Dudley MP urges community to rally behind arson-hit community centre as donations top £3,000
A Black Country MP is urging residents to get behind a community centre which was severely damaged in a suspected arson attack.
Dudley MP Sonia Kumar urged residents in Brockmoor, Pensnett, and the wider community to rally behind the Fens Pool Community Centre which suffered extensive damage in the fire on Tuesday.
The centre, which had recently been shortlisted for funding through the Severn Trent Neighbourgood Scheme, now faces the even greater challenge of being rebuilt from the ground up.
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So far, more than £3,300 has been donated to a fundraising campaign to rebuild the centre, and Miss Kumar urged people to donate to the fund.
She also urged people to vote for the centre in the Severn Trent Neighbourgood poll, which will determine which of the shortlisted schemes receives funding.
The fire destroyed a significant portion of the roof and forced the cancellation of a community fun fair planned for the same day.
Miss Kumar said: “This is a heartbreaking moment for our community.
“Fens Pool Community Centre is more than just a building, it’s a lifeline for families, children, and older residents.
"The fire has shaken us, but it has also reminded us of the strength and spirit of Dudley and the Black Country.”
People can vote for the scheme, to improve parking and outdoor lighting on the website stwater.co.uk/about-us/neighbourgood-scheme/lets-vote/?cmpid=social:neighbour_good:august2025
Donations to the fundraising campaign can be made on gofundme.com/f/reconstruction-of-fenspool-cc
