Islanders had chance to have their say about the proposed Sheerness Gateway Centre which is planned for the former Woolworths building.

Around 25 people from local support services, businesses and organisations went to the workshop at Sheppey College in Bridge Road, Sheerness, on Monday.

It was an opportunity to find out the latest news on the project to convert the former high street store.

Once it is opened, the centre will offer public council services such as housing, benefits, education and social services and Sheerness Library will also be moving in there.

Other organisations, such as the police and Jobcentre Plus could also set up inside and offer advice.

There will also be office space for council staff as well.

It is a joint venture between Swale council, which will be moving from its Sheppey base in Trinity Road, Sheerness and Kent County Council (KCC), which already has seven gateways open in the county.

At the meeting, the loss of art gallery space from the library was highlighted as well as the issue of parking, fire escapes and the possibility of having a cafe inside.

It was also a concern for some people that when the library is at the new centre it will be on the first floor – but Jane Kendal, of KCC, said there is a lift in the building and some of the library will be on the ground floor.

Chris Reed, of Big Fish Arts, made a point there is nowhere in Sheerness for public meetings to be held and she suggested the Gateway could offer itself to this.

It was explained that customer profiling of the Island’s population has been undertaken to get an idea of what services would be most beneficial, although it was stressed this is just an indication.

Project officer Modupe Dosunmu said: “We were pleased all those who took part said the workshop was interactive, informative and raised awareness.

“The outcome was confirmation of the council’s commitment to ensuring a stronger community in Sheerness by providing access to different public services under one roof at the heart of the town.”