Families fight to save Tipton community centre
RESIDENTS were today up in arms over plans which could see the closure of a Black Country community centre used by hundreds of people.
Activities organisers warned today that sports clubs and groups for toddlers, the disabled and other organisations could fold should the axe fall on Jubilee Park Community Centre in Powis Avenue, Tipton.
A petition already containing up to 400 names has been collected in a bid to safeguard the centre’s future.
The facility, which hosts activities every day of the week and also provides a venue for wedding receptions, is believed to be among several community centres across the borough earmarked for possible closure as part of a cost-cutting exercise by Sandwell Council.
A council officer last night faced a barrage of questions at a heated meeting at the centre called to discuss the situation.
Adrian Hobday, who runs a football team and a fishing club from the building, said today closure would have a “devastating” effect on the community.
“It could mean the end for the two clubs because we would have nowhere to meet,” he said.
“The centre is well-used. Mums and toddlers, a history group and kick boxers meet here and there are teams on the astro turf almost every night.”
Debbie Warfield, who helps out at a kick-boxing club for youngsters aged four upwards, said she had already collected up to 400 names on a petition to keep the centre open.
“There are rumours that a decision has already been made to close the building but we just don’t know what is going on. Nobody will give me a straight answer.
“I would say this is one of the most commonly used centres in the whole of Sandwell with some of the most facilities. We have had 600 kids walk through the door over the 12 years the club has been running.”
She added: “This centre is already quite well used but if they (the council) advertised it a bit more it would be a little gold mine.”
A spokeswoman for Sandwell Council said today she would look into the complaints.
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