A CENTURY-OLD Thaxted landmark, the Old School and Thaxted Youth Centre home, was demolished on Tuesday to make way for its replacement. The Park Road building was used by the youth club until it was recently deemed unsafe for use. Work will now begin on

A CENTURY-OLD Thaxted landmark, the Old School and Thaxted Youth Centre home, was demolished on Tuesday to make way for

its replacement.

The Park Road building was used by the youth club until it was recently deemed unsafe for use.

Work will now begin on a new, purpose-built building that should prove a valuable asset for the whole town.

Gerry Smith, club development officer for the Essex Association of Boys' Clubs, said the demolition was a poignant moment.

"The knock-down was an emotional event for existing club members and for the hundreds of those, now adult, that have regarded the existing building as a second home where they have grown up."

The new club, which the youth club committee has spent five years raising £235,000 for, is scheduled to be ready for use by December this year.

In the meantime, Thaxted Youth Club is meeting in the town football pavilion.