A TENDRING community group has announced plans to extend an existing resource in the area.

Plans have been submitted to Tendring Council proposing to convert existing retail space into a community hub.

Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) opened its Dovercourt and Harwich Hub in 2019.

In that time, it has become a space for residents to come for information, support, to make friends, volunteer, and access services.

However, if the plans are successful, the hub could be set to expand following the purchase of the adjoining building.

Sharon Alexander, CVST’s chief officer, said: “We are so pleased with the hub, which offers so many different activities as well as a lovely space to hire for local organisations.

“We have a friendship café, craft group, fitness sessions, English as a Second Language, relaxation and Tai Chi, and more.

“We also have social prescribers at our hub, who offer My Weight Matters and can support residents to improve their overall wellbeing or to access appropriate services.

“So, when the opportunity came up to extend that offer with the purchase of the adjoining, we were excited to take it.”

The shop next door to the hub in High Street, Dovercourt, which sold disability aids, closed recently when the owners retired.

CVST took the decision to purchase the site and have applied to convert the space to extend its many facilities.

Sharon added: “We have applied to Tendring Council for change of use to the building and are now waiting for a decision.”

For more information about CVST, the Dovercourt and Harwich Hub, and the services on offer, visit www.cvstendring.org.uk or call 01255 425692.