Residents gathered to celebrate the reopening of a well-used community facility which was destroyed by vandals.

Around £30,000 has been spent rebuilding the Templars Community Office, located on the Templars Estate, Witham, thanks to Greenfields Community Housing.

Before its destruction in 2016, the office was used to plan community events and this function is set to continue in the new premises.

Katee Bellamy, Greenfields' Neighbourhood Co-ordinator for the area, said: “It’s so useful for residents to have a meeting place to either make important decisions about their community, or just to catch-up and have a chat.

“If anyone would like to give their ideas on what the office can be used for, such as learning computer or job-seeking skills, or would like to volunteer to join the Tenants and Residents Association they can contact me on katee.bellamy@GreenfieldsCH.org.uk or call 01376 535400.”

The revamped facility, which includes a meeting room, toilet, kitchen and a private office, was officially unveiled last Tuesday with an activities day on the estate, featuring inflatables, food and tours of the office.

Greenfields provided four skips and three vans for for tenants to safely disposed of unwanted household items and excess rubbish was collection in partnership with Braintree District Council and Partners in Grime.