We'll dig for our community!

From the archive, first published Wednesday 25th Apr 2007.

WORK has begun on the latest in a network of community children's centres being set up across Southend.

Friars Primary School and Nursery, in Shoebury, will house the Rainbow Centre set to open in late summer.

It will be run by the school and supported by Southend Surestart and the council.

Southend Council's director of children's services, Paul Greenhalgh, said: "it will be a one-stop community shop, offering access to a number of vital services."

These will include nursery education, family support, job advice and early years health support.

Mr Greenhalgh added: "Community centres such as this are very much the future. I am delighted we have another one opening in Southend."