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AN IMPORTANT undeveloped site next to Haverhill's Arts Centre in the High Street could be used to create new head-quarters for the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and other voluntary groups.

Talks began last week between Haverhill Town Council, which is due to take over management of the Arts Centre this autumn, and CAB manager Brigitte Haig.

They discussed possible development of the site ­ which has stood derelict for 15 years ­ as well as the possibility of applying for Lottery and other funding.

Mrs Haig said the CAB had to look for new premises within the next few years as its bureau in Swan Lane would not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, which comes into force in 2004.

Haverhill Association of Voluntary Organisations (HAVO), in Camps Road, could be in the same position and Mrs Haig would like to see premises where voluntary and statutory groups could work together under one roof.

She said: "We welcome closer links with other voluntary organisations in the town. We want to hear from anyone who has ideas they would like taken into account."

Gordon Mussett, Haverhill town clerk, said it was an important site in the town and as potential managers of the Arts Centre, the town council had an interest.

It is possible the site could be developed to enhance facilities at the Arts Centre, as well as creating a new resource for the town. A meeting is being planned to get the views of everyone interested in the project.