A COUNCIL ran community centre has been handed over to new management… The people who most often use it.

Brentwood Borough Council has managed the Hutton Community Centre since it re-opened in 2014.

Now a vibrant hub home to 33 clubs and organisations, the authority has passed the baton to the Community Interest Organisation (CIO) – a group of six key partners.

The leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Councillor Louise McKinlay, said: “The Council has always been committed to handing the centre over to the community for it to be run for the benefit of local people and organisations.

“They have done a fantastic job so far in delivering a facility that is much needed in the area and I hope that they continue the good work already in place.

“On behalf of the Council, I wish Hutton Community Centre CIO every success in the future”.

Those involved in its day-to-day running include the Lighthouse Furniture Project, Brentwood Grace Centre and Hutton Football Club.

They are joined by Hutton All Saints School, Hutton Community Partnership and Hope Community Church.

David Woods, chair of trustees for Hutton Community Centre (CIO), added: "This is a great opportunity for us to work with existing users and local people to improve the services and opportunities for the community.

“We’re very grateful to the council for putting their trust in us, and we intend to repay that trust fully.”