THOUSANDS of residents have signed a petition calling for the decision to evict volunteer groups from a community centre to be reversed.

The Fearnhead Management Group and Blackbrook Community Association have been served an eviction notice by Warrington Borough Council requiring them to leave Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre – citing health and safety reasons.

But more than 2,000 protestors have signed a petition demanding that the community groups be reinstated at the Insall Road centre.

Dozens of volunteers and residents held a demonstration at the Town Hall as they handed over the petition on Thursday, May 30.

Doug Ashbrook of the Blackbrook Community Association said: "We've been in this centre for more than 30 years.

"We've tried numerous avenues but all the doors are being shut on us – we aren't being listened to."

Warrington Guardian:

Volunteer Pauline Sutch added: "I'm at the community centre at least three times a week and I live on my own, so I'll be stuck within four walls.

"If I have a problem, I won't see anyone – we go there for the companionship."

Meanwhile, Warrington North MP Helen Jones has called on the council to reopen talks with volunteers.

Mrs Jones said: “I was originally told that these groups had wanted to leave the centre, but it would now appear that that is not the case and they have been issued letters requiring them to go.

“I understand from borough councillors that the reasons for these evictions have not been properly outlined to the groups involved.

“Certainly, the councillors are not aware of the details.

“It also seems that the council have been in discussions to resolve the situation, which they describe as positive.

“Why for goodness sake cannot that positive position be turned into a satisfactory resolution without resorting to throwing community groups out of a community centre?

“This is not a good look.”

But Cllr Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council's executive board member for leisure and communities, said that the community centre's services would not be affected by the removal of the FMG and BCA.

He added: "Every community group that accesses Fearnhead Cross Community Centre is 100 per cent welcome.

"The work of local volunteers should be praised, as well as the work of the neighbourhood team."

A council spokesman had earlier said: “There have been ongoing difficulties at Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre regarding conduct, health and safety for some time.

“We have worked closely with the Fearnhead Management Group to attempt to resolve these issues, including meeting to discuss concerns and to agree remedial actions.

“However, attempts to improve communication and relationships, while positive, have not been able to be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.

“It is with regret that the decision has been made to end the arrangement for the Fearnhead Management Group and Blackbrook Community Association to use an office at the centre.

“The council has also offered assistance in supporting both groups to source alternative premises.

“We’d like to reassure everyone who uses Fearnhead Cross Community and Youth Centre that all services and activities are welcome to continue to run as normal, and we are fully committed to the success of the centre.”