More than 3,000 residents sign petition to save Staffordshire community centre

A petition, signed by more than 3,000 residents, calling for a pause in the sale of a Park Farm Community Centre has been presented to councillors.

Residents have now submitted an asset of community value application to protect the building.

The Tamworth Masjid group currently lease the Park Farm Community Centre and have done since 2015.

Recently, concerns have been raised over the potential asset disposal of the site.

It was previously confirmed by Councillor Nova Arkney, portfolio holder for infrastructure and local economy, that the building is in a state of disrepair and council funding would not be sufficient to cover repairs.

Resident Nick O’Grady said: “We’re here today because a group of local people became concerned after discovering that Park Farm Community Centre, which sits right at the heart of a large housing estate, was being put up for sale without any evidence of public consultation. For many local people this was deeply concerning.

“We believe that a building which has historically played such an important role in supporting the local community should not be sold without first asking the people who live here what they think, what they need and what opportunities it could offer in the future. That concern led us to start a petition.”

He told councillors that during collecting signatures for the petition, many residents are unhappy with the current arrangements and are concerned that their voices are not being heard by the council.

He added: “We ask the council to pause the sale process, properly consider the residents, asset of community value application and consult meaningfully with local people before making any final decision regarding Park Farm Community Centre. This building is not simply bricks and mortar.

“During the petition, residents shared nostalgic memories of the centre and how it once played an important role in everyday community life.”

It has now been confirmed that heads of terms on the sale have been agreed and legal work will continue while the asset of community value application is being determined.

Council leader Carol Dean said: “There was no legal or constitutional requirement for this council to undertake public consultation before deciding whether to dispose of this freehold interest.

“The heads of terms have been agreed and contracts have been prepared but contracts have not been exchanged. The legal process is continuing while the application of the building is being looked at as an asset of community value.

“The council will review its position once a decision on that application has been reached.”

Councillors at Tamworth Borough Council voted to recommend that council leaders review the decision and look at alternatives of the future use of the site.