AFTER a wait of more than 20 years, Southend AC members finally have a new clubhouse to enjoy.

The club has been without a meeting place since they moved from Southchurch Park to Garon Park in 1994.

After a number of false dawns, plans were finally drawn up in earnest three years ago and thanks to funding from the club, Sport England and England Athletics, the building was has eventually been competed.

It has been a real club effort to get the clubhouse built.

Sue Crompton, the chairman of the cluhouse committee, has been credited as being the driving force behind the plans while club runner Darren Capel and his firm Interior Precision Ltd have built the structure which is trackside at Garon Park.

Club press secretary June Cork said: “It’s been a long time coming and we are all delighted. This will at last give athletes the chance to mix with one another and for parents to wait for their children while they train.”