AS campaigners prepare to stage a peaceful demonstration outside Warrington Parr Hall on Monday evening over the possible closure of Woolston Neighbourhood Hub, concerns have been raised over an approach from a private company interested in “enchancing” the facility.
Wendy Johnson, from the Stop Warrington Council Debt campaign group says they have received confirmation that a private company called Link Golf UK has reached out to the council over the fture of Woolston Hub.
Link UK Ltd run golf courses as CICs, including Heaton Park golf course which is in Andy Burnham’s Manchester City Council.
Link Golf UK’s proposal for Woolston would be to “preserve and enhance the facility for Leisure”. They are also interested in “supporting the golf at Walton Hall”.
Wendy said: “Our concerns about these proposals is that an “enhanced” facility sounds expensive. What guarantees would WBC get that Woolston Hub and any facility at Walton would remain accessible and affordable to low income families?
“It’s time for Labour councillors to engage with residents in an adult manner about what their true intentions are and what proposals they are considering. Hiding away is not good enough. If our information is correct, this is very concerning as we do not want to see residents putting together serious money to crowdfund Judicial Review because they’re not being told what is really going on. WBC keeps spouting off about being transparent when, as usual, this critical situation for residents is as clear as mud. WBC has messed up giving the use of valuable assets away to private companies in the past, as we know to our cost. The Hub must remain a facility for the community and not turned into a posh private sports club that’s out of reach for local people”.
In response a Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “All ideas will be considered as part of the consultation process, once the consultation closes”.
Meanwhile, a motion is also being brought forward at Full Council on Monday, by local Cllr. Rob Tynan and seconded by Independent Cllr. Stuart Mann, calling for a vote on re-opening the Hub.
It calls for the council to:
* Acknowledge the full community value of the Woolston Hub, including its contribution to health, leisure, learning and social wellbeing.
* Adopt a presumption in favour of reopening the Hub, ensuring that all assessments, reports and proposals begin from the position that restoring community provision on the site is the preferred outcome.
* Commit to a clear and transparent consultation on the future of the site, ensuring that Woolston residents can participate fully.
* Explore and publish all realistic options for repairing, reusing or replacing the facility, supported by clear and accessible costings.
* Ensure continued access to local library services, fitness facilities and community meeting space, either within the existing site or nearby.
* Work collaboratively with local GP services to understand how any future proposals may affect patient access and primary care provision.
* Provide a detailed update to Full Council within three months, setting out progress, findings and proposed next steps.
* Woolston hub is to remain in public hands and while sensible price rises may be necessary they must remain affordable.
Meanwhile Local parish Cllr.Dan Warren is backing the campaign and said: “I became a Woolston Parish Councillor in June this year as I wanted to make a difference in the community. I have been a member of the Friends of Woolston Park and have used the Woolston Hub. The Parish Council meetings were also in the meeting room until this closure.
“I know times are hard with finances within Warrington but closing such a valuable place can’t ever be the answer. It goes against Warrington Borough Council’s wellbeing strategy and is well used by so many. It is heartwarming to hear the stories and memories of the Centre and Hub users going back to the opening in the 1970s.
“I personally believe any closure is devastating for the local community. How many children have learnt to swim here? How many with mobility issues can walk a short distance to access service? Transport to an already busy Orford Hub isn’t something that should be expected as an alternative. The list goes on.
“There has been a fantastic growth in numbers in the Facebook group in these couple of fast moving weeks. Over 2600 members, a petition reaching 1750 signatures, a peaceful rally of hundreds outside the Hub on Saturday 15th. It was great to see so many turn up at short notice.
Another is planned outside the full council meeting Monday 1st December at 5.30pm with the meeting beginning 6.15pm at the Parr Hall. I would encourage anyone in Woolston and beyond to come along peacefully to show passionately the value of the Hub.
“A fantastic committee has been set up with Laura Bather and Mark Evans-Guillén chairing. Local media coverage has helped spread the word. Woolston Hub is not just a building. It’s the memories, friendships created and inspires many to get involved in activity for health and wellbeing. I would say please keep signing the petition and filling in the consultation to show the Borough Council the strength of feeling. Also write and email your Councillors with your thoughts. A huge thank you all.”
