hard to provide it. This is a process we will be following elsewhere too, so look out for the hub that is coming your way soon.”
