Residents’ group calls a public meeting to launch the project on Tuesday (February 4)

Midweek Herald: An artist's impression of the proposed day centre at SeatonAn artist's impression of the proposed day centre at Seaton (Image: Archant)

Plans have been unveiled for a £250,000 community centre in Seaton.

Campaigners want to build it on land behind the town’s fire station, on a site provided by East Devon District Council.

A local residents’ group is spearheading the project which will be officially launched at a public meeting next week.

To boost support for the scheme the former Mead Way and St Gregory’s Residents’ Association has been renamed St Gregory’s and Friends,

Secretary Flo Townley explained: “There are many reasons for this - to enlarge our catchment area and because we need lots of heads and bodies to help us with our major project of the community centre. Seaton is the only area of East Devon District Council without one.

“I am sure there are loads of people out there in a more senior age who would love somewhere were they can meet under no obligations, for a gossip, all things therapeutic or crafty, to possibly learn something new or practical etc.

“The centre would have so many benefits for so many but we do need help and more friends. There will be a lot of smaller projects to help raise funds and they will all be fun based.”

To get things moving residents from throughout Seaton are being invited to the association’s next meeting in the small hall of The Methodist Church, Valley View, at 7.15 pm on Tuesday (February 4).

Meanwhile Mrs Townley said a pre-planning application for the new community centre had now been submitted – two years since she first began work on the project.

She said the hall would be timber-framed and fitted with solar panels to keep running costs low. It would accommodate enough tables to seat around 30.

Welcoming the plan, Seaton Mayor Gaynor Sedgwick told The Herald: “Seaton town council took the decision last year to support Mrs Townley in her proposal to see a community hall for the residents of St Gregory’s Court. To have a purpose built centre close by, where residents can meet and socialise, can only be a good thing.”