The fight to save a popular community centre in Community Way is continuing as the council looks to take over the running of the building.
The Red Cross Centre in Croxley Green stopped taking bookings from community groups earlier this year as it looked to downsize.
Run by the British Red Cross they want to move to a smaller venue despite 45 years left to run on their lease.
Subsequently, Croxley Green Parish Council (CGPC) have been working to take over the running of the centre so it can once again be used by a variety of community groups in Croxley.
However, the process has taken far longer than hoped although CGPC have confirmed they are keen to resolve it as soon as possible for the community.
The centre, in Barton Way, has been run by volunteers for several years.
Councillor Chris Mitchell told CroxleyNews that work is continuing to take over control of the centre.
He said: “Sadly it is a long process but we have to follow the steps and show due diligence.
“These things take time and as is often the case it is not straightforward.
“However, we hope it will be worth it for the community in the end. Once we have news we will share it but work on this is ongoing.”
Explaining why they no longer need the building a spokeswoman for the British Red Cross said: “We regularly review our properties to ensure we make best possible use of our resources.
“Managing the hire of the hall requires a considerable amount of resource and as a charity we have a duty to focus our funds on our work supporting people in crisis.
“The building in Croxley Green also acts as a base for the Red Cross mobility aids service and fundraising volunteers. The review concluded the property is now too large for our needs so we are now looking for a smaller space.”
Picture courtesy of Dave Hutchinson
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