Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois has given his support to the recently opened ‘Massive Project’ at Eldon Way, Hockley. The Massive Project is a charity set up by local people that has created a safe and well-equipped young peoples centre where youth from Hockley, Hawkwell and surrounding areas can meet. The centre, based in a completely refurbished industrial unit and which opened in the summer, boasts many facilities including pool, video games, an IT suite and a canteen.
The ‘Massive project’ was created by a group of local volunteers, led by Cathy Muncer, who took Mark on a tour of the new facility accompanied by Brian Guyet, Chairman of the Hockley Residents Association. The project has the support of several local bodies including Essex County Council, Hockley and Ashingdon Parish Councils as well as donations from local individuals and groups who have given time and money to the scheme. The club is open on Tuesdays from 6.30pm and Fridays from 7.30 pm and anyone aged from 12 to 17 is welcome. The fee is £10 per three months or £1 per visit. Speaking after his visit to the ‘Massive Project’, Mark Francois MP said:
“I was very impressed by what I saw at the ‘Massive Project’. A huge amount of work has gone into getting the centre underway and it is now a very impressive venue for young people to use. When I was young I remember we had to make do with an old pool table and a radio so I was delighted to see things have improved for the better since then. It is important to provide high quality venues such as this for young people and I wish Cathy Muncer and her team at the Massive Project every success.”