New start-up to take over community centre

Nearly 1,000 people signed a petition to keep a Surrey community centre in councils hands.

A start-up is to be given £31,000 by Elmbridge Borough Council to take over a community centre despite a petition to keep it in council hands.

The Thames Ditton Centre in Surrey will be leased to Vital Village a newly formed community interest company (CIC).

Concerns about the impact on the community has led to 900 people signing a petition.

Opposers to the decision said the centre is a "lifeline" for the elderly.

Vital Village will take over the management, maintenance and repair of the centre, off Watts Road, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

They will run services from the site including childcare and activities focused on health and wellbeing.

Councillor Gill Coates argued that investing into the start-up was good for the community and a “sensible use of taxpayer’s money”.

However locals are concerned by the change as the community centre is the venue for services and activities for the lonely and vulnerable.

Ms Coates said the collaboration would be better for residents as it would increase the number of activities and support for the area.

Claims that Elmbridge Council is turning its back on the elderly were rebutted by Ms Coates.

“Anybody of any age will be able to go along to Vital Village and take part in the activities and services they offer," she said.

Councillor Andrew Burley told a committee meeting he had a “great deal of concern” about the experience of Vital Village, set up on 10 January 2024, and whether it would be able to deliver.

The committee was assured a board of directors would review Vital Villages management.

The council is aiming for Vital Village to sign the lease in April.

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