REDEVELOPMENT plans for Epping were among issues discussed by the district council's cabinet with residents having suggested a new home for Epping Sports Centre.

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7.50 - YOUTH INITIATIVES: Schemes costing a total of £123,000 have been carried out across the district, as part of the council's Youth Initiatives Scheme in the current financial year.

The district council had pledged £100,000 a year over the last three financial years.

The most recent work has seen £40,000 spent at Roydon playing fields, with the installation of a multi-ball court.

Meanwhile £35,000 has been spent on a teenage ball park at the Roding Valley recreation ground in Buckhurst Hill; £28,000 on the upgrading of facilities at Jubilee Field, Matching; and £20,000 on upgrading equipment at Chigwell Station Green play area.

Deputy council leader Chris Whitbread told the meeting: "I think it's an excellent piece of work that this council has done with its town and parish councils."

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7.23 - REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR EPPING: Relocating Epping Sports Centre to the St John's Road area of Epping has been suggested by residents, the meeting was told.

Liberal Democrat councillor Janet Whitehouse said the move of the sports centre from its current base in Hemnall Street - with that site used for hosuing - was one possibility raised by residents who had given their initial views over possible future use of land in St John's Road - the junior school site and Centre Point building, and the council depot site fronting the High Street.

Conservative councillor and deputy leader Chris Whitbread said: "It's an area that needs careful consideration. It borders the conservation area.

"I welcome the fact that residents are involved in the consultation."

Councillor Jon Whitehouse declared an interest and left the chamber after saying that the land in question was next to his garden in St John's Road.

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SPRINGFIELDS IMPROVEMENTS, WALTHAM ABBEY: Work started on the 65-week contract last November.

The main contractor is "slightly behind" programme due to ground problems associated with ground water and the existing mains and drainage services.

Delay has also been experienced because of design changes instigated by the contractor.

However it is still expected that the work will be completed on time.

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7.11 - LOUGHTON SWIMMERS CLUB: The issue of Loughton Swimmers Club and its Monday sessions at Loughton Pool has been raised at the meeting.

Councillor Mitch Cohen, outlining the current situation, said Sports Leisure Management, which runs the distrct leisure centres and pools for the council, had said it will "evict" the club from Loughton Pool, at Traps Hill, from April 1 to allow the time to be used for public swimming.

The swimming club, which has been in existence for over 40 years, has complained to the council about the decision.

Mr Cohen said: "We are very concerned that SLM have made the decision that they have and we have made representations at officer level."

The matter will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday between senior SLM management, Mr Cohen and finance portfolio holder Chris Whitbread.

Mr Cohen added: "We intend to make it very clear that the council is very unhappy about the decision that has been made."

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To watch the debate, visit the council's website eppingforestdc.gov.uk and click on webcasts.

6.55 - So here we go - five minutes to go and no councillor in the chamber.

But plenty of debate to come over the next few hours.