Fakenham: Cracks close community centre
CRACKS in the structure have forced the imminent closure of Fakenham Community Centre.
The building in Oak Street is owned by Norfolk County Council but leased to North Norfolk District Council, who allow the centre’s community association to rent it,. It now urgently needs repair work.
Structural engineers were called in after cracks appeared in a number of the centre’s walls. Their report indicates that the supporting walls are failing to hold the roof securely and advises that remedial work starts immediately.
North Norfolk said it had no alternative than to close the building until the work has been done.
The council said that whether all of the building will have to be closed, what the remedial work might entail, how long it will take and how much it might cost will only be determined following further discussions with the structural engineers.
The exact date of closure will be announced following discussions with the community association. In the meantime North Norfolk is working with the association to identify alternative locations, including space within the adjoining Fakenham Connect building, for as many of the groups that make regular use of the facility as possible.
“This is a very regrettable situation,” said Peter Moore, North Norfolk portfolio holder for resources. “Unfortunately a lot of people will be inconvenienced by the closure of the community centre, but our overriding concern is for public safety and we have to act on the advice of the experts, who tell us the building is not structurally sound.
“We are doing all that we can, working with the community association, to find alternative locations for the many excellent activities that take place in the community centre.”
Ben Francis, vice chairman of Fakenham Community Association, said: “The community association would like to reassure people that we will continue to work with the district council to get the work completed in the shortest time possible.
“With increased volunteer support over the past year we have been improving the facilities and the centre is currently running at 85 per cent of the space booked every month.
“This is a major setback but has to be addressed.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Thursday 24 May 2012
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