SERVICES at a community centre in South Ham that closed due to RAAC will continue due to a partnership with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Westside Community Centre, in Paddock Road, closed after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels were found in the centre, as well as the South Ham Community Library.

Westside Community Association has relocated many of the centre’s vital services and activities for residents, with support from the borough council until September 2024 to enable the association to continue operating.

Basingstoke Gazette: The community centre

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To provide additional space to restart more community services and activities, Sovereign Network Group has offered the use of a shop unit in Kings Road, which will be revamped with the help of The Sovereign Hill Partnership.

The partnership will also offer support to the community association to look at other options for income generation, as well as exploring long-term solutions for the centre.

Following the closure of Westside Community Centre, the pre-school has temporarily moved to the council’s Russell Howard Pavilion in South Ham and many activities, clubs or support services to the Ridgeway Centre in Buckskin or relocated to Russell Howard Pavilion.

The community food pantry, providing low-cost food items to residents, has also continued to operate from a temporary building supplied by the borough council at the car park at Westside Community Centre.

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Cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion, Cllr John McKay, said: “The activities and services provided at Westside Community Centre are vital to the community and we know the impact that is being felt by residents from the closure of the building. But we are committed to doing everything we can, alongside our partners, to ensure these services can continue to benefit residents of all ages.

“We hope that by extending our support and providing other temporary facilities that services can run from as a short term solution, it will allow the community association to get back on their feet and earn more income to continue running crucial services, while we work with partners to explore long term solutions for the community.

“I’d like to thank the residents of South Ham for continuing their valuable support for the community association and for supporting the many services and activities still running.”

Tom Titherington, chief investment and delivery officer for Sovereign Network Group said: “Over the last few months we have spent time listening to the community in South Ham and Buckskin to help identify options for investment and a plan for the future.

“Many residents shared with us the importance of Westside to them, and the critical services that they provide for the communities of both South Ham and Buckskin. We are pleased to be able to offer this help and are committed to working with the council and Westside to secure its long-term future.”

Chair of Westside Community Association Deborah McDermott said: "I would like to reassure residents who use our services, the staff at Westside Community Association are working hard to ensure as many services as possible are still provided at this difficult time.

“With the help and support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Sovereign Network Group, we are looking forward to restarting more community services and activities within the heart of South Ham. Look out for updates on our Facebook page or contact our team at the Ridgeway Centre in Buckskin.”