COUNCIL bosses at Brentwood have vowed to keep two public facilities open after fears over their future.

Brentwood Council has said it is looking to take control of the Hutton Community Centre, in Harrison Close, which has been shut since the summer and been badly damaged, in a bid to return it to community use.

The authority has also said it will look at finding investors to help pay for improvements to Brentwood Golf Course, just off Ingrave Road, to help keep it open.

Officers from the council have asked Hutton Community Association to return the keys to the community centre, which is owned by the authority, as they want to bring it back to use for residents.

Russell Quirk, councillor responsible for assets, infrastructure and localism, said the council did not want to take the association to court, but would do so if necessary.

Mr Quirk said: “Hutton Community Centre has been at the centre of community life ever since it was let to Hutton Community Association by Brentwood Borough Council more than 40 years ago.

“All that has changed recently and the centre has become a source of irritation, not inspiration, for local residents.

“We want the Centre back as the centre of community life in Hutton and we need to take back control of the building to prevent further deterioration and to plan for its future.”

He also said the panel he is chairman of feels investment in the golf course, through new commercial partners, would help boost the site and maintain a popular facility in the town.

Mr Quirk said: “We will be making sure the course works better for its users through ensuring anyone can turn up and play and also, through the improvements that working with our partner will bring. This initiative promises a bright future for the facility.”