COMMUNITY groups are able to use a brand-new £1.6 million council building for free.

Billericay Town Council is offering groups, who want to run and organise services for the community, the chance to use the new Chantry Way building, which is currently under construction, for free for the first three months after it opens.

The council are also offering £250 grants for new groups who can offer services from within the new council building.

The services could range from coffee evenings, activities for younger or older people, or help for those who feel socially isolated in the town.

The town council has stated that the main purpose of the new building will be to support volunteer-led groups help the residents of Billericay, but will also be home to a large, flexible-use hall and several meeting rooms.

The Chantry Way building will also be the new home of Billericay Town Council.

“We will allow you to use our facilities for free for three months which means that during the most challenging period of a new group’s existence finances will be easier to manage”, a spokesperson from the council said.

They continued: “If you are thinking about setting up a new volunteer-led community group then we can help.

“Now is the time for you to start preparing, finding volunteers and planning how you can help and support our community.

“As part of our 2020 budget we are offering micro-grants of up to £250 to new groups who wish to provide a community service in the new building.

“The money can be used to help set up and establish your community group.”

An update was also provided on the construction of the new building, which read: “A.W Hardy are making great progress.

“The scaffolding around the building is gradually coming down.

“The frames for the hall windows are now going in.

“The roofing, soffits, and fascias are all now complete.

“All windows and doors, other than those for the hall and stairwell are installed too”

To find out more, email townclerk@billericaytowncouncil.gov.uk.