THE COMMUNITY has pulled together to replace services previously held at the Westside Community Centre, after an unexpected closure due to dangerous concrete.

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) concrete panels were identified in the community library part of the building attached to the centre in South Ham, causing the council to close the centre as a precautionary measure.

Local MP Maria Miller commented on the closure: "Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council are right to put safety first and their assessment was that the RAAC present in the community centre at Westside could be a danger and needed further investigation by specialist engineers.” 

RAAC is a lightweight building material that was primarily used from the 1950s to 1990s due to its low cost. It is usually found on roofs and occasionally on walls and floors but is known to be weak and less durable.

Community centres across the town are now pulling together to support Westside Community Centre following its 'no notice' closure on Wednesday, September 6.

READ MORE: Are Hampshire hospitals affected by dangerous concrete?

Dame Maria said: "Last week community centres and voluntary groups from across Basingstoke offered help and support to Westside following the closure of its community centre in South Ham.

“In a matter of hours, some crucial services like the community pantry and older people's support were back up and running with help from the Ridgeway Centre and local churches.

“Now we need to make sure the community centre services can continue to operate as best they can, to provide continued support to families, children, and older residents in South Ham.

SEE ALSO: Westside Pre-School relocates amid dangerous concrete fears

"I held a meeting with the Westside Community Centre managers, Hampshire County Council and BVA on Friday to confirm the action that is needed to help displaced services move into new accommodation, and particularly to ask for coordination of the survey and building works for the community centre which is both owned by Hampshire and Basingstoke councils.

“The centre also needs support regarding its lost income from renting out its rooms to local groups and clubs.

"The community centre and the preschool's staff and volunteers have gone above and beyond, working around the clock to get their services back up and running in new venues.

"We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude for what they have done, and they deserve our full support to ensure this closure, which is no fault of the community centre, doesn’t stop essential support to the South Ham Community.”

To find out more about relocated services, visit the Westside Community Centre Facebook page.