Conservatives in Social Action

Stephen Metcalfe, Stephen Metcalfe, Prospective Conservative MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock took a break from the campaign trail this week to continue his refurbishment project at Northlands Park Community Centre.

Over the last two years Stephen has been leading the project to refurbish Northlands Park and has attracted over £60,000 worth of sponsorship and grants. This has lead to all the halls being redecorated and modernised, a complete replacement of the toilet facilities and laying tarmac to the external areas.

At present, following a £25,000 grant from Essex County Council a continental Bar and Lounge area is being created and additional security installed.

Therefore this week, following comments from some of the users about how nice it would be to be able to use more of the outside of the hall during the summer, Stephen led another team to Northlands Park to make it happen.

Many volunteers turned up to help including Council Leader Tony Ball and together they tidied up, repaired and painted the fence; create some additional planting areas; weeded and pruned and generally cleaned up ready for the summer!

Richard Llewellyn, Chairman of Northlands Park said: “For nearly 20 years we have been struggling to keep our heads above water and to get the centre into a more attractive condition so that more groups from the local area would use it. Since Stephen got involved things have really got going. I would just like to thank him for all his work.”

Stephen said: “I got involved because I could see there was a need for more local facilities in the area and so I was pleased to be able to help get Northlands Park back into shape. I brought together local volunteers, businesses and the council to help create a decent place for groups of all ages to meet and socialise and to create somewhere for use by the wider community.

“I think it just goes to show what we can all do if we really put our minds to it. Not everything has to be done by the Council or Government, sometimes we just need them to support people when they want to make a difference on their own.”

Posted 22/4/10

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