ONE of the community organisations that operates out of the apparently doomed Thameside Complex due to Thurrock Council cost-saving measures has been promised a new home.

Quest Music Services (QMS) are currently based in the Thameside complex in Grays anmd were threatened by the site's pending closure.

However, it has now announced it is set to relocate to a new premises thanks to the Big Lottery Community Fund. An award of £106,664 will help develop their services as a community radio station and will launch a new FM/DAB radio licence service, full of performance opportunities, training and entertaining content for Thurrock citizens.

A statement from Quest says: "QMS have constantly hosted arts events and cultural learning workshops for children, young people and adults at the Thameside Complex and across South Essex with the support from Arts Council England, Thurrock CVS and public donations.

"With the news of the Thameside Complex closing and this having a devastating impact to their organisation, Thurrock Council has offered us an alternative unused building that is more fit for purpose.

"On the back of the community web-based platform "Thames Delta Radio" that reaches more than 250,000 regular monthly listeners within projects, working with 457 artists and practitioners, this initiative will pave the way for a greater impact to people's well-being through digital means and will enable them to welcome back live audiences to community events.

"The new community hub will still be based in Grays and will host opportunities and events for everyone, encouraging community cohesion and diversity in Thurrock. The premises also has an outdoor space, which will host various community events for the public to be a part of and enjoy.

"After such hard and worrying times, we are blown away by this news and would like to thank, Big lottery, Jerone Booth Charitable Fund, Thurrock Fund, Thurrock CVS and the overwhelming public support and donations for helping us all achieve this.

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"For anyone wishing to further their career in arts and culture, connect with Thurrock's community or just enjoy what's on offer, we urge you to contact us, we have some huge plans over the next 6 years that reflect a modern society, there will be some fantastic opportunities for everybody, we are very inclusive."

For anyone looking to get more info or get involved with what Quest does visit websites www.questmusicservices.com or www.thamesdeltaradio.com or find it on the social media networks by using @thamesdeltaradio or #thamesdeltaradio.