News

COMMUNITY CENTRE WARNING 'SUPPORT IT OR LOSE IT'

Dear Ed

Further to your article on the Hawkinge Parish Council meeting and the implications for the Rock and Roll... http://www.localrags.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2294

The 6 week condition imposed by Shepway District Council (SDC) seems somewhat punitive for a Charity to respond, especially when balanced against one complainant taking into account the time required to obtain quotations, place the order, and then its implementation, even if you already had the money.

Especially when this is balanced against having already spent a fortune on external acoustic consultants at SDC instance during the build, complied with ALL the latest Building regulations and demands when it was completed less that 3 years ago, subsequently spent over £26,000 on acoustic work, hung acoustic drapes and committed as soon as funding is available to complete the remainder...

In addition, the plans and fact that a community centre was going to be built and run at this location were a point of public record far before any of the adjacent properties were sold, so anyone moving in, could have been reasonably expected to understand the implications.

Also according to the National Press if you applied in time you were meant to have "grandfather" rights and licences were approved automatically if there was no complaint from the police....

It seems sad that a lone few volunteers trying to run a charity, against all the odds, for the benefit of the local residents, have to address all the issues raised by "few vocal opponents". These items which always seem to hit the press whereas the silent majority of the local residents who value and appreciate the facilities offer, and which provides one of the few places where the "community spirit" can be (re)built, now that the leisuredrome, even after all the money poured into it, now has closed its doors. 

These individuals backed by local "authorities" enforcing (and interpreting) the rules, make the work, but are notable in their absence when it comes to finding solutions or practical (and tangible) help and support. 

We never seem to see a positive message coming out in the media, highlighting just how many local people use and value the facilities we have and the message "support it or lose it" has never been more appropriate. 

It will be a sad state of affairs if we have to close down because we cannot run the very events that generate the funds for us to stay open for the benefit of the community.

Regards

Trevor Johns

Treasurer 
Hawkinge Community Centre