Community groups called on to run sports pavilion

The pavilion is in West Byfleet Recreation Ground

Voluntary and community groups are being given the opportunity to take on the running of a Surrey sports pavilion as a bankrupt council aims to make savings.

West Byfleet Pavilion is the latest community asset to be handed over by Woking Borough Council.

The arrangement sees land or buildings leased to independent groups which then manage the asset.

Woking effectively declared itself bankrupt in 2023, and final decisions on the treatment of its £2bn debt are expected to be taken by government in June.

Community centres were prioritised for transfer from the council to be run by independent groups.

Even if the council sold everything it owned it would still be more than £1.5bn in debt, a report previously found.

The pavilion, in West Byfleet Recreation Ground, has flexible indoor space suitable for a variety of community uses, and access to outdoor sports pitches and green space, according to the council.

West Byfleet Pavilion is the latest community asset to be handed over by Woking Borough Council

Ellen Nicholson, portfolio holder for climate change and leisure on the council, said it was a "fantastic opportunity" for a local organisation to run the pavilion, "ensuring this much-loved community space continues to serve local residents for years to come".

She said the programme aimed to empower local groups to "deliver services that matter most to them".

"We particularly welcome partnership applications that reflect the vibrant sports community and diverse range of organisations already associated with the site," she added.

The deadline to submit an expression of interest is 17:00 BST on 13 June.