Community hub approved
PLANS for a new community hub in Mountain Ash have been given the go ahead despite opposition from day centre users.
There have also been concerns over a lack of scrutiny of the proposals.
PLANS for a new community hub in Mountain Ash have been given the go ahead despite opposition from day centre users and concerns over a lack of scrutiny of the proposals.
A special meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee on Monday, April 30 voted not to refer the matter back to cabinet for further consideration meaning the hub will be brought to Mountain Ash Day Centre.
Councillors Pauline Jarman, Julie Williams (both Plaid Cymru) and Lyndon Walker, Independent, had called the matter in because of concerns over a lack of scrutiny during the process.
Cabinet agreed the proposal at its April meeting.
The plans would see library services, a community cafe, a community space and employment support services brought to the day centre against objections from service users who said it would remove an important service for the elderly.
It is part of council plans to bring eight to 10 hubs to the county borough over a three-year period in a bid to safeguard community services by bringing them under one roof with another hub planned for Ferndale.
One of the day centre users said after the meeting that she was “disgusted” with the decision.
She said that people come from outside the town to use the day centre including from Abercynon and Aberamman and that it is a “lifeline” for some.
She said: “They are overriding everything the people want.”
She highlighted the various events and groups that are based at the day centre including bingo, concerts, knitting club and that there are already advice services on offer.
One of the main concerns of users is disability access and they claim it will leave them having to climb 18 steps which could be difficult for some.
Another user said that they are not against the idea of community hubs but that they want the council to tell them how it’s going to work.
Four members voted not to refer it back to cabinet and three voted in favour of doing so.
“They are overriding everything the people want” Day centre user