A DECISION on the future of the Paddocks will be made tonight.

Castle Point Council will vote on whether to rebuild or refurbish the community centre.

Yesterday the opposition Labour group criticised how the management of the building has been handled over the years amid claims it has been left to rot.

A spokesman for the party said: “What the council do not comment on is the lack of spending on renovation and maintenance of the building that they are responsible for.

“The council produced a 20 year plan to maintain the Paddocks and after spending public money to produce this report, they promptly ignored the report’s findings and allowed the hall to deteriorate.

“Given this lack of investment, and the poor condition parts of the Paddocks are in, is it any surprise that the general public are not as keen to use the hall?

“Also, given that other venues in the area are available at a fraction of the price is it any wonder it is underutilised?

“We have concerns that prices charged for use of the Paddocks have been kept high and investment in maintenance has been deliberately kept low.”

Norman Smith, leader of Castle Point Council, said: “Several years ago we spent an awful lot refurbishing the hall with new carpets and decorating what is a 1970s municipal hall and we had to make the decision to bring it up to today’s standards.

“We are looking at the cost of a new facility, and how much the ongoing maintenance of a new style building will be.

“We will look at all questions as a cabinet tomorrow night and a decision will be made on whether to refurb or rebuild The Paddocks, and substantial money will be spent on Canvey.

“Doing nothing isn’t an option, and as leader of this council I am determined to deliver a first class building either way for Canvey and Castle Point to use.”