“I thought that would be helpful to give an update on where everything is up to with our Hub. Like you, I have been eagerly awaiting to result of the consultation and the next steps, but this does not mean I have not been working hard to bring back the Hub.
I recently met with the Woolston Neighbourhood Hub Community Group, to catch-up, talk about concerns, and look for a way forward with residents.
Many valid concerns were raised, in particular the delay to publishing the costings, access to the hub by residents for assessment, the impact on physical and mental health in the area, and the disproportionate impact on the disabled, children and the elderly. But lots of options were considered too, including the feasibility of the hub being ran by the community.
In response to this discussion, I have:
- Explored the possibility of purchasing the site with local education and leisure providers to maintain the site as a community asset
- Raised with various Government funding bodies, including Sport England, to see if the Hub would be eligible for any grant funding. This is something I am continuing to press ahead of the Government’s Autumn Budget
- Agreed to raise the issue directly with the Prime Minister, due to his long-standing links to our local community and the Hub itself. This would be at Prime Minster’s Questions, if I am selected by the speaker of the house to raise a question, or through the Parliamentary Labour Party if I am unable to ask on the floor of the house.
- Written the attached letter to Warrington Borough Council’s Chief Executive, to raise the following:
- To find out the true costings to get the Hub back open.
- To request that qualified members of the Community Group be able to view inside the Hub for themselves.
- Whether s106 money can be used for the Hub and if a community interest company route is an option.
- Query the running of the consultation.
I completely understand that many of you are still incredibly worried about the future of the Hub, and I appreciate the strength of feeling. I imagine many people are currently struggling to find alternative places to exercise and swim, or are just not doing anything at all now.
I can assure you that I will continue to do all that I can to keep our hub open, fight alongside the community, and ensure that all options are kept on the table to secure its future.”
