Fears for 'lifeline' centre under council plans

Volunteers and service users fear a "lifeline" community centre could be affected by council savings plans

Community centre volunteers and service users fear they will lose the "lifeline" building as part of a Surrey council's savings plans.

Users of Molesey Centre say services run from the building are "essential" for their wellbeing, while volunteers say closure could affect people's mental health.

Concerns come after Elmbridge Borough Council plans to replace its Meals on Wheels service and lease or sell off community centres were approved in July.

The council declined to comment ahead of a special overview and scrutiny meeting due to take place on Wednesday.

Merv Griffin, treasurer of Friends of Molesey Centre, said: "The approach is like squeezing a balloon, it bulges at the other end, and you are just shifting the burden and where the money goes."

Gabby Elliot, who runs exercise classes in the centre, added: "There's a lot of people that really enjoy coming here. It's a lifeline to them."

Council plans would see Meals on Wheels services run by the authority wound down, while community centres would be given over to the voluntary sector.

Merv Griffin said closing the Molesey Centre would "shift the burden" onto other council services

Dementia care services would also become an independent entity, either as a charity or a community interest company (CIC).

Community services in the borough cost about £4m a year, but reach less than 1% of residents, the council claims, and new plans would aim to reach more people while saving £1m.

Centre users say it should be kept open even if it runs at a loss, adding: "We have paid our taxes, so we should get benefits from that."

Gabby Elliot called services at the Molesey Centre a "lifeline" for those who benefit from them

The council's cabinet initially approved plans on 24 July, but these have since been called in for scrutiny by opposing councillors.

Councillor John Cope, leader of the Conservative opposition, said the move was a "last ditch attempt" to reverse the decision, adding: "Our community centres are a lifeline – especially for elderly residents and those struggling with the cost of living."