Community groups have been left angry and frustrated after Tothill Community Centre was closed completely, with fears that prolonged disruption could threaten the future of some clubs that depend on it.
The closure comes just weeks after controversy over The Little Cafe and its planned relocation within the centre.
Sessions in the large hall have now been suspended after Plymouth City Council identified what it describes as a building safety issue following a leak. Users told Plymouth Post they are frustrated by the information they have received and are questioning the council’s openness over what has happened and how long the building will be out of use.
Some were initially given the impression the disruption could last around a week, only to learn the council expects it could take up to four weeks just to receive the results of specialist investigations. There is currently no confirmed reopening date.
Users have also been told they cannot enter the building to retrieve equipment and belongings needed to continue meetings elsewhere. Plymouth Post understands some believe items could be collected using alternative access, avoiding the area where the ceiling safety issue has been identified.
Questions are also being asked about the cause of the leak. One regular user said the hall was in use the previous Friday and there had been no rain at the time. Users want a clearer explanation of where the water came from and what defect or damage has been found.
The impact is not confined to Sutton and Mount Gould. Plymouth Post understands groups using the centre attract people from almost every ward in the city, so the consequences reach residents represented by councillors across Plymouth.
Reform UK group leader Cllr Steve Ricketts, who represents Drake ward, told Plymouth Post that groups needed certainty about what was happening.
He said: “The users of the hall need clear communication and accurate timelines. It is horrible to keep people dangling with uncertainty.
“For some of the groups who use this hall, their meetings are not simply a social event. The consequences of suddenly losing them cannot be underestimated and, in the most serious circumstances, it could put lives at risk.
“Groups and clubs who use the facility need to know what is happening, how long they are likely to be displaced and what support is being put in place for them in the meantime.”
Plymouth City Council says a leak in Building B, which contains the large hall, led to a building safety issue being identified concerning the integrity of the ceiling in the main entrance.
The council said the closure was a precautionary measure to protect visitors, hirers and staff while specialist investigations are undertaken.
It said: “We know that this will feel particularly disappointing given the issues with the building at Tothill Community Centre over recent months, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
“We are working with specialist contractors to determine the appropriate next steps.
“We anticipate that we should have the result of the specialist investigations within four weeks so that remedial action can be taken.”
The council says it will contact hirers to discuss alternative options during the closure.
Labour councillor Sue Dann, who represents Sutton and Mount Gould, told Plymouth Post that councillors had only recently received information about the latest problem.
She said: “It is very unfortunate timing but there is a leak in the roof which needs repair, as yet we don’t have a timeframe but I will be pushing for a quick response.
“The Community Centre is getting considerable investment from the council to ensure the whole building is fit for the future.
“I totally understand the frustration but it’s an old building that is going to be renovated which is great news, the council is supporting the community groups affected.”
Green councillor Byran Driver, who also represents Sutton and Mount Gould, said he planned to chase the issue with the council and questioned why the problem had not been identified earlier.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post