Call for meeting to discuss community building’s future

THE future of a community building in a Moorlands village has become unclear.

Concerns over the future of the premises known as The Hub, which is located in Waterfall Lane, Waterhouses, has been highlighted for several months by members of Waterhouses Parish Council.

The authority are the trustees to the deeds of the premises.

The concern over the building was debated at the last meeting of the parish council.

Councillor John Harvey said: “We need a public open meeting. We should now write to the trustees as it is a community asset, the community need to know.”

Councillor Bob Turner said: “We are in a difficult position and we need to be clear on our position. We are trustees of the deeds only and are waiting for a trustees meeting.”

Councillor David Stone also called for a meeting to take place.

He said: “We need to write to the trustees for a public meeting to take place so the future of the building can be discussed.”

In a statement to the Post & Times, the parish council said: “The parish council of Waterhouses have been advised by the trustees of the Waterhouses Youth Project, that they wish to step down, having held their positions for a considerable number of years.

“The council subsequently met the trustees to discuss the most effective ways that they could aid the charity to continue its existence, whilst effectively delivering on all of its other obligations in the parish.

“Following the meeting, the council sought specialist legal guidance regarding its relationship to its role regarding the Hub, which is currently limited to being Trustee to the deeds.

“The advice received led members to decide to continue in the role it has held since the inception of the Hub.

“This is due to the extent of other projects being supported by the parish council and the reduction in income received following the covid lockdowns. Greater involvement in the charity could expose the council to costs that it currently would be unable to meet.

“Members offered support to the trustees, to hold a public meeting to seek replacement trustees who could take on the future of the Hub.

“The council expressed its fervent hope that new trustees can be found and that the community hub premises in Waterfall Lane can remain open. This currently facilitates a nursery and pop-up post office.”