Work is set to begin to rebuild a community facility following its destruction by vandals.

The Templars Community Office, located on the Templars Estate, Witham, will be renovated using £25,000 of funding from Greenfields Community Housing.

Before vandals cruelly destroyed the office it was used by the Templars Tenants and Residents Association to plan events, meet with residents and liaise with Greenfields staff.

Kate Bellamy, Greenfields' neighbourhood co-ordinator, said: “It’s so useful for residents to have a meeting place to either make important decisions about their community, or just to catch-up and have a chat. We can’t wait to see the finished result.”

Once renovated, the office will include a meeting room, toilet, kitchen and a private office - all features residents asked for in a consultation.

The new office is expected to be open by springtime this year.

Carol Martin, chairman of Templars Tenants and Residents Association, said: "“It will be great to see the office being used again; both by our association and potentially other groups in the area.

"We’re particularly looking for volunteers to help us to organise events for the Templars community to enjoy, such as our annual Halloween party."

Email carolmartin883@gmail.com if you can help.