SUPPORTERS  of the 'Save the Thameside Theatre' campaign have celebrated news that Thurrock Council has finally placed the Thameside Complex on Orsett Road, Grays, on its list of assets of community value.

The decision has been confirmed by director of place Mark Bradbury and means that the council cannot sell the building without giving the local community the chance to buy it.

And there will be an opportunity that lasts six months for interested groups to find the cash to buy the asset.

A building or piece of land is deemed to have community value if it currently, or in the recent past, furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.

Or that use of the building or land will continue to further the social wellbeing or interests of the local community.

Meeting the interests of the community must be the principle purpose of the land or building and the acknowledgement by the council's senior property officer that the Thameside is so important to the local community is likely to influence proposals put forward by the current administration to close down the building and the theatre.

It doesn't mean the war to save the Thameside is won, but it's certainly a landmark battle success for campaigners.

However, should the community not be able to raise the requisite finance  with in the six months, the council is free to sell to whomever choose and at whatever price.