by Hayley Robinson

WE won’t go without a fight.

This is the message to Kent County Council (KCC) after more than 40 community groups and charities were told they will have to find a new meeting place.

Swale Community Centres (SCC), which has been operating Phoenix House for more than 25 years, was served notice by KCC on the tenancy of the building last month (September).

At the same time it was also told its grant funding would stop.

It means users of the centre, plus charities Diversity House and Home Start as well as the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne, have less than five months to find new permanent office space.

KCC says it and its partners are currently reviewing the way the services are run and how the buildings are used due to regeneration plans for the town centre.

However, when the lease ends on February 10, the premises will be used as a temporary base for the Sittingbourne Adult Education Centre as its College Road premises is no longer fit for purpose.

Those affected by the decision were invited to meetings last Monday and Friday to discuss the matter.

Guests included Swale councillor Roger Truelove, former mayor of Swale Peter Morgan and Jonathan White, KCC’s project and operation manager.

Sara Seabridge, manager of Phoenix House, now plans to start a petition.

“They’ve got a fight on their hands,” she said.

“To say it is to do with the regeneration plans is wrong as they are more than three years away and there’s no planning application against Phoenix House.

“It was also raised during the meeting that by closing the centre the benefits it delivers to health and social care services will be lost in Swale.”

KCC has offered the use of its facilities at New House, Chalkwell Road, while Swale council has provided SCC with a list of local village halls for hire.

The Avenue Theatre, Central Avenue, and the Methodist Church, in Sittingbourne High Street, have also offered their premises for hire but Mrs Seabridge says none of the venues are suitable for various reasons such as cost or space.

SCC has asked for a meeting with KCC and Swale council towards the end of October.

It then plans to hold another group representative meeting shortly afterwards.

Cllr Roger Truelove, pictured, said: “Chucking 1,500 people out of a much-needed facility is a very odd “spirit” We must fight this.”

Gordon Henderson MP has also written a letter to KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter criticising the decision.

In it he said: “The SCC lease is not being renewed because KCC want to use the building to house the Adult Education Service, because its current premises is no longer fit for purpose. However, a cursory examination would show that Phoenix House is in an even worse state!

“I would be grateful if you would allow SCC to extend their lease on Phoenix House for a couple of years.

“This would provide more time for SCC to help their voluntary groups find alternative accommodation.”

What do you think? Write to Sittingbourne Messenger, 44 High Street, Sheerness, ME12 1NL or email sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk