Campaign group challenged to run community centre

article from the South Wales Evening Post

RESIDENTS who fought to save their local community centre from closure are being challenged to run it themselves.

Neath Port Talbot Council had intended axing the existing Aberavon Community Centre and incorporating it into the £13.6 million replacement for the Afan Lido.

Now it has been given a temporary reprieve while the possibility of residents taking it over is restored.

The council is already in discussions with the New Sandfields Aberavon organisation with a view to it running Dalton Road Community Centre, which at the moment is also set to be absorbed into the new Afan Lido.

Council head of property and regeneration, Gareth Nutt, said of the Aberavon centre: "If the community is committed to that facility and want it to continue and believe the demand is there, if the community wants to run it our door is open for discussion.

"We will be engaging with the people who use it to see if we can find a way for them to take it forward themselves."

Councillors have now approved a programme for the demolition and replacement of the 50-year-old Afan Lido complex, which has been shut since the blaze in December, 2009.

Bulldozers are expected to arrive on site in September, but the £13.6 million new centre is not likely to be ready until the end of 2013.

The council has ruled out rebuilding the complex, which included the Aquadome theme pool, exactly as it was.

Instead, its plans include a six-lane swimming pool and a four-court sports hall, fitness suite and dance studio, along with a café.

The existing Sandfields Library, Seaway Parade Education Centre and (subject to the talks with NSA) Dalton Road Community Centre will be incorporated into the complex. Neath Port Talbot has emphasised all those facilities were being relocated rather than closed.

Deputy council leader Peter Rees said: "Here is an opportunity for people to come forward with proposals for the Aberavon Community Centre.

"They can take up the challenge and we would welcome that."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk