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Leyland community centre to see improvements under council proposal

Posted on - 20th December, 2021 - 7:00am | Author - | Posted in - Leyland, People, Politics, Redevelopment, South Ribble News
Cllr Paul Foster, Cllr Aniela Bylinski Gelder and Cllr Colin Sharples at the entrance to Moss Side Community Centre

South Ribble Council passed a proposal to continue making improvements to a Leyland community centre.

The cabinet approved continued management and investment into Moss Side Community Centre, providing effective management and improved sustainability.

The council owns the centre, but a voluntary committee manages daily operations. In January 2021, South Ribble Council took over management on an interim basis, which will continue under the new agreement.

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Moss Side Community Centre external sign

Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Chair of the task group and Cabinet Member for Communities, Social Justice and Wealth Building, has spearheaded the community hub development across South Ribble and presented the report to the cabinet.

She said: “Historically, Moss Side Community Centre has been underused, has had issues with anti-social behaviour and has had complaints of poor lighting, leading to people avoiding the immediate area and users withdrawing from the centre.

“We know how vital community centres are and how important they are in developing and supporting strong local communities.”

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Moss Side Community Centre approach

Gelder said the results of a council survey showed that over half of residents do not use the site, with nearly 40 per cent not knowing what goes on at the centre.

She said: “We want Moss Side Community Centre to be a thriving hub for the local community, for people to attend, feel safe and to enjoy the activities on offer.

“We’re grateful for all those who responded to the survey and for being so honest in letting us know their concerns. We hope that all of the measures we are now putting in place with increased investment and management will bring our residents back.”

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New measures at the centre will include:

  • Improvements made to external lighting around the centre and consideration given to advanced CCTV
  • WiFi and broadband connectivity installed
  • New South Ribble Borough Council signage
  • New noticeboards with timetables of usage and availability along with contact details available for community booking

In March, a task group from the Leyland and Farington Community Hub considered its effectiveness, accessibility and public perception.

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Councillor Paul Foster, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “I’m so pleased that Moss Side Community centre is finally getting the management and investment it needs to thrive.

“This is on top of an already exciting programme to invest in the neighbouring Moss Side play area.

“Despite the challenges of the last 18 months, we have been able to completely revolutionise the way we engage with our communities, listen to their needs and take action, and this is just one project of investment intended out of many across the borough.”

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Foster said the council is on the residents’ side and willing to invest and work with communities to create safe areas and spaces.

Councillors Jane Bell, Mary Green, and Colin Sharples sat on the task group for this project.

Leyland and Farington Community Hub is one of five set up for each borough area.

Read more: Leyland residents invited to share views on £25 million Town Deal project

Each hub has activities, groups, community assets, and a dedicated Community Development Officer.

For more information, visit – www.southribble.gov.uk/communityhubs 

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