Centre demolition plans halted as councillors ask for inquiry

DEMOLITION plans have been stopped in their tracks after councillors asked for an investigation into the controversial closure of a Leeds community centre.

Members of Leeds City Council’s executive board recently rubber-stamped the decision to demolish the West Park Centre.

The centre’s closure hit the headlines last year after it was closed in November because of ‘hazardous’ electrics. Yet, the following day, a party attended by the then Lord Mayor of Leeds, councillor Ann Castle, was held at the site.

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Councillors have asked for the decision to demolish the centre to be ‘called in’ and debated by once of the authority’s scrutiny panels.

Members can then decide whether to launch a full inquiry into the centre’s closure.

Local councillor Jonathan Bentley insisted the fight is still ongoing to secure the centre for the community.

Coun Bentley (Lib Dem, Weetwood) said: “The fight to keep at least part of the West Park Centre is still on.

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“As local campaigners have pointed out, there is no real evidence about the costs of the work involved to restore the key parts of the building to a useable state.

“They will achieve nothing other than to deprive the local community of a well-used and popular facility.”

Members of Leeds City Council’s executive board agreed to “not progress” the possibility of refurbishing and reopening the site.

Instead the panel voted by a majority to back the bulldozing of West Park Centre at a cost of £613,000.

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They were asked to agree the release of £800,000 from the sale of the land to build a new community facility or invest in an existing building.

The land is estimated to be valued at £2m and it is suggested it could be developed for housing or a free school.

Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland has vowed to continue fighting for a new home for community groups after a decision was made to demolish the West Park Centre.

The Yorkshire Post understands many of the groups who used the centre are still struggling to find alternative premises eight months later.