Community group anger over premises (From Swindon Advertiser)

Community group anger over premises

4:39pm Friday 26th September 2008 in

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A COMMUNITY group has reported Swindon Council to the local government ombudsman, blaming it for being homeless.

The Pinehurst Community Association left its premises last year to make way for the Swindon Academy.

The community group said it was under the impression that new premises would be found for it at Southbrook Pavilion.

The ombudsman has given the council the chance to resolve the matter before taking it further.

The group hosted a number of activities at its community centre including an after school club, pensioners' bingo, Alcoholics Anonymous, activities for the disabled, netball, wrestling and football.

But now the charity's work has dwindled since they vacated their Beech Avenue premises last year.

PCA secretary Ellie Baughn said: "All we can do is keep fighting. We still hold meetings but as for doing charity work, there is no chance, as we have nowhere to go.

"We have made a business and management plan. We have done everything the council asked."

The PCA organises an annual Christmas party for deprived children but relied on the generosity of Ferndale Working Men's Club to host it last time.

PCA treasurer Rita Coates said: "We are at a standstill which makes me feel frustrated and upset. There does not look to be any hope for us getting on our feet. It looks like we will have to close down."

Alocal government ombudsman spokesman said: "This is a premature complaint so it has gone back to the council to investigate. If the complainants are not happy with the outcome they can come back to us.

"Councils are normally expected to deal with the complaint in about 12 weeks."

A Swindon Council spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that the ombudsman is investigating a complaint by the Pinehurst Community Association.

"We are investigating this internally and will supply a report to the ombudsman in due course to help inform the decision-making process."