A FORMER director of a social enterprise based in a council-owned church has hit at the authority for being “unrealistic”.

Colchester Council, which owns Holy Trinity Church, has asked for bids from community groups to make sure the ancient building stays in use.

But council bosses want the groups to spend their own cash on bringing the building up to scratch - something Steve Dale, a former director of social enterprise Go4, says is “completely unrealistic”.

Go4 was based at the Trinity Street church until last month, when boss Pete Hope opted to leave the site instead of renewing a deal.

Mr Dale said: “The council wants the new tenant to take on all remedial works to the building, pay substantial insurance and be responsible for basically covering the costs of putting right what they have neglected to do in the past decade.

“Holy Trinity Church could be, with proper investment, a ‘must visit’ venue.”

The church is one of the oldest buildings in Colchester, with parts of the church dating back to 1000AD.

It is also a Grade I listed building.

But Mr Dale said its historical importance should be enough to make the council carry out the work needed, which would include installing a heating system and correcting plaster work inside.

He added: “For me, this building is even more important than the castle and you just couldn’t imagine it being neglected in the same way.

“It is not fit for anything in its current state.

“It’s like neglecting your granny. Just because she’s old doesn’t mean you look after her.”

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for business and culture, said it is “vitally important” organisations are given the chance to bring the landmark building back into use.

He also hoped the building would be used “as a community space for years to come”.

The building has a covenant placed upon it, which means it can only be used to benefit the community.

All informal Expressions of Interest for Holy Trinity Church must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday, 10th November 2017 to: fay.mathers@colchester.gov.uk.

The Expression of Interest document contains information about the building and terms of the lease. Further details can be found at http://www.colchester.gov.uk/communitybuildings.