PLANS for a new community centre in Westbury are back on track after an about-turn decision by Wiltshire Council following a story in White Horse News.
In our last issue we reported that the project to transform the former Westbury Youth Centre in Eden Vale Road was in jeopardy after Wiltshire Council withdrew its offer to bring the centre into a decent state of repair before handing over ownership to the Westbury Community Project.
The withdrawal by the council came weeks after vandals caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the building, leaving the local charity to cover the cost of repairs.
Project leader Richard Hatt received a letter from Wiltshire Council’s Philip Whitehead, cabinet member for finance, on Friday 5th April, telling him that the building would be handed over in its ‘current state’. It meant the community group would have to finance repairs running into several thousands of pounds.
But on Monday, 8th April, after White Horse News asked Wiltshire Council why they were going back on its agreement to finance the repairs, the council made an abrupt about-turn and said it would finance the repairs after all.
The sudden change of heart has been welcomed by the Westbury Community Project team. Speaking to White Horse News, project leader Richard Hatt, who is headteacher of Westbury Junior School said, “The first I heard of this amazing turn around was when I heard about it from White Horse News! Cutting edge journalism. Thank you so much for your continued support. I am buzzing at the moment with possibilities and look forward to working with Wiltshire Council. A real fillip for Westbury.”
It is hoped that the centre will become a vibrant community hub, offering space to local groups and organisations. Currently involved in the project are Wiltshire College, which would use the centre as an outpost, delivering training courses to all ages; Westbury Youth Football Club; Superstars – a club run for children in the school holidays; Westbury Shed; and Westbury Juniors and Infants schools.
The centre could also house a community internet cafe, office space and be hired for use by businesses such as local pre-schools.
