Sports centre plan divides community opinions

A project that was awarded £600,000 to build a sports and arts centre in a small village, has divided a community.

Plans were announced to build the centre in Chacewater by its parish council, but it has since led to councillors standing down.

Cornwall Council also refused to grant any further funding and the division member called it "an unfortunate saga" which "should not have been granted funding of over £600,000 in the first place".

The parish council said it recognised the strength of local feeling, but wanted to "address a number of inaccuracies currently circulating", including rumours that the half-constructed building will be demolished.

In the latest update, a campaign group called Chacewater Recreation Centre Action Group, has been set up in a bid to get the project up and running again.

Members of the group have been critical of the parish council's management of the project, citing the fact that the council has increased its council tax precept by 47% this year.

The authority admitted the project had "faced challenges, including contractor issues and changes in external funding".

It said that they disrupted the original delivery plan, but had been critical of "some actions and approaches" by those outside the parish council, including members of the action group.

Councillors also accepted that "communication has not always been as clear or consistent as it should have been and we understand that this has added to local concern".

Cornwall Council confirmed it would not give any further funding to the project, which sits empty and unfinished in the centre of the village.

A statement from Cornwall Council, said: "The Chacewater Recreation Centre funding application was successful because it met the SPF Good Growth programme criteria, aligned with local priorities and demonstrated deliverability within the required timescales, with planning permission in place and building regulations prepared for submission.

"While we have maintained oversight of compliance, the delivery of the project remains the responsibility of the applicant organisation, as specified in the grant funding agreement.

"Cornwall Council has confirmed that no further funding will be paid as we have not been sufficiently assured that the project can be completed within the financial envelope and therefore as accountable body cannot justify committing public funds."

Joanne Greaves, who is the vice-chair of Chacewater Parish Council, issued a statement on behalf of the council.

It said: "Chacewater Parish Council recognises the strength of local feeling about this project and welcomes the opportunity to clarify the current position and address a number of inaccuracies currently circulating.

"The parish council wishes to make absolutely clear that there are no plans to demolish the recreation building.

"The parish council remains committed to restoring and delivering a viable recreational facility for the community, and work is ongoing to progress this in a responsible and sustainable way, subject to funding."

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