Local MP Maria Miller is calling for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council to work together to support Westside Community Centre following its forced closure yesterday after RAAC cement was confirmed as needing replacement. The building provides essential local services for South Ham residents including a local nursery school and Community Pantry.
Maria said,
"The Centre Management team provide essential services to the local community in South Ham, as well as a meeting space for local clubs, so reopening Westside as soon as it is safe to do so has to be a top priority."
Westside is owned by Basingstoke Council and Hampshire County Council, who made the decision to close the building yesterday after their 3 month long investigation confirmed RAAC has been used in the building and that it needs to be replaced.
Maria went on to say,
"I have spoken to the Centre Management and they have worked rapidly to identify potential alternative premises for the nursery and other essential services to make sure the community continue to get the support they need. But they need the support from both councils to ensure these changes happen as quickly as possible.
"The Community Centre is reliant on rental income from room bookings, form local clubs and services, income that has now halted because of the closure.
Both Councils need to confirm who will be providing the practical help the Community Centre needs in terms of finances and to clarify which of the Councils will be responsible for the mitigation plan and eventual building works."