Taken from the council's website:'To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2012.Decision:The minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2012 were confirmed. There was one matter arising. Councillor Dennison referred to the proposal agreed by Cabinet at a previous meeting to close 78-80 St John’s Road, the St John’s Centre, subject to consultation. That consultation had now taken place, generating a significant response and identifying a number of issues outstanding, including the financial basis of the proposal and the impact on the 35 organisations using the Centre. Given the response Councillor Dennison wished to withdraw the proposal and substitute an alternative for Cabinet’s agreement. The alternative included the withdrawal of the proposal for a temporary move for the Youth Service and the service remaining at 78 St John’s Road at present, until such time as suitable permanent accommodation might be identified; the transfer of 78-80 St John’s Road to a Trust arrangement, with a continuing role for the St John’s and Spring Grove Residents’ Association in the management of the centre, supporting the role of the Trust; and a one off grant for a Community Worker to generate use of the centre. The proposal for withdrawal of the proposed closure and the alternative proposal were seconded by Councillor Mayne. Whilst it was acknowledged that there was no issue with the proposal for closure being withdrawn, the Chair wished to see the alternative proposal being progressed through the proper process with input from officers and an appropriate report to Cabinet members.'There is no mention there of the £250,000 of funding for the long overdue roof repairs, secured by the ICG in March 2010. I suppose we'll have to wait for the details of Councillor Dennison's alternative proposal to see how this funding is to be spent.
Andrew Sibley ● 5195d