Now that Elmbridge Community Centres have reopened one day a week – after a significant period of closure – I stopped by Hersham Centre for the Community to hear residents’ concerns and reassure them that I, along with the local Conservative team, are pushing Elmbridge Borough Council to restore a full and safe service.
As the Council closed the centres in the lead up to Christmas, I wrote to the portfolio holder responsible, Cllr Coates, asking for answers, but she claimed to have not received my letter. I have now received a reply from Cllr Coates which makes clear Elmbridge Borough Council have been running an irresponsible and unlawful level of service by allowing community centres to operate under significant health and safety violations.
In light of the current crisis afflicting the services, I have asked Elmbridge Borough Council to:
- Release an internal audit from June 2020 which stated “major improvements needed” at Elmbridge Community Centres
- Issue a full and detailed plan to share with residents that will see the return of a safe and lawful standard
- Confirm that all locations with community centres will continue to benefit directly from the services, despite six out of seven Elmbridge Community Centres being listed on the Local Plan for housing
- Commission the Health and Safety Executive, or another independent body, to review and scrutinise the Council’s plan to bring services back to a full and legal level
You can read my letter to the Council below.
