A CHILDREN’S play cafe is bidding to take over a closed church hall to save it from being lost to the community for good.

Munchkin’s Kids Corner and Cafe has applied to run from St Mary’s Church Hall in New Road, Mistley.

The hall, built more than 100 years ago, closed after dwindling bookings.

Then earlier this year Mistley with Manningtree Parochial Church Council put forward plans to convert it into a four-bedroom home.

A total of 41 residents and Mistley Parish Council objected and in April the application was withdrawn.

But the hall is still standing empty with fears for its future.

Maria Maia, who ran her business in Colchester but has had to move from the hall she rented there, says the empty hall in Mistley is an ideal spot to run her play cafe five days a week. She said: “It’s sitting there empty and I think there is a need for this in the area.

“I asked to take it on about three weeks ago and I would be happy for people to hire it in the evenings and weekends. It’s a great hall and I can see so many possibilities there.”

The play cafe, if approved, would include toys, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle for under-fives, as well as an outside play area and seating with food available. Parents and residents nearby have backed the idea.

Mum Emma Nettleton, of California Road, in Mistley, said: “Manningtree Benefice are currently in talks with several people about use of the Mistley Church Hall, one of which is Munchkins Kids Corner and Cafe. “This idea has really resonated with the community with over 50 families expressing an interest after seeing it on Manningtree Mistley and Lawford Uncut Facebook group.

“The area is crying out for something like this, with no soft play or play cafés in the local area I think this idea would be hugely popular.”

John Brien, associate minister, said the idea has not been ruled out but long-term decisions on the hall are not going to be made until the new vicar arrives in July.