Community groups angry at centre closure
COMMUNITY groups have reacted angrily to plans to close the building where they are based.
Nottingham City Council plans to press ahead with plans to close the Radford Unity Complex.
Mohammed Yaseen, of Catch 22, which works with young people and offenders in Radford, said: "We are disappointed the building will not continue to be used given it is central to a highly deprived community and there limited numbers of facilities. The building provides office space and learning space for the community."
Community groups had asked the council if they could take over running the facility themselves - this is being considered in other places.
But Mr Yaseen said: "The council has not seen that as viable but they have not entered a debate about it. They have made up their minds."
Rowena Holland, the Conservative parliamentary candidate in Nottingham South said: "They have been treated badly. The council has decided they can't run the building for the community and they should get out."
4 Comments
by binder, Nottingham
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 5:55PM
“According to the council at a time of recession the best thing to do is to rip out a much needed community facility out of the heart of a deprived area according to the Council and use this money to pay for swanking offices for the staff. No wonder it is a failing council”
by Jabarjang Singh, Nottingham
Thursday, February 18 2010, 6:36PM
“There has been no consultation, groups are just being told, all responses are from pre-prepared scripts, there is no dialogue just patronising comments by officers who are out of touch.”
by Sunita, Nottingham
Thursday, February 18 2010, 5:23PM
“Radford Unity Complex is a centre of excellence for community cohesion. Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, African caribbean, White and new communities all use it and coexist. Why destroy it? Isnt it worth protecting?”
by Jinder Singh, Nottingham
Thursday, February 18 2010, 5:23PM
“Why cant the groups be grant aided to manage as other community centres are? This could be tappered over several years. The Council makes immediate rates saving and other savings over the years. These groups have longstanding track records as registered charities so are competent in their delivery.”