COMMUNITY leaders have backed a bid to open a much needed community facility in a Suffolk market town.

Members of Framlingham Town Council agreed to support a project for the old police station in Badingham Road.

The local Mills Charity have bought the site and have offered the community a chance to buy it by the end of next year. The hope is that it will then pave the way for a new community facility – with the emphasis on provision for young people.

A special steering group has already been set up under the chairmanship of local MP Dan Poulter and featuring groups including the sports club, Scouts, Guides and Framlingham Area Youth Action Partnership (FAYAP). Representatives from the town council have also been present to observe proceedings.

At a meeting on Thursday members of the town council were asked to support the project and consider increasing their involvement.

John Spate, who addressed councillors on behalf of the Framlingham Police House Site Steering Group, said a recent survey of the town indicated residents would like to see the plans for the site taken to the next stage.

This would include further consultation, drawing up more detailed plans and having preliminary discussions with potential funding bodies, he added.

As part of this more formal organisation was needed and the project would now be overseen by a modified version of the Framlingham District Development Trust, which was formed in 2008, Mr Spate said. “For the project to prosper it’s crucial the town council maintain an active presence in any future organisation relating to the police house site,” he continued. “It would be disappointing if the town is unable to formulate a good response to the Mills Charity’s unprecedented offer.

“Without council involvement the project will face questions at every stage as it seeks to move forward. We urge the council to remain involved in the project by adopting some level of participation in the trust.”

Councillors unanimously agreed to give the project their support but it was also felt they should maintain their involvement as an observer for the present time until more details were known.